Bill Kirchen is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose name resonates deeply in the world of country and rock music. Best known as the lead guitarist for the legendary band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen during the 1970s, Kirchen earned the fitting nickname “The Titan of the Telecaster” for his unparalleled mastery of the Fender Telecaster guitar—a hallmark of his signature sound.

Kirchen’s fame skyrocketed with his iconic guitar work on the hit song “Hot Rod Lincoln,” where his blend of country, rockabilly, and blues styles made him a key figure in the burgeoning Americana music scene. His innovative licks and energetic performances helped shape the sound of an era, and his influence continues to reverberate through the generations.

After his successful stint with Commander Cody, Bill Kirchen launched a solo career that further solidified his reputation as a guitar virtuoso. His discography is rich with albums that showcase his versatility and enduring passion for music. Whether playing blistering rockabilly riffs or soulful country ballads, Kirchen’s distinctive guitar tone remains instantly recognizable.

Known not only for his technical skill but also for his vibrant stage presence, Kirchen continues to tour and perform, delighting audiences with his “Dieselbilly” style—a term he coined to describe his fusion of diesel-fueled trucker songs and rockabilly twang. Even decades later, Bill Kirchen is still burning up the neck of his Telecaster, a true master whose talent and personality shine brightly on and off the stage.

For anyone looking to explore the roots of Americana and the enduring legacy of classic rock, Bill Kirchen is a name you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music, the “King of Dieselbilly” is a guitarist worth celebrating.

Bill Kirchen even has a public day named after him called National Dieselbilly Day 

Bill Kirchen – Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bill Kirchen has immersed himself in a wide range of musical genres throughout his illustrious career. After his time with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen collaborated with a who’s who of music legends, including Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Maria Muldaur, Dan Hicks, and many others. His musical journey began with the banjo, an instrument his mother played proficiently and passed on to him. Bill quickly took to the banjo, honing his skills at folk music gatherings and attending the iconic Newport Folk Festivals in 1964 and 1965, where he witnessed Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking electric performance alongside disciple of the blues Mike Bloomfield.

Kirchen’s first guitar was an acoustic, through which he learned the fingerstyle technique of Mississippi John Hurt, a skill that would lay the foundation for his future versatility. However, it was his love for the Bakersfield sound—epitomized by Buck Owens with Don Rich and Merle Haggard’s guitarist Roy Nichols—that inspired him to transition from a Gibson SG to the Fender Telecaster, the instrument that would eventually become synonymous with his name.

We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to chat with Bill Kirchen for Guitardoor, and we extend our deepest thanks to him. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the conversation!

Bill Kirchen Hot Rod Lincoln Live 

What was your first Telecaster and what year did you get your hands on it?

“Got it in ’69 in SF, CA. It was all I played for at least 20 years. It was known as The Coalburner ‘cause I claimed that when I got it, I had to convert it to electricity from coal.”

Growing up in Ann Arbor did you make your way down to Detroit and The Grande Ballroom?

“A little. Played there once with my band The 7th Seal, saw early Cream there as well. But I heard way more music before that in Ann Arbor – Bob Dylan solo at my HS in ’64, Bill Monroe, Oddetta with Bruce Langhorne and Bill Lee, Big Joe Williams, Kentucky Colonels w. Clarence White, Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jr Wells, and Buddy Guy, Mike Bloomfield Band, The Stooges, Brownie McGhee, Velvet Underground, Dave Van Ronk, Pete Seeger.

All that in Ann Arbor 64-66. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a bunch too.  “

“I would hitchhike a lot to the East Coast back then. I saw The Lovin Spoonful at the Night Owl Cafe and very early Fugs, both in NYC. Tom Rush and Kweskin at Club 47 in Cambridge MA. And my most unbelievable epic fantastic experience, The Newport Folk Festival in ’64 and ’65. Life-changing. You can go online, look up the programs and see who I saw.”

Covid has torn up our world, it took me from being a pro musician to fortunately creating Guitardoor and being a songwriter to a music writer of another animal. How have you found your “new normal” while we ride this mess out? 

“Well, I’ve been doing a live stream every other week, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous online concerts. Trying to write and woodshed more. Had been saying that I ought to slow down and be home more, and voila. I of course didn’t know that meant at home, literally. In the house.”

The music business and society have changed so much with the digital world and all the other changes….what would you say is wisdom to a young player deciding today to pick up the guitar?

“For goodness sake do pick up a guitar. So many benefits to that, and who knows, maybe it will become your vocation.  Just be aware that it’s hard to find a direct line to that goal from 2022, but it can be done.  Tough odds, but hey, don’t let me stop you. I’m not much help with career advice, because many of the paths that I took back 50 and more years ago no longer exist. It’s a different world.”

“As for road lunacy, yeah, we had our share, got too drunk or whatever, did dumb shit, but it’s really kind of a short book. We weren’t quite as good at being bad as we thought we were. “  

Bill Kirchen, King of Dieselbilly, talks Tele!

He was asked by an individual what genre of music he considered his guitar style and he jokingly said “DieselBilly” in his thoughts on his love of Truck Driving songs. The Term stuck and we are glad it did. Not often, jokingly or not can one have the chance to coin a Phrase for a musical style. 

Bill Kirchen – Rockabilly Funeral

Playing in the Style of Bill Kirchen Dieselbilly Licks

Bill Kirchen’s current works can be purchased via Bill Kirchen on Last FM

The cool factor goes beyond the music. Guitar builder Rick Kelly of Carmine Street Guitars has made a couple of custom Tele’s for Bill, the one that fascinated me is made from the floorboards of the Famous (or infamous) Chelsea Hotel in New York. 

Cover Photo Credit