Goodbye to the Minstrels of Mayhem

For 16 years Ty Billings and Jerry Barry have merged their talents to perform together as The Minstrels of Mayhem. Within the first few years the duet became so popular that larger stages were needed to accommodate their fans. M.O.M. then got bigger as well. Ty and Jerry added to the group Craig Broers. Thomas Nuendel played with M.O.M. for a few years as did Brad Collier and Jimi Torrey. Each added their unique talent and humor to help make M.O.M. the favorite of many.

Their popularity at Renaissance Festivals spurred fans to form a club named MOMheads. This brought hundreds of people from all walks of life together because of their shared interest: The music of The Minstrels of Mayhem. Over the years they have organized MOMhead weekends at the shows on the M.O.M. tour. It has always been the utmost pleasure and honor to have friends and fans travel so far to see M.O.M. in person

It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of an era where M.O.M. goes on tour. Because of personal reasons, The group can no longer commit to the tour schedule of the past. Each person has chosen to continue making music, but circumstances make it impossible for this to be as The Minsterels of Mayhem.

If you are in the South Florida area, you can catch Ty playing locally with other musicians. If you attend festivals you can find Jerry playing with other musicians. The Minstrels hope in the future to reunite as M.O.M. when the time is right. Until then, fans can still order the CD's while they last through the website.

Thank you for your support of M.O.M.s music over the years, for the hundreds of Emails of praise and admiration, for the chance to let M.O.M. make you smile.

END OF STATEMENT

In addition to the above press statement Ty Billings would like to include a personal statement as follows:

It is with a very heavy heart that I come to you my friends and fans to let you know I will not be traveling as a Minstrel of Mayhem.

It has been the most amazing ride and so many people have shown more love and respect than I ever dreamed could be possible. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Most of you are aware I am going through a divorce which involves a custody situation. It is court ordered my little man not leave the state. I am sure all of you agree, children come first. My responsibility and desire to be there for my son is my priority.

I have spent most of my life with my partner Jerry and together we have made some incredible music. I want to thank Jerry for being my brother, for being there for me through good times and bad and for growing together this wonderful celebration of music and heritage, The Minstrels of Mayhem. This whole dream would not and could not have gone as far as it did without you. The best songwriting team in the world (in my opinion) was you and I. I will never forget the things you have done. We have had some of the most talented musicians join us from time to time to be a Minstrel and to you, Craig, I thank you for the harmonies, man, for unending, non-judgmental support and love. Thomas, what great times and jams we have had. Your musicianship is unsurpassed. Brad, you will go far, dude. You are one talented man. I am pleased to have played with you. Thank you. Jimmy, You are the best hand drummer I've ever played with. You won't have a problem gettin' gigs. I hope someday you'll understand.

I would love to be able to thank each and every one of you individually but space does not allow.

I thank all of you MOMheads for always showing up for our performances ready for a good time. SO many of you have become my family and I will never forget your support. Neisha, you did a great job on our fan club and a great job as my friend. John, thanks man for all of your work on the website, and to our friendship as well.

Out of respect for my partner Jerry Barry and the legacy that is the Minstrels of Mayhem, as of mid July we will be retiring the name of the Minstrels of Mayhem until further notice.

I'm not going to say good-bye as you never know what is next on this adventure called life. If you are in the South Florida area, I will be playing in different venues. Hopefully, one day Jerry and I will be together again and revive The Minstrels of Mayhem and this incredible ride and dream will continue. So with tears in my eyes, Good-bye.

This notice was sent out to our fans via our newsletter in May 2007. Sign up for the news to get occasional updates on the band's status. Check the calendar on this site periodically; who knows what the future may bring?



Jerry BarryTy Billings
[Ahem!] For Immediate Release: For 16 years Ty Billings and Jerry Barry have merged their talents to perform together as The Minstrels of Mayhem. Within the first few years the duet became so popular that larger stages were needed to accommodate their fans. M.O.M. then got bigger as well. Ty and Jerry added to the group Craig Broers. Thomas Nuendel played with M.O.M. for a few years as did Brad Collier and Jimi Torrey. Each added their unique talent and humor to help make M.O.M. the favorite of many. Their popularity at Renaissance Festivals spurred fans to form a club named MOMheads. This brought hundreds of people from all walks of life together because of their shared interest: The music of The Minstrels of Mayhem. Over the years they have organized MOMhead weekends at the shows on the M.O.M. tour. It has always been the utmost pleasure and honor to have friends and fans travel so far to see M.O.M. in person It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of an era where M.O.M. goes on tour. Because of personal reasons, The group can no longer commit to the tour schedule of the past. Each person has chosen to continue making music, but circumstances make it impossible for this to be as The Minsterels of Mayhem. If you are in the South Florida area, you can catch Ty playing locally with other musicians. If you attend festivals you can find Jerry playing with other musicians. The Minstrels hope in the future to reunite as M.O.M. when the time is right. Until then, fans can still order the CD's while they last through the website. Thank you for your support of M.O.M.s music over the years, for the hundreds of Emails of praise and admiration, for the chance to let M.O.M. make you smile. END OF STATEMENT In addition to the above press statement Ty Billings would like to include a personal statement as follows: It is with a very heavy heart that I come to you my friends and fans to let you know I will not be traveling as a Minstrel of Mayhem. It has been the most amazing ride and so many people have shown more love and respect than I ever dreamed could be possible. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Most of you are aware I am going through a divorce which involves a custody situation. It is court ordered my little man not leave the state. I am sure all of you agree, children come first. My responsibility and desire to be there for my son is my priority. I have spent most of my life with my partner Jerry and together we have made some incredible music. I want to thank Jerry for being my brother, for being there for me through good times and bad and for growing together this wonderful celebration of music and heritage, The Minstrels of Mayhem. This whole dream would not and could not have gone as far as it did without you. The best songwriting team in the world (in my opinion) was you and I. I will never forget the things you have done. We have had some of the most talented musicians join us from time to time to be a Minstrel and to you, Craig, I thank you for the harmonies, man, for unending, non-judgmental support and love. Thomas, what great times and jams we have had. Your musicianship is unsurpassed. Brad, you will go far, dude. You are one talented man. I am pleased to have played with you. Thank you. Jimmy, You are the best hand drummer I've ever played with. You won't have a problem gettin' gigs. I hope someday you'll understand. I would love to be able to thank each and every one of you individually but space does not allow. I thank all of you MOMheads for always showing up for our performances ready for a good time. SO many of you have become my family and I will never forget your support. Neisha, you did a great job on our fan club and a great job as my friend. John, thanks man for all of your work on the website, and to our friendship as well. Out of respect for my partner Jerry Barry and the legacy that is the Minstrels of Mayhem, as of mid July we will be retiring the name of the Minstrels of Mayhem until further notice. I'm not going to say good-bye as you never know what is next on this adventure called life. If you are in the South Florida area, I will be playing in different venues. Hopefully, one day Jerry and I will be together again and revive The Minstrels of Mayhem and this incredible ride and dream will continue. So with tears in my eyes, Good-bye. This notice was sent out to our fans via our newsletter in May 2007. Sign up for the news to get occasional updates on the band's status. Check the calendar on this site periodically; who knows what the future may bring?

[Ahem!] For Immediate Release: