Career
The 67-year-old was diagnosed in 2015 with an aggressive form of bladder cancer and will begin immediate treatment. He has since stated that he is "cancer-free" but will continue receiving chemotherapy treatments. The son of a Big Band woodwinds player, Kindell began playing a variety of instruments, including violin, accordion, piano, clarinet, tenor, alto, and baritone saxophones, flute, banjo, and guitar.
Upon moving to Los Angeles in the 1960s, he worked as a session guitarist while attending technical school for training in electronics repair.
He has an insider"s reputation as an expert in the maintenance, restoration, and modification of vintage tube amplifiers, and Combo Organs. He has performed custom technical work on the amps for a host of electric guitarists and bassists.
On stage, he is known for his wide-legged stance, big grin and tendency to make eye contact with audience members. He adopted this presence in reaction to many guitarists whose body histrionics and facial expressions gave the impression that they were playing very difficult parts on their instruments.
Zoom wanted to make everything look easy.
In June 2008, in honor of his longevity in the world music community and contribution to the legacy of Gretsch guitars, Gretsch unveiled the G6129BZ Billy Zoom Custom Shop Tribute Silver Jet.
