billy morris

Cleveland's Own Guitar Hero.

Born and raised in the rock ’n’ roll capital of the world — Cleveland, Ohio — Billy Morris represents the best of Cleveland’s rock spirit​

He’s called the stage home since age six, when he first played lead guitar on the song “Johnny B. Goode” alongside his father and uncle at the North Royalton Homecoming.

Since those early days, Billy’s career has spanned both decades and continents — rocking audiences and playing on some of the world’s largest stages across Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain, Canada, Australia, and in every U.S. state — except Alaska! His shredding guitar skills earned him the title of Best Guitarist at the Free Times Music Awards in 2002, and he’s been featured in countless magazines, newspapers, and online articles over the course of his long-standing career.

In 1999, Billy joined the platinum-selling band WARRANT as their touring lead guitarist. Over his six years with the band, he produced and recorded on the album “Under the Influence,” playing guitar on every track and delivering lead vocals on their AC/DC cover, “Down Payment Blues.” To this day, Billy credits lead singer Jani Lane for “making my rock ’n’ roll dreams come true.”

Known for his fierce guitar skills and infectious stage presence, Billy always kept the rock journey alive — touring with guitar legend Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big in 1998 and hand-picked by iconic frontman Kevin DuBrow to join the band Quiet Riot in 2004. In 2013, Billy joined forces with former Atlantic Records artists TUFF, touring the U.S., Australia, and sailing the high seas on multiple Monsters of Rock Cruises.

Billy's early contributions to Cleveland’s glam-metal heyday helped define the wild sound of the city’s ‘80s rock scene — co-founding two of its top-drawing bands, Spoyld and Kidd Wicked. And when the grunge movement tried to crash the party, Billy proved his range by fronting the popular Nirvana tribute band Teen Spirit — showcasing both his versatility and earning him the nickname “The Survivor.”

In 2016, Billy signed with HighVolMusic, releasing his original album “Holdin' All The Aces” in 2018, led by the feel-good single “Party Like The Weekend Never Ends.” The album fused modern grit with classic rock soul and showcased Billy not only as a performer, but as a songwriter and producer.

These days, Billy is front and center with his own band, Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip — a high-octane rock 'n' roll powerhouse with a setlist that spans decades and energy that never quits. Named Cleveland’s Best Local Cover Band, they’re a staple of the Northeast Ohio music scene, delivering crowd-favorite anthems and arena-level energy… famously with no set list — just instinct!

And while the band is his main stage, Billy's hustle doesn’t stop there. He’s also the founder and face behind Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll, a rock-themed BBQ food truck that serves up killer eats with a rock ’n’ roll twist, and Audio Bay Studios, where creatives of any level can produce music and audio at a professional level. His latest venture, BAY ROCKS, ties it all together — a one-of-a-kind destination that blends music, food, and studio magic under one roof in Bay Village, just a short drive from the city where it all began.

From platinum stages to hometown shows, Billy’s journey is more than just a rock story — it’s about grit, hustle, and a whole lot of Cleveland soul. Catch Billy Morris around town — he’s still turning it up, loud and proud, just the way rock was meant to be!