Past Comments
W Schmidt
There will never be another Bill Faust. For 5 years I lived in Bayview and stopped into his store frequently. If you ever had the opportunity to meet him, you’d never forget him. His passion ran deep in a number of different areas, not the least of which was drums, of course. Many young players don’t see much value in a person like Bill Faust, thinking they know it all. Well, if they had the privilege of meeting Mr. Faust, they would realize they DON’T know it all. Sadly, he’s part of an age gone by… but not forgotten by many of us. He was an icon. RIP, Mr.Regalado. My condolences to the family.
Joe Martinez
I grew up in Bay View my whole life. In 1982 I bought my first drum set from Mr. Faust which I still play gigs with to this day. I always felt lucky to have such a legendary drum store in Bay View. In the mid 2000’s I was fortunate enough to work for him and get to learn the ins and outs of of the store and see his wonderful vintage drum collection. We had a lot of good times outside the shop as well. While working on his house in Holy Hill we had lengthy conversations about politics, real estate, and women. One of my favorite memories was when a customer came in one day he challenged me to a drum tuning competition. We each setup a snare and when he played them both he liked mine better. His respect meant a lot to me as a drummer. The store and Bill will be thoroughly missed.
John Cee
Bill Faust was truly a one of a kind in a time where men of his ilk were forgotten and not appreciated. They truly don’t make men like him anymore. So many memories and hours spent when it would be only us two in his store; talking about Buddy Rich and days from his era. I learned a lot just listening to Bill. Many humorous moments as well; like watching him run customers with attitudes out of his store. If only I had a video camera!! I am truly saddened that I was not able to to attend the memorial and pay my respects to one of this city’s last true icons…RIP, Bill.
John Calarco
David Borden
We send our condolences to the Regalado family. Brenda and I stopped in to visit him at the store when we were in Milwaukee; I think it was 2009. We spent about an hour with him. My family knew the Regalado family as we were growing up. I remember cutting up boxes in his store in the basement with my brother Bruce and Bills’ children Dave and Paul (I also remember that huge boiler in the basement with 1880 stamped on the door!). I remember many enjoyable times with the children of Bill at that time from the late 60’s to the mid 70’s: Dave, Paul, Carrie, and Judy. I still have my first classical guitar I bought from him with Faust Music stamped on the case. One thing I really came to appreciate in my last visit with him was his passion for what he did as a living. I never really appreciated that as a kid. He was also extremely proud of all his children; he called each of you his “Angels” and truly thought of each of you as a precious gift. The Regalado family has a difficult task in front of them. I hope fond memories of Bill help the family through this difficult time.
Brenda and David Borden
Los Angeles
DENIEL EDWARDS
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAUST FAMILY,I REMEMBER SHOPPING THERE AS A KID AS WAS ALWAYS TREATED WITH RESPECT.BILL WAS A CLASS ACT AND I’M SURE WILL BE VERY MISSED BY ALL.RIP BILL.REGARDS DENIEL EDWARDS.GUITARIST WRITER PRODUCER/STUDIO CITY CA.
Eugene & kiim Wachowiak
We send our codolences to the family of william. I was a long time customer of his. I always enjoyed time talking with Bill. One of the things I will always remember is when I bought An entry level drumkit , he had oiled the bass pedal and hi-hat stand before i had left with my drums, He treated the drumset I bought like it was a “top of the line kit”.I will miss him and the great service he gave me.
Gene & Kim Wachowiak
Tom Carr
For over 27 years, “Mr. Faust”, as I called him, treated me with kindness and respect. I would plan at least 2 two hours for a visit to the store, not simply for checking out the drum gear, but for our spirited discussions. Always enjoyable. He greeted me with a big smile and hearty hand shake on every visit. Like many drummers, I daydreamed about what else might be in the store, out if sight. That was part of the fun! Thank You for the years of enjoyment. A true Milwaukee legend.
Mike Kasprzak
My condolences to the Regalado family. I had the unbelievable privilege of working for Mr. Faust on and off for the past 13 years. I bought my first “real”drum set from him when I was 16. A visit with Mr. Faust would always turn into a whole afternoon. We grew very close especially this past winter. His friendship meant a lot to me. He taught me a great wealth of knowledge. I heard many glorious stories about all the drum greats. I had the great honor of riding shotgun in that beautiful Cadillac convertible! I will eat a tin of sardines and toast a glass of Carlo Rossi to the man, the legend… Mr. Faust
Mike Kasprzak
David Bayles
Dear Regalado family,
My condolences for your loss.
I met your father in 1982 while attending Bay View High School.
After passing his shop hundreds of times by means of the city bus, I finally stopped in.
I entered the store for a pair of drum sticks, and I left with a Zildjian cymbal, drum key, “THE” George Lawrence Stone Stick Control Book, and a new appreciation for local and national politics. He was a passionate man, not to mention a pretty clever salesperson.
In addition to his intense passion for the music, politics, and a deep respect for teachers (I found this out much later), Bill often extended my visits by talking about “the boys.” No doubt he was equally proud and passionate of their accomplishments.
He’ll will be missed.
Respectfully,
Dave Bayles
Jon Schwartz
Whenever I’d travel to Milwaukee, I’d call Bill and stop by if he was available. He often made time even when he wasn’t in the store. One of my favorite vintage snares came to me in 2005, and imagine my surprise when I saw its original Faust Music sticker inside! I told Bill about that, and he smiled that wide smile of his. Not everyone understood Bill, but I think I did. I respected him, and I believe he respected me, and I know how rare it was to earn that. Each time I saw him, we’d spend a few hours just gabbing about the industry, society, today’s kids, politics… Bill was not without his opinions! Bill was absolutely a treasure, and I will miss him.
Jon Schwartz, Los Angeles
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