One of 1980's rock singers that belonged to the era's ROYAL EMPIRE of GOATS! One of the greatest, humbling, and mind-blowing memories that I cherish till death was in, I believe, early 1987. I was rocking' the tri-state area withOne of 1980's rock singers that belonged to the era's ROYAL EMPIRE of GOATS! One of the greatest, humbling, and mind-blowing memories that I cherish till death was in, I believe, early 1987. I was rocking' the tri-state area with a power trio called August Shock with bass monster Tony Leclerc and six string sensei Lenny Brooks. We were playing Club Manhattan in north Jersey, we just finished a set, and I heading to the bar. Before I got there this smiling guy dressed in a sweater, jeans, and on his feet were Topsiders (boat shoes). He comes straight up to me and says " Hey man, I just wanted to tell you that you are a great drummer and performer, the band is really tight, and I dig your originals"! I was speechless for 3 seconds. Then I replied " Thank you so much, my life has forever changed, cuz you are Ray F-ING Gillen, and what are you doing here?" He laughed and said he was dragged out to the club by some close Jersey friends who said you gotta check out this band Ray, and was really happy he came out and said " Keep doing what you're doing, and we will meet again". I then shook his hand, hugged him, and said " I saw you sing for the band Rondinelli at La'Mours in Brooklyn, and your voice blew me away to the point of chills and all the hairs on my body were standing straight up. I will forever remember this moment, and I will see you again Mr.Gillen. I did, and years later my band in Fla. opened some shows for Badlands and one night King Ray jumped onstage and jammed 3 songs with us in Tampa at The Rock-it Club. He was such a sweet, humble and down to earth guy, an angel, here on earth for a sadly short time. Those that got to see him perform should consider yourself extremely lucky. If you did, it was like witnessing a UFO!!! Rock In Peace Master Raya power trio called August Shock with bass monster Tony Leclerc and six string sensei Lenny Brooks. We were playing Club Manhattan in north Jersey, we just finished a set, and I heading to the bar. Before I got there this smiling guy dressed in a sweater, jeans, and on his feet were Topsiders (boat shoes). He comes straight up to me and says " Hey man, I just wanted to tell you that you are a great drummer and performer, the band is really tight, and I dig your originals"! I was speechless for 3 seconds. Then I replied " Thank you so much, my life has forever changed, cuz you are Ray F-ING Gillen, and what are you doing here?" He laughed and said he was dragged out to the club by some close Jersey friends who said you gotta check out this band Ray, and was really happy he came out and said " Keep doing what you're doing, and we will meet again". I then shook his hand, hugged him, and said " I saw you sing for the band Rondinelli at La'Mours in Brooklyn, and your voice blew me away to the point of chills and all the hairs on my body were standing straight up. I will forever remember this moment, and I will see you again Mr.Gillen. I did, and years later my band in Fla. opened some shows for Badlands and one night King Ray jumped onstage and jammed 3 songs with us in Tampa at The Rock-it Club. He was such a sweet, humble and down to earth guy, an angel, here on earth for a sadly short time. Those that got to see him perform should consider yourself extremely lucky. If you did, it was like witnessing a UFO!!! Rock In Peace Master Ray
Ray Gillen (RIP) was the best Black Sabbath vocal ever - it's sad he never released an official LP with them, this way he would have gotten some of the recognition he deserves. One of the best Rock singers ever.
Great tribute. I'm very glad you pointed out that Ray was true to his roots and didn't sell out to bullshit commercialism (Broadway). Ray Gillen, one of the greatest hard rock voices of all time!
he was never underrated, he sang for Black Sabbath for Christ's sake, lol, he was just undiscovered by the masses, incredible voice for sure, thank you for the video
Man, it's a great video and job ,honoring such a heart, such a talent. Janice, Jimmy, Ray, and to me Ray is every inch of the talent and way to sadly left us with an empty spot that can't be filled and to be his cousin wow. I would love to have a memorial at his gravesite to jam out his tunes . I sing and play guitar and I only saw him twice in Cincinnati and made a bootleg of the show . Wishing I could do something to show him what he has meant to me as a singet
Excellent video and personal tribute! I don't know why this video only now came up in my recent "Ray Gillen" UA-cam searches. Maybe if you put "Ray Gillen (Badlands, Black Sabbath)" in your title, more people could find it. Questions: 1) What percentage was Ray a Native American, and what tribe was it? I've seen this alluded to before by others, and I believe he might also be referring to Native Americans in his Badlands' song, "Sun Red Sun." 2) I notice his former girlfriend in this video, "Daisy." Is she still alive and well? Was she with him at the end?
Everybody who commented on this. WELL SAID. RIP Ray. Peace!!
Greatest rock vocalist of all time. I was lucky to see him perform with Badlands a couple of times in a small bar. Greatest shows ever.
One of 1980's rock singers that belonged to the era's ROYAL EMPIRE of GOATS! One of the greatest, humbling, and mind-blowing memories that I cherish till death was in, I believe, early 1987. I was rocking' the tri-state area withOne of 1980's rock singers that belonged to the era's ROYAL EMPIRE of GOATS! One of the greatest, humbling, and mind-blowing memories that I cherish till death was in, I believe, early 1987. I was rocking' the tri-state area with a power trio called August Shock with bass monster Tony Leclerc and six string sensei Lenny Brooks. We were playing Club Manhattan in north Jersey, we just finished a set, and I heading to the bar. Before I got there this smiling guy dressed in a sweater, jeans, and on his feet were Topsiders (boat shoes). He comes straight up to me and says " Hey man, I just wanted to tell you that you are a great drummer and performer, the band is really tight, and I dig your originals"! I was speechless for 3 seconds. Then I replied " Thank you so much, my life has forever changed, cuz you are Ray F-ING Gillen, and what are you doing here?" He laughed and said he was dragged out to the club by some close Jersey friends who said you gotta check out this band Ray, and was really happy he came out and said " Keep doing what you're doing, and we will meet again". I then shook his hand, hugged him, and said " I saw you sing for the band Rondinelli at La'Mours in Brooklyn, and your voice blew me away to the point of chills and all the hairs on my body were standing straight up. I will forever remember this moment, and I will see you again Mr.Gillen. I did, and years later my band in Fla. opened some shows for Badlands and one night King Ray jumped onstage and jammed 3 songs with us in Tampa at The Rock-it Club. He was such a sweet, humble and down to earth guy, an angel, here on earth for a sadly short time. Those that got to see him perform should consider yourself extremely lucky. If you did, it was like witnessing a UFO!!! Rock In Peace Master Raya power trio called August Shock with bass monster Tony Leclerc and six string sensei Lenny Brooks. We were playing Club Manhattan in north Jersey, we just finished a set, and I heading to the bar. Before I got there this smiling guy dressed in a sweater, jeans, and on his feet were Topsiders (boat shoes). He comes straight up to me and says " Hey man, I just wanted to tell you that you are a great drummer and performer, the band is really tight, and I dig your originals"! I was speechless for 3 seconds. Then I replied " Thank you so much, my life has forever changed, cuz you are Ray F-ING Gillen, and what are you doing here?" He laughed and said he was dragged out to the club by some close Jersey friends who said you gotta check out this band Ray, and was really happy he came out and said " Keep doing what you're doing, and we will meet again". I then shook his hand, hugged him, and said " I saw you sing for the band Rondinelli at La'Mours in Brooklyn, and your voice blew me away to the point of chills and all the hairs on my body were standing straight up. I will forever remember this moment, and I will see you again Mr.Gillen. I did, and years later my band in Fla. opened some shows for Badlands and one night King Ray jumped onstage and jammed 3 songs with us in Tampa at The Rock-it Club. He was such a sweet, humble and down to earth guy, an angel, here on earth for a sadly short time. Those that got to see him perform should consider yourself extremely lucky. If you did, it was like witnessing a UFO!!!
Rock In Peace Master Ray
Ray Gillen (RIP) was the best Black Sabbath vocal ever - it's sad he never released an official LP with them, this way he would have gotten some of the recognition he deserves. One of the best Rock singers ever.
O yeah.!!! 👍👍👍
Greatest singer that ever lived!
We was easily one of the best. And a great person. RIP Ray
Great tribute. I'm very glad you pointed out that Ray was true to his roots and didn't sell out to bullshit commercialism (Broadway). Ray Gillen, one of the greatest hard rock voices of all time!
The fan missed his time with the band Sun Red Sun with Bobby Rondinelli and Al Romano. Another great band of his!
Awesome thanks. 👍🏼
Amazing video!Ray is great!For the last two years I collect all of his recordings.Yesterday I bought a rare Badlands concert.R.I.P. Ray.Unique voice.
Vlassis Nikas Could you tell me where I could get a copy of that video I love Ray and this band???
Excellent tribute video , RIP Ray.
he was never underrated, he sang for Black Sabbath for Christ's sake, lol, he was just undiscovered by the masses, incredible voice for sure, thank you for the video
Man, it's a great video and job ,honoring such a heart, such a talent. Janice, Jimmy, Ray, and to me Ray is every inch of the talent and way to sadly left us with an empty spot that can't be filled and to be his cousin wow. I would love to have a memorial at his gravesite to jam out his tunes . I sing and play guitar and I only saw him twice in Cincinnati and made a bootleg of the show . Wishing I could do something to show him what he has meant to me as a singet
Wonderful it’s Ray😂🙋🏽♀️RIP , love this year 2020 always💕👍Sunshine’s RAY😍joining Sabbaths, no great decision 🤷♀️BAD collaboration with Lommi😪
Excellent video and personal tribute! I don't know why this video only now came up in my recent "Ray Gillen" UA-cam searches. Maybe if you put "Ray Gillen (Badlands, Black Sabbath)" in your title, more people could find it. Questions:
1) What percentage was Ray a Native American, and what tribe was it? I've seen this alluded to before by others, and I believe he might also be referring to Native Americans in his Badlands' song, "Sun Red Sun."
2) I notice his former girlfriend in this video, "Daisy." Is she still alive and well? Was she with him at the end?