I love playing Billy's bass as comfort to his memory

he is truly missed, 

Sophia

Billy, was always such a fun part, of the former Mr. Dry’s history class.  He always smiled.   He could play the bass like no ones business.    I always recall how he had a few freckles and I had ton.   It’s a sad time for YC and the Bruton family.  Regardless, of where any of us are....there we are.   Hugs to the family!   He was phenomenal.   

Love, peace and hugs to the Brockmann family.  

From Tyler, Amy and Z

It seems like I have known Billy for the Las t 7 years. He hung out at the same places I did. When I started Blind Pig Passion, I asked Billy to play with us.  We just had practice about a week ago (darn it). He will be missed every gig we perform.  He was always so kind and we shared the same trauma - severe chronic pain!  We talked about it a lot and I kept at him to call my doc but I didn't ask if he did or not last I saw him. He was doing better and I was hoping he could be cured. Life is not fair.

I grew up with and went to school with Billy from kindergarten on.  We were always friends and we were in classes together for many years.  In high school our circles of friends were differed, but we had fun and laughs when our circles overlapped.  We both come from a mixed Asian-American background, so right off we had a common denominator.  I never knew Billy to get into any trouble or ever harm anyone.   Billy was a kind, intelligent and fun loving person.  He was a really great guy - friend, brother, and son.   
 He believed in himself and loved his music.  I think it started when we were in band at Queens Lake Middle school.  His brother Andy was very much into music, from what I recall.  We reconnected on social media after he had moved to Los Angeles and talked about getting together, but it never came to fruition.  However, he did know my youngest brother from the local music scene in Williamsburg, and my brother knows his sister, as they are the same age.   Billy will be missed by many. 

I first met Billy in 2004 when he came and sat in at a gig I had on Monday nights in Williamsburg.  I immediately felt like I should have known who this guy was, because he was a familiar face to everyone else on the gig!  He sat in and played a tune on my bass, and we shook hands.  We probably chatted for a few minutes as well!

As is customary of being  a freelance bassist, you're never on the same gig with another of your kind.  Instead, you find a kindred musical spirit in someone whom you will seldom see in person, if your good fortune finds you working gigs several nights per week.  And thus began the tradition of Billy and I being called to sub one another's gigs, when needed, and of course the times where he would come by and sit in on a tune or two where I was playing.

Recently I was fortunate enough to see Billy at yet another steady Monday night gig.  The date was Dec. 30, 2019.  He sat in on a couple tunes for what would be the last time.  And he sounded good.  My heart goes out to Billy's family.  I will miss him very much!!!

I am utterly devastated to hear the news of Billy’s passing. Simply can’t be real! I’ve known him since he was a teenager in High School and was his mentor and good friend for the last 20 years. We talked often of life, music, physical and emotional pains ... but I never thought we’d lose him because when he was playing the bass all of life transcended into the realm of beauty ! 
He was an immensely talented musician! I will miss him so much... and the Williamsburg community will miss a fine musician! 

Rest In Peace Billy... and keep improvising wherever you’re now ! 

Sophia 

I am so incredibly heartbroken to hear this news.  Billy was a kind, sweet soul.  I always enjoyed conversing with him at local music venues and at Starbucks.  He was a compassionate friend and a great listener.  He was also a very talented musician and supporter of other musicians.  I wish his family peace and love.  My heart goes out to you.  I am so sorry.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William Lee Brockmann

23 mars 1981 – 25 janvier 2020

Nelsen Williamsburg

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