by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
WHO: Rev. Billy Wirtz
WHERE: European Street (San Marco)
WHEN: Thursday, July 19TH 8:30 PM
The Reverend Billy Wirtz defies comparison as an original artist. He is a stand-up comedian, clever songwriter, and keen observer of the human condition. Above all, he’s funny and very entertaining as a solo act. His red-haired holiness preaches the salvation of the redneck culture. Rev. Billy established The First House of Polyester Worship, where he heals the faithful of their snobbery and uptight conservatism.
Rev. Billy’s eclectic style of piano playing and funny songs heal the sick and scare the bejesus out of the sniveling politicians who get their underwear in a bunch over the slightest detour from the middle of the road. Yeah, Rev. Billy makes George Bush run for cover and other clueless politicians shudder with fear. He pierces their heart with the Word according to the Rev. Billy, a skewed reality where the good old boys win and tractor pulls rule.
Hearing that Rev. Billy had been seriously ill with a life threatening lung infection, I was concerned that the good Reverend would be out of action for far too long. Rev. Billy had to take some time off the road to get better, but he is now healed and ready to start touring on a limited basis. He is now concentrating on playing the listening room circuit as opposed to the blues clubs, which he feels have gotten away from blues and into more mainstream acts. I think in retrospect, Rev. Billy’s time off the road was a catharsis of spirit– a much-needed rest and a chance to write some new material.
EU: So, you’ve been out of commission for a while, but I hear you’re healed and ready for the road again. Tell us about your illness and your plans for the immediate future.
Rev. Billy: Yes, my illness forced me to take some time off. The lung infection was serious and life threatening, but for the first time in my career, I had to get off the road and take it easy. I’m feeling much better now, and I’m ready to start touring again on a limited basis. I like playing the smaller listening rooms in a more intimate setting. I still have my radio show and I write a travel column for the Charlotte Observer. Yeah, I know it seems strange, but in the course of my job as a gypsy musician, I’ve traveled extensively and taken notes on the various places, so I feel like I’m an expert on telling the public about the real soul of various towns and cities I’ve experienced, not the typical tourist-oriented stuff.
EU: I always considered what you do unique and I wouldn’t compare you with anyone else. I think it’s fair to say you are part stand-up comic and part writer of satirical songs. But you seem to thrive on continuing to write original material on an ongoing basis. Is that a fair assumption on my part?
Rev. Billy: Yes, I’m always working on something new, which comes to me mostly on the road. On this tour, I’m breaking into new rooms, which is stimulating for me to introduce my material to virgin ears. I’m playing more listening rooms rather than so-called blues rooms. It’s a much more intimate setting and gets me closer to the audience. I thrive on audience interaction, which gives me a chance to improvise based on the vibes of the room. I also like going out solo, which gives me more leeway to improvise both musically and comedically. And, I can play at my own pace. I really feel what I do is uniquely original and I hate being compared to anyone else. On this tour, I will be introducing new material and digging into my vast repertoire to offer a variety of my past material. But it all depends on the audience and the specific situation.
The Rev. Billy Wirtz will be performing at the European Street listening room on San Marco Boulevard on Thursday, July 19th. Call for reservations at (904) 399-1740, or email andy@hackingcat.com. Florida Space Coast residents can hear Rev. Billy’s radio show on WFIT 89.5 FM on Friday nights from 10 pm to midnight.
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