Wesley Willis Dead At 30

X · Post by X » Mon Aug 25, 2003 10:44 pm

this is the shittiest news ever. The man who whipped a donkey's ass for 30 years has lost his battle with lukeimia.

Rock Over London, Rock On Chicago.....Wesley will never be forgotten!

junkie christ · Post by **junkie christ** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 11:19 pm

ive been sending this to everyone on my aim and email lists all night. im floored.
from billboard.com
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Singer/songwriter Wesley Willis, a diagnosed schizophrenic who recorded more than 50 albums during his career, has died after a long battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The Chicago-based artist underwent emergency surgery to suppress internal bleeding on June 2 and remained in hospice care until his death on Aug. 21. He was 40.

Standing 6'5" tall and weighing more than 300 pounds, Willis began writing songs in 1992, primarily about his favorite rock 'n' roll artists. He would also be frequently seen riding the Chicago bus lines, selling his accomplished pen drawings of the cityscapes.

In the mid-'90s, Willis released two albums for Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. They deviated little, if at all, from formula: three chords, a chorus with the subject's name repeated over and over, and an outtro featuring the slogan, "Rock over London, rock over Chicago."

Willis' "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" was released in 1995 by Alternative Tentacles, the label run by former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra. A second volume followed in 1999 and a third edition will be released on Oct. 7. "Volume III" will feature video footage of Willis as well as downloads and an art and photo gallery.

"Wesley will go down as one of the most unique songwriters and entertainment personalities in history," Biafra said in a statement. "His music, lyrics, drawings, insight and the way he put them together are like no one else. Ever. There will never be another. As I got to know Wes, what really struck me was his sheer will power, his unrelenting drive to succeed and overcome his horrifically poor background, child abuse, racism, chronic schizophrenia and obesity, among other things. He was the most courageous person I have ever known."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

junkie christ · Post by **junkie christ** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 11:20 pm

and note, he was 40....

littlepockit · Post by **littlepockit** » Tue Aug 26, 2003 8:19 am

that is terrible news. :cry:

LouseLiddell · Post by **LouseLiddell** » Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:38 am

shocked... floored...gasping...

ignore a forum for a few months, peer back in and get hit with this... geez

now i have to ponder that age old dilema of whether or not it is ok to mock the dead... sigh

:-(

austEros · Post by **austEros** » Wed Aug 27, 2003 2:25 am

grrrr....

JaNell · Post by **JaNell** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 5:56 am

OK, NPR is doing a story on Wesley Willis right now.

junkie christ · Post by **junkie christ** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 3:51 pm

JaNell wrote:OK, NPR is doing a story on Wesley Willis right now.

i heard the ass end of that..........
it was surprisingly nice to him too.........

JaNell · Post by **JaNell** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 3:56 pm

junkie christ wrote:
JaNell wrote:OK, NPR is doing a story on Wesley Willis right now.

i heard the ass end of that..........
it was surprisingly nice to him too.........

It was good enough to make me interested in hearing him.