rock over london, rock on chicago
Wesley Willis died last night. He was forty years old.
Wesley made his mark on the world first as a street performer in Chicago, commenting on the world at large to the tune of a Casio keyboard. He gained some fame when he signed with Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacle records, recording 50 albums.
Most of his songs were odes to other bands and other popular figures. They mostly had the same tune, repeated the title over and over and ended with some catch phrase like Timex, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
I love your movies
I love you too
You are the best man that I have ever liked
You are my rich man
You are my big millionaire
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Wheaties, breakfast of champions
There was something about this schizophrenic performer that made me love him, despite his simple lyrics and nonsenical music. He was earnest, straightfoward and a simply fascinating figure.
Sleep well, Wesley.
Superman had a big "S" on his chest
He was drawing on my nerves
I got mad at his drunk ass
I gave him a war hell ride
I whipped Superman's ass
I whipped Superman's ass
I whipped Superman's ass
I whipped Superman's ass
Comments
Rock on, London. Rock on, Chicago. Rock on, Wesley. You will be missed, you odd, odd man.
Posted by: Joseph J. Finn | August 22, 2003 05:51 PM
What funks that music got me out of...something about hearing "it whooped a llama's ass" really cheered me up.
Posted by: Jo | August 22, 2003 06:53 PM
Of course, I think few people realize how Wesley made a huge stance against crime in songs from Iowa State Patrol to Winnie Pooh.
I don't know if anyone is out there to really come up with something as unique and fun as Wesley has...I can only hope. But I think it takes something uniquely based in a harmony joyride to be thusly creative.
Posted by: Chris | August 22, 2003 06:57 PM
I had the distinct pleasure of being on the recieving end of a Wesley Willis head-butt. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by: brendoman | August 22, 2003 08:09 PM
This brings damaging disharmony into my life! I was unhappy with it and it pissed me off! I never got the opportunity to see Wesley live--I have, however, been to the Rock and Roll McDonald's (albeit before I heard the song). Keep rocking harder like a Magikist in the afterlife!
Posted by: Dan | August 23, 2003 10:41 AM
Never heard of him, but he looks like Little Richard's homely little brother.
Posted by: Ken Summers | August 23, 2003 01:02 PM
Wesley, he will be missed.
Mentos, the freshmaker.
Posted by: scott h. | August 24, 2003 01:08 AM
Love ya like a milkshake, Wes.
Posted by: Justin | August 24, 2003 08:41 PM
I sat next to Wesley in a Kinko's in the spring of last year. I knew it was him right away and the fact that he was typing up that familiar style of lyrics confirmed it. Sad to hear he has passed...
Posted by: HH | August 25, 2003 01:51 AM
I saw him in concert at the Metro in Chicago in 1995. He was very entertaining, standing with his lyric sheets and singing. He'll be missed.
Posted by: Anne | August 25, 2003 10:07 AM
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Wesley's death... yes, his music and even himself may have been tragically comic, but he seemed like such a quintessential human being at heart... I personally think he was lovable, and I wish I could have met him.
Posted by: Matt G | August 29, 2003 05:32 PM