Billy Joe Shaver & Willie Nelson Release Wacko From Waco
Now that the ink
has dried on the acquittal of Billy Joe Shaver for shooting Billy Coker with a .22 pistol outside Papa Joe’s Saloon in Lorena, TX, (just outside of Waco) on March, 31st of 2007, he can now have a little fun with the story, and with a little help from old friend Willie Nelson.
Billy and Willie have just released a duet called, “Wacko From Waco” about the incident, and I have to say, it is pretty strong, and pretty funny.
I’m a wacko from Waco, ain’t no doubt about it, shot a man there in the head but can’t talk much about it.
He was trying to shoot me, but he took too long to aim. Anybody in my place, woulda done the same.
I don’t start fights I finish fights, that’s the way I’ll always be. I’m a wacko from Waco, you best not mess with me.
Willie Nelson and actor Robert Duvall acted as character witnesses for Billy at the trial, and Billy pays tribute to them in the song, along with high profile lawyer Dick DeGuerin who worked for Shaver pro bono, and his hometown of Corsicana. Willie once again comes to Billy’s aid by lending a few lines. Shaver has been dealing with an ailing shoulder that has limited his ability to perform.
The wacko from Waco is still on the run. A writer, a singer, a son of a gun.
Don’t cross him, don’t boss him, stay out of his way. Don’t give him no trouble ’cause you’ll just make his day.
The song can be purchased for $1.29 through paypal. Make sure to click “Return to Billy Joe Shaver Fan Club” after the purchase to access the download. It was recorded in Nashville and being released on Shaver’s “Shaverback Records.”
Of course this isn’t the first song about Billy’s infamous shooting. Dale Watson wrote “Where Do You Want It?” inspired by the rumor that this is what Shaver asked Billy Coker right before he shot him. The song was subsequently given to Whitey Morgan & The 78’s who released it on their self-titled debut with Bloodshot Records.
Thanks to AJ Davis for sniffing this story out!
February 8, 2011 @ 12:04 pm
I guess if anyone’s gonna steal our thunder(or I guess Dale’s for that matter), it might be as well be the guy pulling the trigger and that ole tunesmith Willie.
Can’t wait to give it a listen.
February 8, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
Ha! I don’t know if it steals anyone’s thunder, as much as continues and bolsters the legacy of that incident, and a rising tide will raise all boats.
For folks who don’t know, Jeremy is Whitey Morgan’s bass player, the ginger-headed dude in the video above.
February 8, 2011 @ 12:26 pm
yeah, I was just kidding. But, i think you got that–gotta be careful with sarcasm in writing–as I’m sure you well know.
A friend of ours in Austin made a big ole piece or art about this incident featuring all the news clippings and reports—quite the incident—but then Shaver is a piece of art all by himself–a true American Treasure.
February 9, 2011 @ 10:59 am
What’s goin on Jeremy..we hung out at the Side Pocket in Florence AL. I am the only person with photos from that show on my facebook.
February 9, 2011 @ 11:33 am
I haven’t seen the photos, but I certainly remember hangning—that was, and always is, a damn good time.
February 8, 2011 @ 3:10 pm
Did you film that last year at SXSW? I am so jealous you get to go again this year. Me, I will be stuck in Auckland-town still paying off my debt from last year’s trip.
February 8, 2011 @ 3:19 pm
Yeah, you were in the front of the Red Eyed Fly where it was warm, talking to Scott Biram. Or was that at some other point?
February 8, 2011 @ 7:40 pm
That’s a badass rendition of Dale Watson’s song.
February 10, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
Think that was earlier as I did see Whitey Morgan and the ’78s perform. But hey, if you’re ever gonna miss a band you might as well do it whilst shooting the breeze with Scott Biram huh? Who are you excited about seeing at SXSW this year?
February 8, 2011 @ 12:34 pm
I want to be Billy Joe Shaver when I grow up.
February 8, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
Billy Joe is the man. Never comprising outlaw, and nothings more outlaw in this world today than singing about Jesus.
February 8, 2011 @ 6:33 pm
Billy Joe Shaver called me a faggot once. It was such an honor.
February 8, 2011 @ 7:35 pm
From the look of the photo, Billy Joe makes Willie laugh. And that’s a good thing.
February 8, 2011 @ 10:09 pm
Billy Joe Shaver is The Entertainer so many others strive to be. I’m glad I finally got to see him perform in Ohio last year at the Nelsonville Music Festival he put on a great show inspite of recuperating from a previous surgery. Love the song and it lives up to all my expectations of a great performer and writer…as does Whitey Morgans performance of a gotta be classic Dale Watson song. Long live ya Billy Joe Shaver and speedy healing to ya! Thanks Triggerman.
February 9, 2011 @ 7:27 am
Thanks for the publicity and kind words. Response to the song has been very good since it was released Sunday. I’ve submitted the paperwork for retail sales on iTunes, etc,. but may be another week or so before it shows up on their inventory.
Billy recorded in Nashville with Ray Kennedy producing at his studios. Ray also produced Electric Shaver and The Earth Rolls On for Billy & Eddy.
We are testing the waters for indie sales, first time for Billy. If things go well, there will be more songs in the near future.
Keep Billy in your thoughts and prayers, he is hanging in there. Thanks again, Triggerman.
February 9, 2011 @ 1:07 pm
Thanks James. I was really impressed with how strong Billy Joe’s voice was. All I can say is that if he releases a new album, independent or otherwise, we will always support Billy Joe here however we can!
February 11, 2011 @ 1:26 pm
Billy Joe! When people tell me they are Waylon fans, I ask if they know who Billy Joe Shaver is? If they say no, I say then your not a Waylon fan.
Trigger- are you going to have a article or mention of Willie’s Country Throwdown Tour?
http://www.countrythrowdown.com
February 11, 2011 @ 2:41 pm
I’m kind of sitting on the fence on that for the moment. I was pretty critical of the way this tour was handled last year. I was supposed to go to the Dallas date, and it got canceled with a bunch of the other dates. These are the same people that do Warped, and I have been critical of how they’ve handled this from the beginning. Using a legend’s name now adds another dynamic. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about this in the future.
February 14, 2011 @ 10:21 am
I agree there certainly was some issues with how it was handled last year, and there are some artists on this years ticket that are questionable (Lee Brice??? ouch)
Although, I think it is a positive move when it isn’t just a legends name added, but the legend is actually playing on the tour. Willie will bring out the crowds, and those that come to see him will learn more about Lukas Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Austin Lucas, Brent Cobb, etc.. Who play much more country than some on last years tour.
These aren’t maybe ideal to what some on this site would want to see, but it is a step in the right direction, for a corporate produced tour. I think. Better than last years lineup.
February 12, 2011 @ 8:58 am
Billy Joe shaver is one of my Favorite songwritters I’m a singer my self and I have cover’ed a few songs of Shaver’s songs and even Recored Them as well. it goes to show That a local singer Like Myself From south west Virginia can sing His songs Too and with His say so
Thank you so much your Biggest Fan Tommy,
February 17, 2011 @ 8:14 am
I got to hear this on KOOK a little while ago. Love that real deal!
February 24, 2011 @ 6:01 am
Billy has resumed scheduling shows, beginning in late April. I have the most current schedule on our website, and there will be more to follow shortly.
September 3, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
Billy rocked Knuckleheads!
http://youtu.be/DxxrSH0IEN4