In the mid-1970s, cover bands dominated the metro Phoenix music scene, but an emerging punk counterculture was brewing. In 1978, a group of misfits formed Billy Clone and The Same, soon taking the Valley by storm.
Led by charismatic frontman Billy₃ (Mike Corte: vocals, guitar, songwriter) and Billy₄ (Bruce Connole: guitar, vocals), the band included bassist/vocalist Billy₂ (Damon Doiron) and drummer Billy₅ (Derrell Gleason). They packed DIY shows and venues like disco-turned-punk/new-wave club Merlin’s in Tempe and The Mason Jar in Phoenix, while opening for acts such as The Police, Iggy Pop, The Ramones, Squeeze, and Joe Jackson.
The group cut demos at Pantheon Studios in Paradise Valley; their Bowie-inspired “Don’t Look Back” landed on KDKB’s Arizona Sounds Vol. 3 compilation and hit local airwaves. They then recorded at Kendun Recorders in Burbank with Phoenix hero (turned successful LA session player/producer) Mike Condello co-producing, resulting in the critically acclaimed four-song EP X&Y (Moon Dog Records, 1979) and its signature “cerebral punk” sound.
Tragically, the band’s ascent ended in 1980 when Mike Corte (Billy₃) died of a heroin overdose. However, their brief two-year run left an indelible mark. Bruce Connole (Billy₄) and Damon Doiron (Billy₂) went on to form the influential New Wave act The Jetzons, while Derrell Gleason (Billy₅), distraught over his cousin’s death, relocated to Boulder, CO and formed Blitz Girls.
The Arizona Republic ranked Billy Clone and the Same No. 38 on its Top 100 Best Valley Rock Bands, and The Phoenix Independent placed “She’s So Primitive” at #32 among The 100 Greatest Songs Recorded in Arizona. Fervor Records is proud to keep this brilliant, short-lived band’s legacy alive.
