ROUGH CUT DIAMONDS TOUR
6PM doors, 7PM show
Tickets $30+SC, $35 @ the door
https://www.showpass.com/willie-nile-live-from-queens-nanaimo/
Willie Nile is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter, musician, and performer known for his powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and charismatic stage presence. Born on June 7, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, Nile has been captivating audiences with the best of New York state reflected musically for the past 40 years.
Nile's journey in the music industry began in the 1970s when he emerged as part of the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene in NYC. Drawing inspiration from folk, rock, and punk genres, Nile developed a unique sound that defied categorization. His debut self-titled album was released in 1980 and received immediate praise for its raw energy and introspective songwriting.
Willie Nile’s career can be split into early 70’s singer-songwriter to CBGB new wave thru 1981, with his first two major label albums and the cherished slot opening for the 1980 Who Tour. After a decade out of the spotlight his attempt at a major label resurgence with Geffen and Columbia in the 90’s resulted in the highly acclaimed Places I have Never Been in ’94, his sole studio record between ’81 and ’04.
But Willie went off after the century turned. His late career explosion began in 2004 with Beautiful Wreck of the World and has run through 2020’s the Day the Earth Stood Still, 11 albums in 16 years. His music has been praised for its poetic lyricism, anthemic melodies, and socially conscious themes that resonate making him a critic’s darling with a fanbase that includes some of the biggest rock stars on the planet.
Nile's live performances with his kick-ass NYC, all-star post-punk backing band are legendary, characterized by his boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. His electrifying live show and genuine connection with the audience create an unforgettable experience. He has shared the stage with luminaries such as Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Billy Idol, Ringo Starr and Lucinda Williams, further fueling the legend.
The New York Times called Buffalo born Willie Nile; "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene." His album Streets Of New York was hailed as; “a platter for the ages” by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Onesas one of the; “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it; “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.”
His album, American Ride, won “Best Rock Album of the Year” at the Independent Music Awards. It appeared on many year-end Top Ten lists for 2013, Bono called it, “One of the great guides to unraveling the mystery that is the troubled beauty of America.”
MOJO wrote about his 2016 album World War Willie, “Four Stars! The real thing…stomp-‘til-ready rock’n’roll…timeless fare.”
His album Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan from 2017 was hailed as “one of the best Dylan tribute albums ever made.” Powerpop Magazine wrote: “Astoundingly great…must be heard to be believed. If this doesn’t get your blood flowing, seek medical help.” And the Associated Press said his 2018 album Children of Paradise “Might be the best album of his career!”
His 2020 album New York At Night got rave reviews, with The Associated Press calling it: “As sharp and guitar-driven as ever…Downbeat Magazine calling it a “sonic love letter to Gotham.”
His recent studio album The Day the Earth Stood Still features a duet with Steve Earle on the song “Blood on Your Hands.” The London Times called him “A man who embodies the true spirit of rock n’ roll.” The New Yorker wrote that Willie Nile is “One of the most brilliant singer-songwriters of the past 30 years.”
Willie just released a new single, “Wake Up America”. It’s a call for the better angels of the country to stand up and be counted. It’s the first single from the new album he’s now working on to be released in 2023.
WillieNile.com
Catch the hottest rock show of the year live from the Queens Friday, August 18th with Stephen Stanley from Lowest of the Low and Chris Bennett opening show. Doors at 6 pm, showtime a 7.