Staff Blog
“Alright, let’s rock it to Russia”: Wesley Willis doc screens at National Mechanics
posted by Molly Eichel
Wesley Willis, Chicago’s answer to Daniel Johnston, was a schizophrenic rock ‘n’ roll troubadour and outsider artist. His songs are simple, often just a drum machine or keyboard, all under Willis’ endearingly tone deaf voice. Incredibly prolific, Willis recorded over 50 albums. Filmed over the last four years of his life, the documentary Wesley Willis’ Joy Rides premiered at the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival (where Philly-set The New Year Parade took home top honors) and went on to the win the Gold Hugo for Chicago Award at the Chicago International Film Fest. The title refers to how Willis famously saw rock ‘n’ roll — as joy ride music.
In anticipation of Joy Rides‘ December 8 DVD release, National Mechanics will host a a free midnight screening of the doc on Monday, November 30. Trailer is above. What’s your fave Wesley Willis song? Nothing beats my frist experience with Willis, which was “Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonalds.” Enjoy.
Â
Wesley Willis Joyrides, Mon., Nov. 30, midnight, free, National Mechanics, 22 S. Third St., 215-701-4883.
[...] “Alright, let's rock it to Russia”: Wesley Willis doc screens at … Share and Enjoy: [...]
[...] “Alright, let's rock it to Russia”: Wesley Willis doc screens at … [...]
Alright…I saw this at a screening in LA recently and it was fantastic! people should go and see this touching portrait of an afflicted man with some amazing talents. I never knew about his drawings until I saw this, they are fantastic!
[...] when we told you about that screening of Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides – the doc about the schizophrenic self-described “Chicago City Artist” who drew [...]