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Willie Nile rocking out live in Columbia, MD concert review

BBG News

Throughout different stages of his extensive musical career, Willie Nile has often been likened to artists such as Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and Bruce Springsteen, among others. However, it’s more accurate to say that he embodies elements from each of them, resulting in a distinctive performer who, despite approaching his 77th birthday, remains one of the top-tier rock and roll artists in the United States.

Last weekend, Nile took his trio of supporting musicians to shows across the Washington DC region. On Friday, he graced the stage at Hamilton, right in the heart of the city. Come Sunday, he performed at the cozy Collective Encore in Columbia, where he played a near two-hour set, mixing old and new tunes while sharing tales about his dual roles as a rocker and grandfather.

In simpler terms, his first performance from the 2016 musical “World War Willie” served as an ideal introduction for those in the audience who were not already familiar with him. The song titled “Forever Wild” is a powerful anthem that reminisces about the past and portrays the current situation.

Willie Nile and his sing-along songs are epic in concert

As time passes, just like a perplexing train journey – Tracking the flow of blood within me – Occasionally, aspects may vanish amidst life’s tempests – Yet others endure – At sixteen and brimming with madness – We yearned to exist.

Without the piano being a main feature, it’s as if you can almost make out Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band vocalizing the tune in the album version.

A short while passed, and Willie began to share his anecdotes. He spoke about composing tunes for Mick, performing songs with Bruce, and his unpredictable journey that moved forward in spurts rather than a smooth progression. Throughout these experiences, he has embodied the essence of a New York rocker, as he had initially portrayed on “Life on Bleecker Street,” from the 2013 album American Ride. This work was highly commended by Bono, who regarded it as one of the finest and most profoundly American albums.

The song “Lost and Lonely World” originated from the 2020 album New York at Night, although Willie Nile couldn’t recall which specific album it was part of. However, the crowd helped him out. This brief interaction made two things clear: Firstly, Willie Nile has penned numerous songs – so many that he can’t remember them all. Secondly, he doesn’t need to since his fans do remember them. It seemed at times that Willie was acquainted with nearly half of the audience at the Collective concert.

Another point worth noting is this: Willie Nile’s compositions inspire a strong urge to join in. Regardless of whether you’ve heard his tunes before, the way he crafts his songs makes them feel instantly familiar and beloved from the moment they are first heard.

Although familiar with “Lost and Lonely World,” I unexpectedly found myself humming to newly unreleased tracks such as “We Are, We Are,” “An Irish Goodbye,” and “It’s a Wild Wild World.” It was actually the second time “It’s a Wild Wild World” was played in public.

They will all be released on his upcoming album Great Yellow Light, due out in June.

When he wasn’t socializing, storytelling, or putting on a fantastic show, Nile often found himself expressing admiration for his band. They’ve been playing together for some time, and it’s evident. Jon Weber’s energetic drumming and Johnny Pisano’s melodious bass lines keep the rhythm lively, and they serve as a strong foundation for Jimmy Bones’ quick guitar solos.

To close the show with a memorable finale, everyone participated in an uninhibited rendition of “A Hard Day’s Night,” the lone cover for the night. The audience stood up, not merely joining in the singing, but moving to the rhythm as well.

Willie Nile embodies the essence of rock and roll history, as evidenced by his collection of jackets adorned with iconic images and phrases from the annals of rock (he owns around half a dozen such jackets – today’s jacket features Keith Richards on one arm). His song “House of a Thousand Guitars” showcases his talent for mentioning influential artists, ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters, Hank Williams to John Lee Hooker, all while paying homage to the rich tapestry of rock’s past and contemporary scene.

Perhaps in the future, there’s no reason Nile can’t be like his father who, at 107, is full of vitality and spending time with his grandchildren – “getting boiled” as they say. I can’t picture Willie reaching that age, but after witnessing his electrifying performances, I doubt he’ll ever slow down.

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2025-04-15 17:00

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