"Wille is a superb slide player, I love what these guys are doing" Joe Bonamassa
With Wille’s new found slide guitar skills and natural gift of song writing he returned to the UK. A mutual friend introduced him to experimental percussionist and drummer Andrew Naumann. They started to busk and were greeted by huge crowds trying to get a glimpse of this earthy original sound. Off the back of this they were given their own gigs and the group Wille and the Bandits was born.
Five years on the band have now been joined by bass player extraordinaire Matthew Brooks. Along with a huge selection of Drums, guitars and effects pedals. They have played in some of Europe’s most famous Arena’s including the Olympia in Paris, completed two tours with Status Quo, opened for Joe Bonamassa and the John Butler Trio and received critical acclaim and a loyal fan base where ever they have performed.
"Outstanding" Isle of Wight Festival
Wille and the Bandits’ music covers a wide range of genres from Folk and World music to Blues and Rock. With the versatility of Wille’s lap steel and guitar playing, the rhythmic diversity of percussionist Andrew Naumann and the sonic range of Matt’s Upright bass and six string electric bass, they always keep audiences guessing. Often likened to the greats of the 70’s such as Led Zeppelin, Santana and Pink Floyd, this comparison, although bold, only scrapes the surface of the Bands influences and sound.
"Wille and the Bandits are taking roots music to a new level" Rootstime Magazine
The band can often be seen by day busking, with Andy playing a vast selection of percussion, Matt on Double Bass and Wille playing just acoustic guitar creating a fusion of World music and Blues, and in the evening playing a full on psychedelic Blues Rock set in venues and arenas across Europe. This versatility shines through on their albums with an approach to song writing which is second to none.
"This incredibly talented band excels in playing not just one or two musical styles but in fact focus on performing several genres to an extremely high quality. The main difference with this band though, is that when they showcase their extraordinary craft by performing several styles, they do it with such ease". Maverick Magazine
