GH- Billy Hill

Direct from the

Mountains of Santa Monica...

Billy Hill

and the

Hillbillies

1994 - Present

The Original Show Overview:

The typical show begins with the opening of the curtain as Billy Hill and his three brothers [all named Billy] enter and begin playing an intro song that includes “It’s A Small World.”

Following a welcome by Billy Elvis, we are treated to two numbers by the band that sometimes include “I Want You To Want Me.”, “Stayin’ Alive”, “Surrey With The Fringe On Top”, “Rocky Top”, “Slue Foot”, or “Thunder Mountain Dew”.

Brother, Billy Mandolin is introduced next, as he launches into “The Billy Tell Overture”. He is joined halfway through by the others, who attempt to distract the crowd with their shenanigans.

Next, Billy Fiddle is introduced as he plays “The Orange Blossom Special”, which concludes with his attempt to break his speed fiddlin’ record. The show concludes with the grand finale….a comedic parody of River Dance entitled “Puddle Prance”.

To see a virtual Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show, go to this link….

Jan’s Virtual Billy Hill Show.

The History of Billy Hill and the Hillbillies

John Marshall, Dennis Fetchet and Kirk Wall began performing at Disneyland at different times in the late 1980's. Originally, Kirk, John and Dennis had worked with other groups at Disneyland including Big Thunder Mountain Boys [with Bill Knoft, Raul Reynosa and Paul Schlasky], The Barley Boys, and the Pinewood Pickers.

Kirk had originally been a sub for the comedic lead role in the Golden Horseshoe. While Dennis, John and Evan worked as subs in the band for the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show, often playing the part of the wandering fiddler.

One of the first shows that brought the three of them together was Disneyland's State Fair in the fall of 1988. During the State Fair run, an event called Pigmania took place at Big Thunder Ranch. It was in this show that they began to perform together.

After State Fair ended in October, Disney Entertainment approached some of it's entertainers about building a street show themed to the recently closed Bear Country area. Set to open in early spring of 1989, the all new Critter Country would feature Disney's latest attraction, Splash Mountain. So John Marshall, Kirk Wall, Mario Hidalgo and Dennis Fetchet began rehearsals for a street show they entitled the "Spit Band", but which eventually became "Billy and the Hillbillies".

Due to construction problems with the newest attraction's flumes, the opening of Splash Mountain was delayed until the park's 34th anniversary on July 17, 1989 and Billy and the Hillbillies finally began their first performances.

Their act consisted of 4 brothers, just down from the hills, who come to entertain guests with an odd assortment of wash boards, whistles, flutes, duck calls, spoons, harmonicas, and horns. The highlights of the act included Billy Bass playing the bass with his feet while accompanying himself on the fiddle, a harmonica quartet played on sandwiches [actually harmonicas disguised as sandwiches], and a number called "Will the Circle be Unbroken" in which the three remaining brothers would trade instruments in between verses and continue to "play what's been played by the other guy."

At the time, the group consisted of Kirk Wall as front man, rhythm guitar and fiddle, Dennis Fetchet on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and harmonica, John Marshall on bass and fiddle [and also acting as the band manager] and Mario Hidalgo on banjo, mandolin and fiddle. According to band history, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies officially formed on Wednesday, August 5, 1992. To see pictures and a description of this original show, go to

1988 Critter Country Billy Hill Show.

They were later joined by John’s brother, Evan Marshall on mandolin and fiddle.

In this photo are: John Marshall, Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet and Tom Sauber as they appeared in Critter Country in the early 1990's.

Top to bottom: John Marshall, Kirk Wall, Mario Hidalgo,

and Dennis Fetchet

The 1987 Pigmania Races with The Barley Brothers.

Pictured in red shirt is Kirk Wall, in yellow shirt is Dick Hardwick. The others identities are unknown at this time.

They had been performing as a bluegrass street band in both, Frontierland and Critter Country, when on Sunday, December 18, 1994, Disneyland officially closed the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show, due to declining attendance.

Shortly after, The Hillbillies were approached to perform a scripted version of their street show and their shows began in the Golden Horseshoe in late December of 1994.

On Sunday, November 21, 1999, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies moved their show to an impromptu stage at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ to make way for the New Woody’s Round-up Show at the Golden Horseshoe Stage.

The final performance of the Woody's Round-up Show was Monday, July 17, 2000, Disneyland's 47th anniversary. Billy Hill and the Hillbillies made a triumphant return to the Golden Horseshoe on Thursday, July 20, 2000.

Billy Hill had been relegated to an outdoor stage at the Big Thunder Barbecue during Woody’s 8-month gig. In comparison to Woody’s short stay at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, the original Golden Horseshoe Revue ran for over 31 years — 1955 until 1986.

Original photo from the Disneyland Souvenir guide,

Circa 1990's, while The Billies were still street performers

outside the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland.

The 10,000th Original Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show

A happy Billy flashes

a 10,000th show sign.

On Thursday, February 6, 2003, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies featuring original Billies; Kirk Wall, John Marshall, Evan Marshall and Dennis Fetchet performed for the 10,000th time at the 1:15 show.

The show was attended by 40+ members of their fan club, Da Billy Club, fellow cast members and 25+ Disney Entertainment staff including their boss, Stan Freese.

Following the 1:15 show, the Billies were presented backstage with a huge commemorative plaque and 4 small individual plaques, a cake and a luncheon. Also, working that day was longtime sound technician, Gary Cherno, who has done the Billy Hill Show since 1994.

In November of 2003, Evan Marshall left the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show after over 11 years playing with the Hillbillies to pursue his solo mandolin career. He has replaced by Gold Team member, Duane Michaels.

The backstage plaque


Their "official" Disneyland publicity portrait.	The Show's famous "Four Fiddle" ending

A sign in front of the Golden Horseshoe advertising The Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show	The Golden Horseshoe Revue Collectors Pin released in 1998.

In October of 2003, the Billy Hill Show officially went from a five day a week show to a seven day a week show.

In order to keep track of the new show combinations, they are now known by color teams;

THE GOLD TEAM, THE GREEN TEAM and THE BLUE TEAM.

THE BLUE TEAM

consists of

Rick Storey, Kirk Wall, Anders Swanson and Dennis Fetchet.

This team currently performs on Sundays and Mondays.

THE GOLD TEAM

consists of

Duane Michaels, Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet and John Marshall.

This team currently performs on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

THE GREEN TEAM

consists of

John David, John Marshall, Duane Michael and John Eaden.

[Duane replaced Evan Marshall in 2004.]

This team currently performs on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Billy Hill Team Members

"Billy Elvis" The original Billy Hill lead, Kirk Wall has been with the show from the show's humble beginning in 1988. Kirk now plays with the Gold and Blue Teams. For more information about Kirk, CLICK HERE	"Billy Fiddle" The original Billy Fiddle, Dennis Fetchet has been with the show since it's inception in 1988. Dennis now plays with the Gold and Blue Teams. For more info about Dennis, CLICK HERE	"Billy Bass" The original bass player and manager of the group, John Marshall founded Billy and the Hillbillies in 1988. John now plays with the Gold and Green teams. For more information about John, CLICK HERE

"Billy Mandolin" Mandolin virtuoso, Evan Marshall has been with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, since they were placed in the Golden Horseshoe in December,1994. Evan left the show in November, 2003. For more information about Evan, CLICK HERE	"Billy Little John" A long time Billy sub and member of Laughing Stock, John Eaden is now the lead in the Green Team show since Thursday, October 23, 2003. For More information about John, CLICK HERE	"Billy Bass" A Billy Lead, Miner 49er sub and River Rascal sub, Anders Swanson is a lead in the Blue Team show since September 11, 2003. For More Information about Anders, CLICK HERE

"Billy Banjo" A Barncat/Miners sub, John David is now the lead in the Green Team Show since October 23, 2003. For More Information about John, CLICK HERE	"Billy Banjo" A Billy lead and Miner 49er sub, Rick Storey is now the lead in the Blue Team Show since September 11, 2003. For more information about Rick, CLICK HERE	"Billy Bald" A Billy sub, Duane Michaels is now the lead in the Gold and Green Team Show since November 22, 2003. For More Information about Duane, CLICK HERE

Billy and the Hillbillies First CD

This CD includes

1812 Overture/ Battle of New Orleans, Pop's Hoedown [Devil's Dream], Rockabilly Medley, Hamilton County, Mama Don't Allow, Stoney Creek, Blackberry Blossom, Tallahassee, Cotton Patch, Saturday Night, Ragtime Annie, Shuckin' the Corn, and Tumwater Breakdown.

This CD is NO LONGER available.

Billy and the Hillbillies Second CD

This CD includes

"Billy Roll/Roll Over Beethoven",

and "Billy Rage/Rage for a Penny"

This CD is NO Longer available.

The Billys [Blue Team] CD

"I Want U 2 Want Me"

This CD includes

Ticket 2 Ride, No Matter What, Country Boy Medley, The Letter, Bluegrass Medley, Barefoot Nellie, Downtown, Mountain Girls, I Want U 2 Want Me, Slewfoot The Bear, Chicken With My Head Cut Off, Whistlin' Tell, Mystery Train Medley, Stayin' Alive, Devil Went Down To Georgia and Lonesome Moonlight Waltz.

This CD is NO Longer available.

More Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Photos

Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Substitutes

Past and Present

{click on the pictures to enlarge}

Anders Swanson

"Billy Bow"

Duane Michaels

"Billy Bald"

John Eaden

"Silly Billy"

Cory Rouse

"Billy Barney"

Dave Eastly

"Billy Banjo"

Denny Hardwick

"Billy Denny"

Jonny Ray Bartel

"Billy Jonny Ray"

Arshag Chookorian

"Doo-hickey Billy"

Kevin Gregg

"Billy Red"

Rick Dunham

"Billy Utility"

Gary Francisco

"Billy Farley"

Barry Cogert

"Billy Dimples"

Below is a partial list of the artists who have worked in the

Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show:

Billy Hill Leads
Kirk Wall	1994 – present	Lead – Billy Elvis, plays guitar, fiddle, vocals. An original member. Also performs with Swingtown and as Tony Fabulous in The Big Shots. Currently plays with the Gold and Blue Billy Teams.
John Marshall	1994 – present	Lead – Billy Bass, plays bass, fiddle. An original member. Currently plays with the Gold and Green Billy Teams.
Dennis Fetchet	1994 – present	Lead – Billy Fiddle, plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar, violin, harmonica, vocals. Also plays with The Grateful Dudes Bluegrass Band. Currently plays with the Gold and Blue Billy Teams.
Evan Marshall	1994 – 2003	Lead – Billy Mandolin, plays mandolin, fiddle, vocals. Also plays with The Bridges of Orange County and Smokewood. Left the Green Billy Team in 2004 to pursue a solo career.
John Eaden	2003 - present	Lead - Billy Little John or sometimes, Billy Elvis II, plays guitar, washboard, vocals. Also works with Disneyland's Laughing Stock Comedy Troupe. Currently plays in the Green Billy Team.
John David	2003 - present	Lead - Billy Banjo, plays banjo, guitar, vocals. Also subs with DCA's The Barncats. Currently plays in the Green Billy Team.
Rick Storey	2003 - present	Lead - Billy Banjo, plays banjo, guitar and vocals. Currently plays in the Blue Billy Team and subs for the Gold and Green Teams and with the Miner 49ers at Disney's California Adventure.
Anders Swanson	2003 - present	Lead - Billy Bass, plays bass and vocals. Also, subbed with the River Rascals and the Royal Street Bachelors. Currently plays in the Blue Billy Team and with the Miner 49ers at Disney's California Adventure.
Duane Michaels	2003 - present	Lead - Billy Mandolin, sometimes called Billy Bald, plays mandolin, fiddle. Also, subs with The Barncats. Currently plays in the Gold and Green Billy Teams.

Billy Hill Substitutes
Anders Swanson	2002 – present	Sub fiddle, plays bass. Currently subs with the River Rascals in New Orleans Square and plays with the Miner 49ers at Disney's California Adventure.
Arshag Chookorian	1994 - 2003	Sub – plays guitar, washboard. He was one of the original subs.
Barry Cogert	1995 - present	Sub – plays bass, also plays with Evan in The Bridges of Orange County
Cory Rouse	2003 - present	Sub for front man, plays guitar. Also stars in Laughing Stock Company in Frontierland.
Dave Eastly	1995 – present	Sub – plays bass, guitar, banjo. Also stars in The Barncats at Disney's California Adventure, The River Rascals in New Orleans Square, and Swingtown at the Carnation Garden stage on Main Street.
Denny Hardwick	1994 - present	Sub for front man – plays guitar, violin
Duane Michaels	2002 – present	Sub – plays violin, mandolin. Also subbed with The Barncats in Disney's California Adventure.
Gary Francisco	1994 - present	Sub - fiddle, also performed as Farley the Fiddler
John Eaden	1994 – present	Sub for front man – plays guitar. Also performs with The Laughing Stock Company in Frontierland.
Kevin Gregg	2001 – 2005	Sub for front man – plays guitar, some fiddle. Also performs with The Laughing Stock Company in Frontierland.
Rick Dunham	2001 – present	Sub – plays banjo, guitar, bass. Also, starred in The Barncats at Disney's California Adventure.
Jonny Ray Bartel	2003 - present	Sub - plays the bass. Also, played with The Barncats at Disney's California Adventure.
Keith Rosier	2006 - present	Sub - plays the bass. Also, played with The Miner 49ers in Disney's California Adventure.
Matt ________	2006 - present	Sub - plays the guitar and does lead. Also played with Laughing Stock Company in Frontierland.

Sound Technicians
Bobby Davis	1994 – present	Sound/Lighting Technician.
Gary Cherno	1994 – present	Sound/Lighting Technician

Meanwhile…..Elsewhere in the park…..
1996	The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s Festival of Fools Show premieres at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland.
1997	The last original opening day cast member, Bob Penfield retires after 42 years of service.
1997	The Small World Holiday Attraction has its first run at Disneyland featuring a new holiday theme to an old favorite.
1998	The Mulan Parade was premiered in Disneyland. Based on the Disney movie, Mulan, it featured acrobats, Chinese themed floats and characters from the hit movie.
1999	In January , The Golden Horseshoe Saloon no longer required pre-made reservations are to eat and view the show at the Golden Horseshoe. It becomes a “first come, first served” venue and remains so to this day.
2000	Disneyland’s 45^th Anniversary Celebration and Parade begins with an interactive parade where guests become performers in the parade.
2000	Snow magically falls on Main Street for the first time in December of 2000 following the Christmas Fireworks spectacular, Believe...in Holiday Magic.
2003	On Thursday, February 6, 2003, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies featuring original Billies; Kirk Wall, John Marshall, Evan Marshall and Dennis Fetchet performed for the 10,000th time at the 1:15 show.
2005	On May 5, 2005, Disneyland begins a year long celebration in honor of its 50th Anniversary.

Attention Former and Current Cast Members and Performers!

If you were a former Golden Horseshoe Saloon performer or technician between the years 1955 to the present, and would like to be included in this [still incomplete] list of

Golden Horseshoe Cast Members,

OR, if you have additional information or corrections to make to this history,

I would love to hear from you.

Please contact Jan Vincent @ janvincent_1313@yahoo.com

Come share your memories of the Golden Horseshoe

and it's shows, entertainers and castmembers at

Memories of the Golden Horseshoe Message Board

Thanks go to Evan Marshall, Gary Cherno, and Dennis Fetchet

for information used on this page.

Also, thanks to Dennis Fetchet for early pictures provided to this page.

The History of Disneyland's

Golden Horseshoe Saloon

{the icon links below will take you to each of these pages}

Information from Early 1954 to July 17, 1955

Performed from July 16,1955 to October 12, 1986

Released at Disneyland in 1957

Performed during the Mid-1980's

Performed from November 1, 1986 - December 18, 1994

Performed from December 22, 1994 - Present

Performed from June 13, 1995 - October 8, 2003

Performed on October 8, 2003

Performed from November 21, 1999 to July 17, 2000

Performed from occasionally from 2001 - 2003

The One and Only Wally Boag
Wally Boag and Julie Andrews
The Dapper Dans at the Horseshoe
The Firehouse Five Plus 2
Charles Lavere, Golden Horseshoe's Music
The Sherman Brother's Grand Piano
Golden Horseshoe Player Piano
The Mickey Mouse Club at the Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe Revue's TV Show
Irish Tenor, Don Novis
Jazz at the Horseshoe
The Osmond Brothers at the Horseshoe
Riders in the Sky
Disneyland's Grad Nite
Zorro In Frontierland
The Golden Horseshoe's Hidden Mickey
Buddy, Can You Spare A Seat?