Willie J Healey – funk and free hugs + an interview
“Don’t ask him that.”
“I’m going to ask him that.”
The final words spoken between my partner and I as we approached Willie for a post-gig interview. But more about that later.
Back from supporting Arctic Monkeys on their new album release tour, I was curious to see how it may have affected Willie J Healey’s live performance, and wondered if he’d picked up any new tricks along the way.
Healey greeted the crowd attending his sold out show at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds with a simple cheery ‘hello’, before diving straight into the hits such as ‘Little Sister’ and ‘Bumble Bee’ from his new groove-heavy, drum machine-packed latest album, Bunny.
A particular stand out moment occurred after a funky rendition of ‘Thank You’, a crowd favourite. Healey took it upon himself to wade into the buzzing audience and offered hugs to anyone who wanted one, thanking them for their support.
This humble affair was striking; you might have presumed that touring with huge international artists would alter the relationship between artist and audience, erecting more of a barrier between the two. This couldn’t be less true, as the gratitude offered by Healey’s hugs and words of thanks underlined his authenticity and his respect for the fans who have joined him along his journey.
Shoutout to the guy who knew Healey hadn’t packed enough underwear for the tour, and had taken it upon himself to gift him some free pairs.
It was a pleasure to hear some of the older tracks such as ‘For You’, ‘True Stereo’, and a personal favourite of mine ‘All Those Things’. The energy Willie possesses onstage has neither faltered nor faded with the Bunny release. Karate kicks, heavy funk guitar solos and great leaps across the stage – there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was loving every second, lapping up the crowd’s enthusiasm. His interactions with fans were sweet, hilarious and genuine – as always.
The gig came to a close with a beautiful solo rendition of ‘We Should Hang’, one of the more touching tracks from his first album. It’s no surprise that this is another crowd favourite due to its honest lyricism and rising crescendo, topped with a passionate Healey utilising that hauntingly beautiful falsetto.
As the crowd cleared, my partner and I found a satisfied Willie shaking hands and taking photos with fans. Time for an interview:
What is your favourite song you’ve written?
Ooo, my favourite song that I’ve written is probably…Bumblebee.
And what is your favourite Tom Hanks film?
Castaway.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yeah…Yes.
Really?
Yeah, I’ve seen some.
Can you expand on what ghosts you’ve seen?
It was the ghost of Jimi Hendrix.
Excellent. If you were to land on the moon, what would be your first words?
Umm…
*Healey looks at me, satisfied with his answer*
Brilliant choice. And now this last question I was advised against asking you. You can choose to ignore it or take it head on.
Okay…
How many 5 year-olds could you fight all at once? How many could you take on in –
I reckon 200.
200?
Maybe more. I’ve taken on 150 before, and I came out on top. What’s an extra 50?
That concludes our interview with the ever-brilliant Willie J Healey.
We look forward to seeing what else he cooks up in the studio in the coming years, and we are especially looking forward to that 200 vs 1 brawl sometime in the future. If you haven’t made the big brain decision to go and see him live yet, perhaps it’s time to rethink your life and attend his next show. It couldn’t be more worth it.