Willie Nile and his band took the stage at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 23. Willie Nile is a New York-born performing artist who has been rocking out for over 40 years. He has been praised by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, and Lou Reed. Uncut Magazine called him “The unofficial poet laureate of New York City.” Nile’s performance was the kickoff event for Monmouth University’s Center of the Arts event series this year.
Pollak Theatre was transformed into a concert venue with a merchandise stand in front of its doors that night. Albums, CDs, and t-shirts were available for fans to purchase before and after the show. People were taking photos with their friends and celebrating that man who was about to perform before them in a matter of minutes. Audience members were escorted to their seats by crew members and had a view of the set stage before the concert began.
People began to take their seats as James Maddock took the stage shortly after my arrival. He entered the stage wearing his own merchandise and with just a guitar in hand. His raspy, Springsteen-like voice echoed throughout Pollak Theatre as audience members were mesmerized by his words. As the music played, the crowd began to move and whisper to their friends about how great it sounded. Maddock performed eight songs, most of them off his newest album Night Work. Maddock was a personable act, sharing personal stories behind his songs. One being the song “Breedy,” which was about his old girlfriend from when he was a kid. His last song got him a standing ovation and fan admiration hard to beat for the following act. But after a short 15-minute intermission, it was time for Willie Nile.
As the lights dimmed, fans hurried back to their seats to catch a glimpse of the artist. Willie Nile entered, and the audience went crazy. Following him out was this three-piece band consisting of Jimi K. Bones on guitar, Johnny Pisano on bass, and Jon Weber on drums. Nile kicked off his set with heavy instrumentals that got the whole crowd moving in their seats. He performed 16 songs that kept the audience engaged and in awe. He even performed for us a new song, one that was so new he asked the audience to not even post it online. He also told stories of his life and his place in the music industry. He talked about his uprising and the day Clide Davis signed him to Arestol Records in 1978. Since that day, he has been performing and making music. Nile also touched the hearts of many Long Branch residents by mentioning Bruce Springsteen himself. Before the show, Nile explained how he wished the boss a happy birthday and Bruce told him to send the audience his love. A thrilling event for the school associated with him.
Nile even commented on Pollak Theatre and Monmouth University, calling the place “magic,” “an amazing space,” and “feels like home.”
Nile concluded his set by bringing out James Maddock and playing covers of the Jim Carol Band’s “People Who Died” and The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” These songs got the audience so excited they stood up out of their seats and danced for the duration of the concert.
After their final song, the five men took their final bow and told the audience that they would be back out to sign merchandise and talk to fans shortly. As the group left the stage, Jimi Bones threw his guitar pick, landing right in my hands, serving as a memento of a night when rock n’ roll truly came to life at Pollak Theatre.
This event was incredible to see, and Monmouth University’s Center of the Arts program hosts ones like this all throughout the year. If you missed out on Willie Nile, there are still so many amazing events that you can attend. Some are Ballet Hispánico on Saturday, Oct. 14 and The Mind and Music of George Gershwin – Live Concert Lecture by Dr. Richard Kogan on Saturday, Nov. 4.
