Some bands play music. Others create an experience. Wille and the Bandits fall firmly into the latter category. Their ability to fuse blues, rock, reggae, folk, and even Latin influences into a single, seamless performance is nothing short of mesmerising. Their latest live show was a sonic journey that took the audience through waves of emotion, technical brilliance, and raw, unfiltered passion.
From the moment the band stepped on stage, there was an air of quiet anticipation. The audience, a fascinating multi-generational mix, was proof that great music knows no age limit. Some had clearly followed the band for years, while others – perhaps dragged along by friends – found themselves unexpectedly entranced by the musical storytelling unfolding before them.
At the heart of it all was Wille Edwards, whose soulful vocals and impressive lap steel guitar work defined the evening. His ability to make the guitar sing and to draw a wide range of tones from the instrument – at times resembling a wailing voice, at others a weeping violin – showcased both his technical skill and expressive playing style.
Alongside him, Harry Mackaill on bass provided a rich, grooving foundation, while Zak O’Loughlin on drums powered the set with relentless energy. Stevie Watts on Hammond organ and electric piano added a lush, cinematic quality to the sound, giving the set an almost orchestral depth.
A set list full of surprises
The gig was a showcase of versatility. One moment, they were drawing on the deep bluesy roots of classic rock; the next, they were slipping effortlessly into funk-laden grooves or reggae-infused jams.
A standout moment was a song inspired by a Cornish surfer, which featured an unmistakable funky groove on the Hammond organ. The rich, vintage tones transported me straight to the Starsky & Hutch era, a connection I couldn’t shake. After the gig, I mentioned this to Stevie Watts, who grinned in delight:
“I cannot believe it. I am very proud of you for spotting it, as I subtly included a hint to that series in the song. Well done.”
That moment perfectly encapsulated what makes Wille and the Bandits so special – their music is layered with detail, subtle nods, and a deep love for their craft.
Another highlight was a song that carried a distinct Spanish guitar vibe that included lyrics “Won’t let you go, won’t let you down”. With its intricate, swirling melodies and fluid transitions, it felt like Santana had collided with British folk rock – creating something entirely unique. The crowd, utterly transfixed, was silent. Wille, perhaps mistaking this for a lack of enthusiasm, jokingly remarked:
“You’re a very quiet crowd.”
But the truth was, we were simply lost in the moment. The song had woven its magic, and no one wanted to break the spell.
Then came “Angel”, a piece Wille wrote 17 years ago following the passing of his Irish mother. Almost entirely instrumental, save for the single haunting utterance of “Mother” at the end, the song felt like a prayer. The Irish influences were clear – subtle Celtic guitar flourishes, deep, resonant drum beats, and a sense of both sorrow and catharsis. As the song built towards its climax, the drum solo hit with thunderous intensity, shaking the venue with an emotional weight that was impossible to ignore.
The set continued its genre-hopping journey, with tracks like “Make Love”, which dripped with a blues-rock swagger, and “Free”, a reggae-tinged anthem inspired by the band’s early days, travelling Cornwall in a camper van. Each song had its own distinct personality, yet somehow, they all fit together perfectly – like pages from a well-worn travel journal.
A Band That Refuses to Be Pigeonholed
The encore was a revelation. After an evening of soaring melodies and groove-heavy jams, the band launched into a near-heavy metal finale. The shift was unexpected, thrilling, and a testament to their fearless versatility. One minute, they were lulling the crowd into a meditative state; the next, they were hitting with the raw power of a rock powerhouse.
As the set drew to a close, bassist Harry Mackaill summed it up best when he turned to drummer Zak O’Loughlin and said:
“He’s like a Duracell battery!”
It was a perfect description – Zak had been a force of nature all night, driving each song forward with precision and passion.
Bassist Harry Mackaill shared that travelling back and forth to Cornwall in a van, packed with instruments and gear, has strengthened their bond as a band, something that’s evident in how seamlessly they gel on stage. The Half Moon in Putney is the perfect venue for this kind of intimate connection – it allows you to get close enough to the musicians to have these brilliant, off-the-cuff chats that make live music even more special. After the gig, the band was heading straight back to Cornwall, as the surf forecast was looking good, proving that, despite their relentless touring, their love for the ocean and their Cornish roots remains as strong as ever.
James Dixon – A rebel with a guitar
Supporting Wille and the Bandits was James Dixon, a musician who could easily command a stage on his own. Armed with just an acoustic guitar, his voice, and razor-sharp lyrics, he delivered a performance that was both raw and thought-provoking.
His song “Burning Bridges” was a searing commentary on modern society. Written in 2017, its lyrics – “Your lips are burning bridges while America is still shooting kids” – felt as relevant today as ever, a sobering reminder of the world’s ongoing struggles.
Another standout was “Regardless of Your Ability to Pay”, a protest song about the NHS crisis. Despite being just one man with a guitar, the song carried the weight of an entire movement. His ability to blend storytelling with activism was reminiscent of greats like Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
Perhaps the most striking moment of his set came with “F*ing Screens”**, a scathing critique of social media and modern disconnection:
“How many Facebook likes until you like me?”
It was a gut-punch of a lyric, delivered with an honesty that made it impossible to ignore.
The Verdict? Unmissable
Wille and the Bandits are a band best experienced live. No amount of YouTube clips can capture the depth, the emotion, and the sheer power of their performances. They don’t just play music – they take you on a journey, pulling you into their world with every note.
In a time when so much of the music industry feels manufactured and formulaic, Wille and the Bandits stand out as a rare breed – artists who refuse to be confined by genres, who constantly push themselves to explore new sounds, and who genuinely care about the music they create.
If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate. Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan, a rock enthusiast, or someone who simply loves damn good music, this is a band that will leave you transfixed, exhilarated, and desperate for more.