Willie Basse, former frontman of Sunset Strip Rock act BLACK SHEEP, marked a return in late 2008 with a solo album 'The Money Grind' on his own label New Empire Media. His band included the notable figures of guitarist Mitch Perry, former BLACK SABBATH keyboard player Geoff Nicholls and ex-RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT drummer Bobby Rondinelli. This unit made its live debut on Friday, 5th December 2008 in Farmington, New Mexico at Gators.

A second solo album was recorded for 2009 issue with producer Andy Johns.