Q&A: The Boxmasters' Billy Bob Thornton & J.D. Andrew - "Paltrocast" Exclusive

Photo byThe Boxmasters

Formed in 2007, The Boxmasters -- currently on tour and set to hit the Pollak Theatre of Monmouth University on Friday, October 11, 2024 -- have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music that touches on the group's love of a wide array of influences, but most importantly, the rock and roll of the 1960’s. Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, yet also known to be important to The Boxmasters are Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Big Star.

Since forming The Boxmasters, several long-time friends have contributed to the sound of the band, although the core of The Boxmasters has consistently remained J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob Thornton. As primary songwriters, the sound of The Boxmasters has been an evolution as the duo constantly strive to find new inspiration, new sounds and new ways of expressing what is in their hearts and on their minds. But at the core, there is a backbeat, a lyric with meaning and music played with emotion.

As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid cult fanbase across the United States and Canada. Opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Steve Miller and Los Lobos, The Boxmasters have proven to win over large audiences. As a headliner, frequent stops in Kansas City at Knuckleheads, in Springfield, Illinois at Boondocks and at Merrimack Hall” in Huntsville, Alabama have shown dedicated yet still growing audiences. Appearances at Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, New York were notable highlight performances for the band, as was a 2015 stop at Nashville's The Grand Ole Opry.

Currently on the road in the support of the new album Love & Hate In Desperate Places, I had the pleasure of speaking with The Boxmasters' J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob Thornton via Zoom, as embedded above and set to air via the Long Beach, New York-based Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz television series. Beyond touring and new music, we discussed bowling, influences and what is ahead for the band in 2025. More on The Boxmasters can be found online by clicking here.