William P. Regalado
William P. Regalado
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William Regalado Obituary
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Richard Baradic
October 14, 2023
Ten years ago. Myohmy. See you before too long good friend.
Jim Charne
October 14, 2023
Gone ten years. Wow. An irascible personality. Bill Faust left an indelible mark on the Milwaukee music trade. R.I.P.
Elvis Karate
October 17, 2016
I still remember the day I stumbled into Faust Music some years ago and met Bill. He was fascinating. We talked for close to an hour. A couple of years ago I found a drum head at a Drum Store stamped Faust Music, I bought it and have it displayed in my home. Thanks Bill for the great memory of a truly unique experience.
Jim Charne
February 9, 2016
RIP Bill Faust. Many memories at your shop. You were truly part of the fabric of Milwaukee. When I drive by the shop location down on KK, I get wistful.
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A Fan
July 4, 2015
I met Mr Faust on a trip through Milwaukee a couple of years ago when I was gigging Summerfest. We looked up "Drum Shops" and found it. Our driver dropped us off and the door was locked. We knocked and finally were let in, then the door locked behind us. Kind of strange but Ok. We then got entertained for the next couple hours with all these great stories about the old days. Out came vintage pictures and books. He found out I played a Rogers Dynasonic snare and he asked about my set up. It was really great time. Interestingly not a single other person came to the store until our driver came back to pick us up. Anyway I'm back at Summerfest this year and wanted to visit Mr Faust again, but alas heard the news. I did however stumble upon a stash of vintage drum heads stamped Faust Music at another store and those are going up on the walls of my home.
Bobby Boos
May 28, 2014
My condolences to the family. I shopped at Bill's store in the 70's buying many things but mores always wanting to see what he had in the windows! He was one of those guys that knew everything about what he sold including backstories about the people who made them, the really deep stuff of legend and he himself became part of the legends. after moving to LA in the mid-80's and working with pro drummers over my 23 year run I always recommended the guys and girls go to Faust Drums in Milwaukee to see, experience and buy…Bill, you are missed though the legend goes on…
robert romero
December 31, 2013
As a kid in the 1960's...I always paged through the yellow pages to look at FAUST MUSIC 's picture ad...Milwaukee's Drum Center...I loved seeing that picture of that drum set along with a guitar and banjo and accordion...very vivid now...I didn't get to visit Faust Music Store until I got out of the Air Force...when I became a man and became independent...with my own money. I wanted to start a relationship with the store after all these years. I became fast friends with Mr. Faust. He always said I had a welcoming smile and kind personality. I bought 3 or four snare drums...all Ludwig...a full set of Zildjian cymbals...and drum heads and hardware over the years. One day he made me aware of the old drumstick stock he had. Of course you could get the standard old Ludwig 7A or 5A or 5B, but I liked the bigger sticks...the big "candy" ... Rogers 1S, or Ludwig 3S...and many other odd sizes you would never see at the other music stores. But Bill ( Mr. W. P. Regalado...never knew that was his name at all...and I knew Bill since 1984...), he also explained that he could sell me the older original signature sticks of the day...actually sticks with the big names in drum history...so he got me started with my drum stick collection...Sticks with names enameled on them like Buddy Rich in Ludwig and Rogers...Gene Krupa on Slingerland and in two different series of Krupa eras...and Louie Bellson on Slingerland...and Ray Bauduc on Ludwig...and Barrett Deems on another brand. Bill only had John Bonham in oak and not hickory...but at least I could hold the size "Bonzo" used...Bill would always take the time to see what I thought of this stick, or that stick to add to my collection. He was very patient and knew I was patient to invest my hard earned money in his valued store. I observed him handle other customers with care and then got back to me. He would always ask if I was in a hurry. I always had all day with Bill...many times 4 hours with him. I begged him for more of his past in the Music industry. He told me he remembers the Beatles entourage passing by to get to downtown from the Mitchell Field...he remembers hosting Gene Krupa, Jimi Hendrix, Mr. Ludwig( Senior ) and Jr. ...and Mr. Slingerland on his floor. Bill always said that he was the repairman, the salesman, and the clerk at his shop. Once I had him drill holes and add a cymbal mount to my new 16x26 Ludwig natural maple bass drum that I got on a trade from my old black Ludwig 14x26 that I got before I met Bill...he was happy to oblige. He literally took a yardstick and measured how far in to put the holes then he took his drill and put the holes in and placed the mount on and secured it in place, on the spot. It must have taken a whole twenty minutes or so to do. And charged me a very minimal price plus the part. Bill was like an uncle to me. He was saddened to hear about my brother and mother passing away throughout the years. Just a kind man. You had to understand that he came from the depression era. He disliked to waste anything if he still saw a use for it. He was a veteran as well. He would sooner col cock ya one if you deserved it. He told me of his family, especially of his brother who would rather knock you out than to take any of your crap. But again ...Bill Faust and I talked and sometimes time permitting...we would go to a local mexican restaurant for dinner...Bill would always dress very well with a clean pressed shirt and tie with very pressed dress trouser...appearance was a huge factor in his person. After being robbed he had every reason to cut down on who entered his store. This was the Mr. Faust I knew...a man with great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge...and a smart businessman. I will miss him very much and hope he rests in peace...see you soon Bill.
December 2, 2013
Bill was a beautiful person. I purchased my first drum set from Bill back in the 1960's. I reconnected with Bill in the mid 80's and began stopping in the store on a monthly basis. I spent many Saturdays talking about "everything under the sun" including drums; while watching him help customers. The last time I saw bill he looked great
I am very saddened to hear of his death.
He was a fantastic guy!
God bless Bill and his family.
Tom Weiss
3400 Standish Lane
Racine, WI 53405
262-909-7990
[email protected]
Nic Dasovich
November 6, 2013
Reflecting on our many visits to see Bill at Faust Music, we'll excerpt
Kris Kristofferson's The Pilgrim:
He's a poet…he's a prophet…he's a pilgrim and a preacher…he's a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction…
There's only one Bill. We'll be missing him. Our condolences to the Regalado family.
marj inman
October 28, 2013
we're so sorry we didn't know about bill - my partner and i did some neon work for bill, and discussed (at some length) , the business atmosphere in bay view; bought a pearl drum kit. i had called him a while ago to see what was up with the store hours, and was reassured to think he sounded ok at the time. we won't forget him.
Greg Doby
October 26, 2013
So long Bill. This brought a tear to my eye.I missed bringing you a bottle of champagne last year as I tried to do around Christmas time every year to at least say "Hello"for a couple of hour's at least.You sold me my first conga drum and drum set way back when the store was on north 3rd. street and much more as the years went buy.You were the best. No one could out sale you,out repair stuff,out order equipment and surely out talk you.There has never been a musician I have met who didn't know Bill Faust.YOU were truly an icon and I can proudly say a good friend of mine.You will be missed.
October 26, 2013
Bill, you were like a second father to me. Words don't describe how much I will miss you.
Jim Glay-Arlington Heights, illinois
October 25, 2013
Sorry to hear Bill passed away. Many the long conversations I'd have with him when I was in Milwaukee. I really liked his way of thinking about life, and people. Like many have said he was one of a kind. I will miss him.
Mike Heinen
Cecilia H
October 25, 2013
Mr. Faust let us into his store one blustery Sunday as we explored Milwaukee. He regaled us with stories and lectured our young daughter about the importance of continuing her music education. So sorry to hear of his passing, he was quite the Milwaukee legend.
October 25, 2013
Bill was a great friend to the "GAL'S"
sad to hear of his passing
Jerry Henry
October 25, 2013
Sorry to learn of his passing! My buddy's and I used to visit his store on KK avenue in Bayview regularly when I was a kid back in the 60-70's. Saved up my nickels and dimes and spent a lot of time checking out and buying gear there on Saturday afternoons. (I still have some of it including an old Epiphone bass.) Even as kids we always felt welcome there, even when we didn't have any money to spend. He was a real character, a great salesman, and always had an entertaining story to tell. Last time I saw him was a couple of years ago on a trip thru town. He hadn't changed a bit! He'll be missed by many.
Tony Kolp
October 24, 2013
When I was 10 years old in the early 60's Bill had Gene Krupa doing a demo for Slingerland an event i shall never forget--
Michael Fricke
October 24, 2013
Bill sold me my first Gretsch,what an experience. He was a real ''Gone'' cat. God speed my friend. M. Fricke
October 23, 2013
Goodby Bill. It was wonderful knowing you.
Bonnie Petrakis
terry gargulio
October 23, 2013
so long bill you will always be remembered you will be missed! your one of a kind
Shad Arndt
October 23, 2013
Bill you were my percussion dealer for 27 years. A friend for 27 years. You are a Milwaukee Icon..a block In Milwaukees foundation that will be missed. A living history lesson that I enjoyed hearing for two hours every time I came into the store. God Bless you and thanks for your time. Your friend Mr. Arndt
Paul Spencer
October 22, 2013
Bought my 1st set of drums from Bill in the 1950's and my 2nd set from him in 1992. If you ever needed drum equipment repaired, Bill was the man. A one-of-a-kind guy - you had to get to know him.
Richard Baradic
October 21, 2013
I guess we are all unique in one way or another. But, Bill was certainly one-of-a-kind...meant in only the best of ways. Bought my first drum set from Bill in the mid-50's. I still remember him presenting anything you were thinking of purchasing...wrapped and freshly cleaned with his red velvet cloth. Made you feel like you were handling pure gold. And, I guess we were. May God Bless and Keep You, Bill.
Chuck Baas
October 21, 2013
I always looked forward to visiting his music store and ejoyed our conversations. I will keep my V.I.P card He gave me in his memory along with my love for drums. Rest in peace Mr Faust. Chuck Baas
Tom Carr
October 21, 2013
"Mr. Faust", as I always called him, greeted me with a wide smile and hearty handshake for over 30 years. I would plan at least 2 hours to enjoy the store, and engage in spirited discussion. I even made an unexpected purchase the day I stopped by to say goodbye, before leaving Milwaukee. Hopefully, the many treasures in his store will go to good homes. Thanks for the many memories!
Mike Slawnikowski
October 20, 2013
Rest in peace Bill. Your presence will be missed by many. I remember taking the bus up Lincoln Ave when I was 10 yrs. old to buy sticks with my allowance back in the early '70's. A true Milwaukee icon.
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3801 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
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