Billy Morrison is back with new music, releasing “Becoming,” the first single from his upcoming album Hollow, due out this August via Virgin Music Group.
The track brings together Sully Erna on lead vocals and Nuno Bettencourt on lead guitar, making it one of Morrison’s most high-profile collaborations to date.
“Becoming” leans into themes of personal change and breaking away from negative patterns. Morrison says the song is about “transforming out of the darkness and negativity of certain lifestyle choices and becoming a strong, positive and powerful force.”
When it came to vocals, Morrison had a clear vision.
“There was only one person I could imagine singing it, and that was Sully Erna,” he says, pointing to Erna’s long track record with Godsmack.
The collaboration came together in Los Angeles, with Bettencourt later adding lead guitar after the trio connected at the Above Ground benefit concert series. Morrison calls it “the perfect collaboration to launch this new album.”
Erna adds that working with multiple strong creative voices can be challenging, but says “in the end the product always speaks for itself—and this song is strong.”
Bettencourt keeps it simple: he agreed before even hearing the track. “When you do hear it and it’s this good, you just play for the love of it.”
About the Album Hollow
Hollow follows 2024’s The Morrison Project, which featured the #1 Active Rock hit “Crack Cocaine” with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens.
The new record continues that collaborative format, with a mix of Morrison-led tracks and guest performances. Confirmed contributors include:
- Dexter Holland
- Marilyn Manson
- Chuck D
- B-Real
- Duff McKagan
- DMC
Morrison says the goal was to keep the same creative energy as the last record while pushing into new territory: a mix of genres with a consistent overall sound.
Background
Beyond his solo work, Morrison is best known as the longtime rhythm guitarist for Billy Idol, playing alongside Stevens for over 17 years. He’s also a former member of The Cult and Circus Diablo, and performs with The Royal Machines.
Outside music, he hosts “Influenced” on SiriusXM and continues to exhibit his visual art.
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