Billions is many things to many people: some love the amazing acting, some enjoy the sharp writing, and many love the pop culture references galore.
However it’s the soundtrack to Billions that can be all things to all people!
From Dylan to Black Sabbath, from Sammy Davis Jr. to Nelly, Billions has it all, and more.
I’ve written several times about Axe and his music; it was only natural for the gang at Fan Fun to share our favorite songs featured in our favorite show.
Without further ado, here is Lady Trader’s Playlist, and I’m sure most of the picks will not surprise you! Also, look for an updated “From the Trader’s Desk”: Bobby Axelrod – a Man and his Music, now that we know Axe’s metal t-shirt for S5 (and yes, I called it here!)
“Never Say Die” by Black Sabbath – Season 3 Episode 8 All The Wilburys
No surprise here. I love Black Sabbath, Axe loves Black Sabbath, and Brian Koppelman loves Black Sabbath. Axe returning as the triumph king in his Master of Reality t-shirt was legendary!
“Master of Puppets” by Metallica – Season 1 Episode 4 Short Squeeze
Our first introduction to Axe the metalhead, but certainly not our last!
“Ace of Spades” by Motörhead – Season 4 Episode 1 Chucky Rhoades’s Greatest Game
If ever there was a thrash metal song written about Axe, then this is it!
“Peace Sells” by Megadeth – Season 2 Episode 4 The Oath
“Battle” Axe goes to war with Chuck, and his armor is his Megadeth t-shirt. How fitting!
“For Those About to Rock” by AC/DC – Season 2 Episode 7 Victory Lap
Axe racing in a yellow Ferrari with Angus playing in the background? Genius!
“And the Cradle Will Rock” by Van Halen – Season 1 Episode 11 Magical Thinking
Yes, that’s Van Halen – not Van Hagar!
“TNT” by AC/DC – Season 4 Episode 8 Fight Night
You have to be a damn good band to be on this playlist twice; and the Bon Scott years of AC/DC are damn good! As an aside, any band that can use bagpipes in a hard rock song will always have a piece of my heart.
“Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who – Season 4 Episode 12 Extreme Sandlot
I’m not the biggest Who fan (unless you mean Doctor Who!) but the placement of this song in this episode was brilliant.
“New Year’s Day” by U2 – Season 4 Episode 10 – New Year’s Day
Bono’s haunting voice along with the deserted wintery scenes of lower Manhattan may just be my favorite opening to an episode of Billions ever.
“Handle with Care” by The Traveling Wilburys – Season 3 Episode 8 All the Wilburys
Yes, I am a metal-chick, but if you don’t like the Wilburys we can’t be friends. When Gingersnap was assigning the Fan Fun group which Wilbury they were, she gave me Tom Petty and that is one of the highest compliments I have ever gotten!
“Trouble” by Keith Richards – Season 2 Episode 3 Optimal Play
Why is this song on the list? Because it’s Keith Richards, and that’s all that needs to be said!
A wonderful kick-off to our Top Billions songs series! Your playlist is so YOU, no surprises at all, yeah maybe Keith Richards, but you explain why it’s there 🙂 And yeah you’re a metal chick but you have a broad taste – U2 and The Traveling Wilburys also make it to you playlist! I completely agree about “Behind Blue Eyes” I think it’s a great song but the placement was just perfect.
Hats off to you for calling the band tshirt two seasons in a row but I am also curious why you had separated Rainbow from other possibilities and said “even Rainbow” when you made a prediction for S5. I guess we’ll have the answer in the upcoming Bobby Axelrod and His Music post!
I am looking forward to see how much overlap we will have in our playlists in the weeks to come and if a song or two will make it to most or all lists!!!!
I ALMOST chose Van Halen, too! You and I both chose the same U2 song and I gave Behind Blue Eyes an Honorable Mention. Great list! There’s just too much good music in Billions to choose from.
There is so many songs to choose from, and I love the fact that it mixes songs that I know and love with songs I have never heard of! I can’t wait for the day when we both have that Iron Maiden song on our lists!!
I’m starting to think Iron Maiden .will.never.happen.
Great post from a fellow rocker. My favorite is “Behind Blue Eyes”. It really was perfection. It’s difficult to pick one, but I recall getting chills.
Working from home has given me the opportunity to wear my 200+ t-shirts. Axe would be proud. I’m currently wearing Van Halen. It would be nice if Billions could include a guitar riff in honor of Eddie.
Billions introduced me to Echo and the Bunnymen. I totally believe that reunited the band not long after the episode.
Lady T. you may remember me from the Paley Live interview. Apart from our love of the show we bonded over the music. I was third in line after you and Damianista. Fabulous night and very nice meeting you. My apologies if I said this before. Foggy brain.
Thank you so much for reading! And I certainly remember you from the Paley Live! I always remember my fellow rocker chicks!
Yes, the placement of “Behind Blue Eyes” was sheer perfection! Billions does know how and when to place the perfect song!
I agree – I would love to see a nod to Eddie – I know Brian Koppelman is a big VH fan, so it just may happen!
200+ shirts? Wow and WOW! I thought I had a lot with 20! I’d love to see your collection! I posted some of mine on my IG (lisaglick926). I wonder which ones we have in common? Please let me know if you have them posted anywhere because I love band t-shirts!!
Hey Lady Rocker – we missed you! Hope all is well! 200+ t-shirts?!?!?! I don’t think Bobby has that many 😀 HATS OFF!
Well I had to go and count. I’ve got 202. I attract a lot of conversations. Many have suggested I write a book. That thought was always too overwhelming. Too many stories. It never occurred to me to take pics. That is a great idea. I’m not on any social media sites. T’s would be an encouraging way to get me going.
My first concert and T was Yes at Asbury Park in 1972. Next Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” tour also 1972. Both were their first US tours. Not a bad way to start.
From your IG Lady Trader I have “Hysteria” along with at least 6 other Def Leppard T’s, Queen with Freddie and later on with Adam, also U2, and Metallica. I quickly glanced at your IG. I need to revisit more thoroughly.
Now that I’ve admitted I’m old. Here’s a bunch of T’s from the 70’s and early 80’s. The list is in no particular order, just the sequence of where they hang in my wardrobe.
Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Robert Palmer, Billy Idol, INXS, Motley Crue, The Who, The Police, John Cougar, Cher (1982), Cyndi Lauper, Bon Jovi, Cinderella (remember them?), Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and Heartbreakers, Guns N Roses, Peter Frampton, Chicago, Eagles, Rod Stewart, Poison, Springsteen, Elton John (Central Park), Fleetwood Mac, Leon Russell, Foreigner, Paul Simon, Culture Club, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Journey, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Alice Cooper, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Gloria Estefan Miami Sound, Hall and Oates, Duran Duran, Chris Isaac, and now my head is spinning.
Damianiata, I see you have a new music piece. You’ll hear from me soon. Happy to be back. Take care everyone.