I just found out my bud and one of my favorite music loving fans, “Wyld” Bill Dillard, suffered a heart attack a couple weeks back.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Bill at either the smallest of clubs or the biggest of joints, you’ve been missing out.
When the words “support live music” are uttered, there are very few of any I’ve met besides Bill who can truly live up to that mantra. His passion and love for the art we do is undeniable. He consistently wants to give back time and again to the folks who work very hard to put on the best shows we can.
There have been many times, both on stage and in the crowd, where out of the corner of my eye, I see this gray-bearded guy just grooving along to whatever is coming out of those speakers. I’ll never forget when I played the Plastic Lennon Band show at Smiths Olde Bar (which included Benji Shanks, and Lee Schwartz of Outformation). Bill was there, and the next day he immediately exclaimed that he had just seen one of the best shows and bands all year – and it was the very first show we did!
I can honestly say that Wyld Bill Picks are among my regular reads whenever I’m having an itch for some live music in town. In the past month however, new life caught up with me and I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to keep up with his picks. Ironically, that’s exactly when Bill had his health scare.
I’m happy to have heard he’s doing fine considering the circumstances. He’s got quite a journey ahead of him. So keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers. One of Atlanta’s biggest music fans, if not the biggest, needs some good music vibes sent his way when you’re out there jamming in ATL.