Who is Big Willy?
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The sound of Michigan blues-rock band Big Willy is difficult to define, yet undoubtedly distinct. Big Willy packs a high-energy blend of growling vocals, lightning-fast guitar licks, and big saxophone into original songs. The band has been together for nearly five years, and has opened for Tab Benoit, Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'nois King, the Deadstring Brothers, and Larry McCray. A mid-Michigan staple, they have performed at festivals around the state as well as at local events like Festival on the Grand and the Old Town Blues Festival.
Their debut album, King Without a Crown, was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown and released in spring of 2009. The album showcases lead singer and songwriter Will Rideoutt's ability to capture the daily emotions and struggles of working-class Americans, both past and present, and put them to music.
Big Willy writes all of the band's original music, and contributes lead guitar and vocals to create the band's unmistakable sound. Formerly of What It Is?! and currently of Summer of Sol, Rideoutt is a professional entertainer most comfortable onstage. His musical chemistry with his bandmates is the glue that holds the appropriately-named band together. Rideoutt's experience includes performing with national touring band Steppin' In It, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, and The Lash.
"SuperSize" Will Metz is big on sound. His tenor saxophone cranks up the energy as he and Rideoutt battle over who has the fastest fingers, and his smooth, soulful notes call slow dancers onto the floor. He was previously a member of Smokehouse and Charley Horse, and has played with What It Is?!, Steppin' In It, and Biscuit Miller. Metz also had the unique experience of opening for Rahzel.
"King James" Norris makes sure SuperSize doesn't lose his rhythm. Formerly of the Paxton Norris Band and the Red Hot Blues Band, Norris plays bass guitar and prefers to remain an enigma. The ladies love that about him. Norris plays funk, blues, classic rock, and in the past has played with Biscuit Miller.
Eric Payne is the heartbeat of the band. Always smiling, Payne's expert drum skills and upbeat vocals breathe life into each song. Formerly of Michigan staples The Weeds and The Remains, Payne has also played with Those Delta Rhythm Kings and currently keeps the beat with local blues staple the Kathleen Bolthouse Band.
Mike Lynch, whose keyboard stylings have filled out such groups as the Larry McCray Band, Steppin' In It, and the Lash, is often seen with the band, but since he's in such high demand, he can be pretty scarce. He also produced their debut album.
Big Willy made their first television appearance last year on Backstage Pass, a program produced by Public Television station WKAR-TV that features performances by talented Michigan artists and bands. They played a set of original music for the documentary-style program, which included interviews with band members between songs. The show is available in its entirety at www.wkar.org, and parts of this program as well as tapings from various gigs can be viewed on YouTube. However, a live performance by Big Willy is a must-see!
Their debut album, King Without a Crown, was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown and released in spring of 2009. The album showcases lead singer and songwriter Will Rideoutt's ability to capture the daily emotions and struggles of working-class Americans, both past and present, and put them to music.
Big Willy writes all of the band's original music, and contributes lead guitar and vocals to create the band's unmistakable sound. Formerly of What It Is?! and currently of Summer of Sol, Rideoutt is a professional entertainer most comfortable onstage. His musical chemistry with his bandmates is the glue that holds the appropriately-named band together. Rideoutt's experience includes performing with national touring band Steppin' In It, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, and The Lash.
"SuperSize" Will Metz is big on sound. His tenor saxophone cranks up the energy as he and Rideoutt battle over who has the fastest fingers, and his smooth, soulful notes call slow dancers onto the floor. He was previously a member of Smokehouse and Charley Horse, and has played with What It Is?!, Steppin' In It, and Biscuit Miller. Metz also had the unique experience of opening for Rahzel.
"King James" Norris makes sure SuperSize doesn't lose his rhythm. Formerly of the Paxton Norris Band and the Red Hot Blues Band, Norris plays bass guitar and prefers to remain an enigma. The ladies love that about him. Norris plays funk, blues, classic rock, and in the past has played with Biscuit Miller.
Eric Payne is the heartbeat of the band. Always smiling, Payne's expert drum skills and upbeat vocals breathe life into each song. Formerly of Michigan staples The Weeds and The Remains, Payne has also played with Those Delta Rhythm Kings and currently keeps the beat with local blues staple the Kathleen Bolthouse Band.
Mike Lynch, whose keyboard stylings have filled out such groups as the Larry McCray Band, Steppin' In It, and the Lash, is often seen with the band, but since he's in such high demand, he can be pretty scarce. He also produced their debut album.
Big Willy made their first television appearance last year on Backstage Pass, a program produced by Public Television station WKAR-TV that features performances by talented Michigan artists and bands. They played a set of original music for the documentary-style program, which included interviews with band members between songs. The show is available in its entirety at www.wkar.org, and parts of this program as well as tapings from various gigs can be viewed on YouTube. However, a live performance by Big Willy is a must-see!