The song features Billy Sheehan & Jennifer Batten
Funk legend Bootsy Collins unites with bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and pioneering guitarist Jennifer Batten for a soul-stirring new anthem, “Troops,” the third single from Bootsy’s forthcoming album Metal Health, via Bootzilla Records/Roc Nation. Released in celebration of Veterans Day, the track arrives in partnership with Guitars for Vets, an organization dedicated to using the healing power of music to support military veterans living with trauma.
A deep groove of gratitude and healing, “Troops” fuses Bootsy’s cosmic funk with hard-rock firepower and emotional resonance. It stands as both a salute and a call to compassion, recognizing the courage of those who’ve served while amplifying the need for continued support through creativity, community, and care.
Featuring Billy Sheehan—renowned for his groundbreaking bass work with Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, and The Winery Dogs—and Jennifer Batten, known for her tenure as lead guitarist on three of Michael Jackson’s world tours, her acclaimed collaborations with Jeff Beck, and her recent Cirque du Soleil residency (Zumanity), “Troops” brings together three virtuosic forces united by purpose.
“Our troops have given everything for our freedom, and this song is our way of giving a little love back,” says Bootsy. “I’m so thankful to Jennifer and Billy for joining me on this journey. We put our hearts and souls into it—and we hope it brings some joy and healing, too.”
At the heart of the release is Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit that “puts the healing power of music into the hands of our nation’s heroes.” Through a ten-week guitar instruction program, the organization provides veterans with music lessons, meaningful connections, and renewed purpose. Upon graduation, each veteran receives a brand-new guitar to continue their healing journey. To date, Guitars for Vets has served more than 17,000 veterans nationwide, with 1,500 more currently waiting to enter the program.
To further the cause, Bootsy and Guitars for Vets will host a special livestream event tonight (Tues, Nov 11th) at 7 pm EST. The interactive session will feature Bootsy in conversation with veterans and fans about the inspiration behind “Troops” and the healing mission of Guitars for Vets. There will also be opportunities to donate directly via QR code to support veterans awaiting entry into the program.
In an added show of support, Bootsy and Batten are each donating a signed guitar to benefit Guitars for Vets—symbolizing their shared belief in the transformative power of music to heal, connect, and inspire.
With “Troops,” Bootsy continues his mission to use music as medicine—a guiding principle of both his art and activism. Serving as the third single from his forthcoming album, following “Metal Health” and “Free Bucket,” “Troops” expands the project’s theme of emotional healing and social awareness through sound. Together, these songs affirm Bootsy’s lifelong message: that funk is more than music, it’s therapy for the soul.
