Billy Squier Right at Home in Wellesley

Tonight, rock musician Billy Squier will perform at his high school alma mater to a sold out crowd. Squier, class of 1968, signed on as part of the Performing Arts Showcase which is part of the town's celebration.

Squier began playing piano and guitar at an early age. In an e-mail interview Squier said, "I began taking piano lessons ages 9 through 11. Guitar lessons followed shortly thereafter. Even as a young boy, I always liked music. I knew from the moment I heard John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton (1966) that this is what I would be doing with my life."

A Wellesley Hills native, Squier would visit sporadically while out on the road. He said, "As I got bigger, the town seemed to get smaller but I'm sure that had something to do with growing up in general. Before my parents moved in 1984, I'd try to get back once or twice a year. I did go to my 25th High School reunion which was quite revealing. Looking forward to seeing my classmates for this weekends upcoming show. Wellesley was a great place to grow up. I consider myself lucky and privileged to have my roots here."

Upon graduating Wellesley High School, where he was good student even though he was chomping at the bit to go off and make music, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and soon began playing in several local bands in Boston and New York City. He came into the music business at the very same time MTV took over our televisions in the early 80's and had a string of arena rock anthems and power ballards. One of Squier's inspirations was Eric Clapton.

His first record contract was with A&M in 1976, a self titled debut followed by 1977's "Can't Wait." In 1980, the song "You Should Be High, Love" generated a buzz and lots of radio airplay which set the stage for his commercial breakthrough. "Don't Say No" became a huge hit along with his triple platinum song "The Stroke," "In the Dark," "My Kinda Lover" and "Lonely is the Night."

His hits continued with 1982's "Emotions in Motion" and an all time favorite "Everybody Wants You" which took Squier out on the road with a U.S. Tour and generated a larger audience. Albums continued throughout the 80's but as time went on, the hard rock audience that he attracted for many years was moving towards the new hard rock of Motley Crue and even Nirvana. 

After a hiatus from the music business in the 1990's, Squier is back touring as a solo artist and is also a member of the "Ringo Starr All Starr Band."

All proceeds from this concert will go to the purchase of a new piano for Wellesley High School's new building.