August 23, 2003
Wesley Willis
Wesley Willis, a musician and underground icon in Chicago, died on Aug. 21. Cause of death was not released. He was 40.
Willis began his music career performing on the street. He opened for a few local bands until 1989 when he was diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia. Several years of mental illness and homelessness followed as Willis struggled to play music and battle what he called the "schizophrenia demons" in his head.
In 1992, Willis and guitarist Dale Meiners formed the Wesley Willis Fiasco. The band, which Willis fronted, built up a cult following by recording more than 50 albums of indie music and rants, and getting airplay on the "Doctor Demento Show."
Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys, released two of Willis' albums: "Greatest Hits, Volume I" and "Volume II," on the Alternative Tentacles Records label. "Greatest Hits, Volume 3" is scheduled for release on Oct. 6.
Posted on August 23, 2003 12:39 AMilove wesley. iliked him fairly well, he really rocked the underground scene like whooping a llamma's behind with a belt. R.I.P WESLEY ALL OUR LOVE THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION YOU HAVE GIVEN ME - YOUR BIGGEST FANS - THE NUCKLHEDZ. PEACE OUT.
Posted by Haggis Mcbasher on August 28, 2003 3:51 PMwesley is the man. he still fuckinng is!!! i cant believe he died. this just sucks. the only thing positive i can say is that finally, wesley can rest in peace without anymore demons. rock on wesley willis, rock on.
Posted by Caleb on August 28, 2003 10:13 PMI never forget you Wesley...
Posted by Gab on August 30, 2003 8:30 AMWES-LEY WIL-LIS, WES-LEY WIL-LIS,
WES-LEY WIL-LIS, WES-LEY WIL-LIS,
WES-LEY WIL-LIS, WES-LEY WIL-LIS
Wesley Willis really knows to rock.
You should have to honor you.
Posted by David bobo on September 2, 2003 10:33 PMWesley Willis....the king of pop
Posted by tripod on September 22, 2003 2:08 AMAbsolute genius...Wesley brings the Casio to a whole new meaning. I especially enjoy his early funk roots and then later experimentation with the Casio fill button.
Posted by Count Fagula on February 2, 2004 11:31 PMure a demon hellride
Posted by last drive on May 12, 2004 12:07 PMRest in PEACE, you crazy mother fucker!
I showed Wesley a song I'd written for him. He handed it back pretty much immediately and said "You gonna buy a CD?"
"How much are they?" "12 Dollars". "Oh man, I ain't got 12 dollars". Then, he totally dismissed me with his hand. "Next Time". Yay! I was taken to skool on the small bus by a real businessnan. Wesley Rocked, man. Now he driving the biggest bus they ever sawwwwwwww.
i love wesley like a stick of butter, everyday i think of him, even two years after he escaped his demons, i miss him bunches cause he rocked out like a magickiss!!! i hope he's in heaven whuppin' ol' dirty bastard's ass with a belt!
Posted by jason cells on February 9, 2005 9:19 AMRock on London, rock over Chicago! Wesley Willis - King of the Casio!
Posted by ac666 on September 28, 2005 7:55 AMwesley was shawns biggest fan. ever time i listened to his tunes it felt like being put in a dryer with tennis balls.....wheeties, the breakfast of champions,... ponatic, now were drivng in excitiment.......RIP big willie!
Posted by suckachettahsdick on November 28, 2006 9:48 PM