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In Memory

William (Billy) Maddox VIEW PROFILE

Billy Maddox Our loving friend, Billy Maddox, passed away Monday morning, December 27, 2010, in Austin, Texas. His death was a heartfelt tragedy, a result of a heroic effort defending his beloved wife, Rhonda and their home. Billy is survived by his wife, Rhonda Maddox (pictured above), brother, Ray Maddox, and the Maddox furry children. He is also survived by Rhonda's loving family as well as an abundance of friends and fans. Billy was born in Abilene, Texas on February 15, 1953 to Dr. Ray and Trudy Maddox. Having a strong musical background, he pursued his artistic talent and musical gift at a very young age. As a teenager, he was part of a successful pop group, Cadillac, in Abilene. In 1971, Billy moved to Austin and soon thereafter formed and was the leader of the highly acclaimed group Electromagnets, which then morphed into the Eric Johnson Band. Along with playing with Eric Johnson and Alien Love Child, Billy enjoyed success as a guitarist with his own band Project Terror. He continued to pursue his own writing as well as playing with many talented groups over the years until his untimely death. Billy was well respected and admired around the world by many fans and musicians and was voted Best Drummer in the Austin Music polls. Billy was a multi-instrumentalist who, along with being a great drummer, was a fine guitarist, singer, pianist and songwriter. In a brief hiatus from music, Billy took a job in research and development with a new company, PCs Limited and was among its first 10 employees. This small company later became Dell Computer. The success of Dell allowed him to go back to pursuing his love of music full time. Billy gave his time, support, and dedication to countless individuals who struggled with substance abuse. He gave talks and seminars and sponsored a number of people in recovery and was very committed in his dedication to helping others. He was very proud of his continued sobriety and recently achieved his 24-year chip from Alcoholics Anonymous. Billy was devoted to attending his weekly meetings and was a strong believer in the teachings of the AA Big Book. All that knew Billy, knew a man of character, honesty, and sweetness with a very profound and loving nature. Billy's smile and his gratitude for life were inspiring to many, many folks. A memorial service for Billy will be held at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Friday, December 31st, at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the ASPCA or the SIMMS Foundation. Condolences can be made at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com

Published in Austin American -Statesman on December 30, 2010

Photo credit:  Charlotte Pickett

 
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01/26/12 08:39 PM #1    

Jane Bander (Williams)



Bill was shot and killed in his own home by an intruder under very bizarre circumstances in December 2010.  He was a sweet man and his loss is felt by so many...even those of us who knew him only slightly. Hopefully this link will open.  It is a performance with Bill on drums, of course, and Eric Johnson on guitar (jamming live): 

http://www.spinner.com/2010/12/28/bill-maddox-drummer-eric-johnson-dead/

Newspaper article:

Bill Maddox, former Eric Johnson drummer, shot to death

Eric Johnson’s manager Joe Priesnitz said he’s confirmed through the guitarist that Bill Maddox, who played in three bands with Johnson since 1974, was the man shot and killed in a burglary in Oak Hill this morning.

Here’s the story published earlier today on statesman.com.

“He was an incredible person,” said Priesnitz, who added that he’s thankful Maddox’s wife Rhonda was unhurt.

A law enforcement source who wished to remain anonymous because he’s unauthorized to talk to reporters said a woman believed to be Rhonda Maddox called 911 at 7:27 a.m. and reported a burglary in progress at the couple’s home. “They’re in the house,” she told the 911 operator, “I’m gonna have to shoot them.” The phone was put down, then the operator heard a single shot, followed after a pause, by several more.

Police are reporting that the intruder was 63-year-old neighbor John Debrecht, a top area long distance runner in the 60-64 age group. The father of four was shot and airlifted to University Medical Center Brackenridge.

“I think Eric will release a statement today, but right now he’s devastated,” said Priesnitz.

A native of Abilene, Maddox formed jazz-rock band the Electromagnets with childhood friend, keyboard player Stephen Barber, in Austin to 1973. The next year, guitar whiz Johnson was added to the group. Maddox also played in the Eric Johnson Group, Alien Love Child and in Omar and the Howlers.

Maddox replaced Chris Layton in Grady in 2006, but had to drop out a year later due to a heart condition. He built a home recording studio and had finished a solo project just before his death.

“There are a lot of very good drummers out there, but when you see a great one, you know it,” said Musicmakers owner David Baldry, who grew up in Abilene with a tightknit group that included Barber, Johnson bassist Kyle Brock, vintage rocker Johnny Dee and Austin City Limits Live general manager Tim Neece. “Bill Maddox was a great drummer.”

Chris Maresh played bass with Maddox in Alien Love Child, Johnson’s bluesy side-project. “He brought so much energy to the band,” Maresh recalled. “He was like Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Maddox also played guitar and was a passionate collector of vintage Fender guitars, an expensive hobby he could afford because he worked for Dell Computers when the company started.

“At first I think he worked on the loading dock,” Maresh said, “but it ended up being quite lucrative because Billy bought every stock option he could.”

Priesnitz said Maddox struggled with drugs and alcohol earlier in his career, but was committed to sobriety for several years and helped many others get sober.

 

 

 


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