Chuck Billy
Chuck Billy (born June 23, 1962), is an American vocalist, who is best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Testament. Chuck replaced Steve "Zetro" Souza, future Exodus vocalist, in the mid-1980s when the band was still called Legacy. Following his arrival, Testament released their first album entitled The Legacy in 1987. The only song written by Chuck Billy on The Legacy was "Do or Die". Although the lineup of the band has changed over the years, Billy has remained constant as the vocalist alongside guitarist Eric Peterson, who a founding member.
In 2001, Chuck Billy was diagnosed with germ cell seminoma; a rare kind of cancer in his case because it is usually in the testicular region of a man's body, but he had it in the chest region near his heart. However, following chemotherapy, he has since been given a clean bill of health and continued his work with Testament. In August 2001, friends organized the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert, held to raise money for Chuck's medical expenses.
Chuck Billy is of the Pomo Native Americans, an indigenous people of Northern California. He is proud of his Native American heritage, sometimes giving a shout-out to his "Indian brothers and sisters" in the audience. The song "Trail of Tears" is a tribute to his heritage, as is "Allegiance".
- His younger brother Eddie, was the original bassist for Vio-Lence.
- Chuck sang on a tribute version of Metallica's "Seek and Destroy", alongside guitarist Jake E. Lee, drummer Aynsley Dunbar, and bassist Jimmy Bain.
