A special tribute to Willy DeVille in the Erik Neimeijer Gallery - Aug 10th 2025

 Een bijzonder eerbetoon aan Willy DeVille in de Erik Neimeijer Gallery [NL]

Willy DeVille's album producer John Philip Shenale was 10 augustus jl. in Nederland. Hij werd geïnterviewd door de Amerikaanse rock muziek journalist Lisa Torem. In de Erik Neimeijer Gallery in Nijverdal werd de middag geopend door voormalig Willy ‘Mink’ DeVille International Fanclub voorzitter Gurrie van Brug. Er waren ongeveer 40 die-hard DeVille fans aanwezig die zich hiervoor van tevoren hadden aangemeld. Phil Shenale produceerde vier Willy DeVille albums (Backstreets of Desire, Loup Garou, Crow Jane Alley, Pistola) en hij vertelde over de samenwerking met Willy in die periode 1992 t/m 2008. Aan de hand van persoonlijke foto’s en beeld- en geluidsfragmenten werd een boeiend beeld weergegeven van de passie die zowel Willy als Phil voor hun werk hadden. Zanger- gitarist (tevens beeldend kunstenaar en galeriehouder) Erik Neimeijer speelde voor- en achteraf een aantal live songs van Willy DeVille op zijn akoestische gitaar en achter de piano. Na afloop werd er onder het genot van een drankje enthousiast nagepraat en konden de bezoekers nog eens extra genieten van de sfeervolle kleurige schilderijen van Erik, en van een selectie ingelijste DeVille live foto’s die ook tentoon werden gesteld. Het werd een bijzonder eerbetoon aan Willy DeVille die 6 augustus 2009 veel te jong overleed. Maar die ook in zijn ruim dertigjarige carrière heel veel muziekliefhebbers talloze mooie momenten heeft bezorgt. 

A special tribute to Willy DeVille in the Erik Neimeijer Gallery [ENG]

Willy DeVille's album producer John Philip Shenale was in the Netherlands on August 10th. He was interviewed by American rock music journalist Lisa Torem. The afternoon was opened at the Erik Neimeijer Gallery in Nijverdal by former Willy "Mink" DeVille International Fan Club chairman Gurrie van Brug. Approximately 40 die-hard DeVille fans were present, having registered in advance. Phil Shenale produced four Willy DeVille albums (Backstreets of Desire, Loup Garou, Crow Jane Alley, Pistola), and he spoke about his collaboration with Willy from 1992 to 2008. Using personal photos and audio clips, he provided a captivating glimpse into the passion both Willy and Phil had for their work. Singer-guitarist (also a visual artist and gallery owner) Erik Neimeijer played several live Willy DeVille songs before and after the performance on his acoustic guitar and piano. Afterward, there was enthusiastic conversation, and the audience could once again enjoy Erik's atmospheric, colorful paintings and a selection of framed DeVille live photos, which were also on display. It was a special tribute to Willy DeVille, who died far too young on August 6, 2009. But who also gave countless wonderful moments to many music lovers throughout his thirty-plus-year career.

“Stars that Speak" – Willy DeVille on lead vocal and slide guitar; John Philip Shenale on piano, Chamberlin, synths, and percussion [photo-video].

ABOUT

Erik Neimeijer (born 1982) is a Dutch musician, painter, and DeVille enthusiast. He played guitar in Cool Genius, Soundsurfer, The Backcorner Boogie Band, and Bökkers, and has performed in various solo and theater shows. Besides his music, Neimeijer is also active as a painter, inspired by the cobra. In 2022, he and his wife Maartje opened their own gallery in Nijverdal, the Netherlands.

Author/journalist/musician Lisa Torem analyzed the studio work of triple-threat artists: Tori Amos, Billy Joel and Suzanne Vega for the Sonicbond On Track Series and co-authored Through The Eye of The Tiger and All That Glitters: The Ava Cherry Story. 

John Philip Shenale (often mentioned as Phil Shenale) is a Canadian composer, arranger, musician and producer based in Los Angeles. Shenale's work has been featured on albums by artists such as Tori Amos, Willy DeVille, Jane's Addiction, Tracy Chapman, Billy Idol, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, The Bangles, Dionne Warwick, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and John Hiatt. 

"The artist may only bring lyrics, but they bring the story of their life. The producer is sucking all of the life juice out of the artist to get their stamp on the track. From that standpoint, it's not a manipulation of notes, but of reality."  - John Philip Shenale -

[photo's: GvdH25]

In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 16 Years

 In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 16 Years 

Willy 'Mink' Deville

Portrait of American singer and songwriter Willy 'Mink' Deville (1950 - 2009), 

as he poses smoking in the 70s. 

(Photo (c) Getty Images)

Willy DeVille's album producer John Philip Shenale in The Netherlands

 

Willy DeVille's album producer John Philip Shenale komt naar Nederland

Op zondagmiddag 10 augustus 2025 komt Composer, Arranger, Producer John Philip Shenale naar Nederland! Hij produceerde vier Willy DeVille albums en gaat over de samenwerking met Willy vertellen. Erik Neimeijer speelt die middag live songs van Willy. 

Locatie: Erik Neimeijer Gallery, Willem Alexanderstraat 2K, 7442 MA Nijverdal
Website: https://www.erikneimeijerart.nl/gallery
Aanvang: 13:30 - 1600 uur

Kaarten incl. 1 drankje á 6,00 Euro p/st te bestellen bij: ghdvanbrug@ziggo.nl

Willy DeVille's album producer John Philip Shenale in The Netherlands

On Sunday afternoon August 10, 2025, Composer, Arranger, Producer John Philip Shenale will come to the Netherlands! He produced four Willy DeVille albums and will talk about the collaboration with Willy. Erik Neimeijer will play some of Willy's songs live that afternoon.

Location: Erik Neimeijer Gallery, Willem Alexanderstraat 2K, 7442 MA Nijverdal NL
Website: https://www.erikneimeijerart.nl/gallery
Start: 13:30 - 16:00

Tickets incl. 1 drink at 6.00 Euro each can be ordered at: ghdvanbrug@ziggo.nl

source: https://www.johnphilipshenale.com

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - 15 years

 In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 15 Years 

Willy 'Mink' Deville

Portrait of American singer and songwriter Willy 'Mink' Deville (1950 - 2009), as he poses in the lobby of an Upper West Side apartment building, Manhattan, NY, 1986. 

(Photo (c) by Oliver Morris/Getty Images)

R.I.P. Marcel Schimscheimer - MdV bassplayer (1963–2024)

In the late 1980s the Dutch bass guitarist/producer Marcel Schimscheimer went on tour with the band of Willy DeVille: Mink DeVille.

Mink DeVille - Italian Shoes
Rock Am Ring 05-26-1985 – Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany. 

Willy DeVille tribute in Podium Laurentz 17-02-2024

HEEMSKERK - Dat de muziek van Willy DeVille enorm leeft na zijn overlijden in 2009, blijkt wel uit het feit dat zijn muziek en concerten nog steeds dagelijks te horen en te zien zijn op allerlei media. Zanger en gitarist Jimmy Sterman brengt met Stars That Speak een hommage aan zijn muziek op zaterdag 17 februari in Podium Laurentz.

Jimmy Sterman op het podium. (Foto: Lex Putman)

Dit jaar is het 15 jaar geleden dat Willy DeVille op 58 jarige leeftijd overleed. Voor Jimmy Sterman een mooi moment om met zijn muziek weer muzikale herinneringen op te halen. Ondanks een turbulent leven met verslavingen, was DeVille een zeer gewaardeerd muzikant onder collega’s. Hij werkte samen met onder andere Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen en Tom Waits. In 2007 trad hij in Nederland nog op Pinkpop op. Jimmy Sterman speelt een selectie van zijn grote repertoire.

Tickets
De aanvang is om 21.00 uur, de deuren gaan open om 20.00 uur. Een kaartje kost 12,50 euro aan de deur. In de voorverkoop kosten tickets 10,00 euro. Kaarten online te bestellen via www.decirkelheemskerk.nl. Aan de deur kun je (mits niet uitverkocht) met pin een toegangsbewijs kopen.

Theater en Filmhuis De Cirkel, Podium Laurentz, Anthonie Verherentstraat 1, 1961 GD Heemskerk.

[bron: https://www.rodi.nl/]

Yadonna West & Banddeville live with Erik Neimeijer in Schagen (NL)

 

Yadonna (VS) & Banddeville (NL) played Nov. 19th with special guestsinger Erik Neimeijer as part of the Dutch Yadonna West Tour 2022 at @Restaurant De Ooievaar in Schagen, The Netherlands. 

It was a great DeVille tribute with the best songs like among others: Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl, Love & Emotion, Carmelita, Chieva and some of Willy's best covers and ballads: You Better Move On, Across The Borderline, Stand By Me, Heaven stood Still and Storybook Love and of course the hits Spanish Stroll, Demasiado Corazon (Too Much Heart) and Hey Joe. 

As an extra surprise, Yadonna sang two more Christmas songs, because she thought the hall was so beautifully decorated in the Christmas spirit. 

Thank you Gurrie for the organization and thanks all artists for the beautiful performance! 🎤🎸🎹🎷🎶🖤 

[photo's: GvdH 191122]

[more pictures (c) bij Hans Tromp here]

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - 13 years

 In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 13 Years 

Willy DeVille photo's: (c) Philippe Cibille

Heaven Stood Still: The Life and Times of Willy DeVille 2022

The life and times of the most original American singer/ songwriter of the last 50 years: Heaven Stood Still (documentary).  Director: Larry Locke. Producer: Crispin Cioe. Stars: Willy DeVille (archive footage), Jack Nitzsche (archive footage), Ben E. King (archive footage), Peter Wolf and more. EU release: Oct. 2022.

Full Cast & Crew

Willy DeVille Filmography

HSS Facebook

The song 

EDIT 07-10-2022:

De docu is klaar en gaat 4 november in Londen in première.

Ik ben nog bezig om te proberen om een aantal (voor) vertoningen in Nederland te krijgen. Daarover later meer. Eerst Engeland - docnrollfestival.com [Gurrie van Brug].

 

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2022

 

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - 12 years

 In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 12 Years 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2021

 

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - 11 years

 In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 11 Years 

Willy DeVille expositie in Herman Brood museum

Van 20 oktober tot en met eind december is er een prachtige expositie van Willy DeVille te zien in het Herman Brood Museum Zwolle.

De expositie bestaat onder andere uit unieke foto's van:
- Patricia Steur
- Dirk W. de Jong
- Gerard Wessel

Ook zijn er kostuums te zien zijn die Willy droeg op het podium. Met dank aan Trudy Jost uit Zwitserland.

Yadonna Wise West samen met Erik Neimeijer – Foto © Mariekus Go

De opening was zondag 20 oktober van 20.00 - 23.00 uur.
Tijdens deze opening zorgde niemand minder dan YaDonna Wise (West) uit New Orleans voor de muzikale omlijsting. Zij was jarenlang vaste zangeres bij Willy DeVille's band en vertolkte een aantal bekende DeVille nummers. Ze werd hierin bijgestaan door onder andere Erik Neimeijer.

Fotograaf Patricia Steur werkte twintig jaar elk jaar met hem samen. Met haar sprak NOS Met het Oog Op Morgen over Willy DeVille.

Meer foto's hier.

Willy met Herman Brood 70's – Foto © Gerard Wessel

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - 10 years in sweet memory

In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 10 Years

[photo: Michael Ochs]

August 6 has been declared DeVille International Outfit Day.
To honor Willy 'Mink' DeVille wear that day a DeVille outfit or T-shirt!
Make a picture of it and share it on your Facebook page or any other social media.
Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

6 augustus is uitgeroepen tot DeVille International Outfit Day.
Draag die dag om Willy DeVille te eren een DeVille outfit of T-shirt.
Maak er vervolgens een foto van en deel die op je Facebook pagina of andere sociale media. Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

6. August ist DeVille internationalen Outfit Tag erklärt worden.
Um Willy DeVille zu Ehren tragen Sie an diesem Tag eine DeVille Outfit oder T-shirt!
Erstellen Sie ein Bild von dort und teilen Sie es auf Ihrer Facebook-Seite oder andere sozialen Medien. Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

Place the banner on your personal Web site to encourage fans:
Plaats de banner op je persoonlijke website om fans aan te moedigen:
Bitte platzieren Sie das Banner auf Ihrer persönlichen Website:

R.I.P. David J. Keyes (64) Willy DeVille bass player

R.I.P. David J. Keyes (64) long time bass player with Willy DeVille among many others. 
Sorry for your loss. You will be missed.

[So long David!]

David J. Keyes - traveled the world as bassist/vocalist/guitar for Willy DeVille and Mink DeVille Band from 1992-2006. He continued to assist in writing Willy's last two studio records, "Crow Jane Alley" dedicated to Jack Nitzsche and "Pistola", Willy's last studio record, after David J. was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January 2007.

David J. Keyes earned a Gold Record Award with Mink DeVille Band for his performance on Willy DeVille Live (1993 FNAC) recorded live at Bottom line in NYC and Olympia in Paris, France.

David J. Keyes also toured and recorded with Symphonic/Rock band Renaissance, Annie Haslam vocalist, from 1990 to 2014, Touring Japan, UK and USA. Renaissance released a new Studio record "Symphony of Light" in 2013 and new DVD "Live at Keswick Theater" from Renaissance tour 2011.

David J Keyes played upright bass, dobro & co-produced studio record w/ singer/songwriter Titus Wolfe - Berlin, Germany.
The album of Titus Wolfe - "HoHoKus" (w/ David J. Keyes 2015) is available on Blue Rose Records.

[photo © | DeVille Fans meeting with David J Keyes & Darin Brown at Luxor Rotterdam Oct. 2006]


When people say renowned bass player and singer David J. Keyes of Franklin Lakes battled cancer, they mean it. [source: dailyvoice.com]

Keyes, who succumbed to the disease earlier this week – 12 years after being diagnosed – fought valiantly, never allowing it to darken a shining smile, those who knew him said.

“His mantra was one of grace, humility, passion and strength -- the glass was always half full no matter how much pain he was in,” wrote singer-songwriter and keyboardist Dave Keyes (no relation) of Sloatsburg. “He was always upbeat, always looking for the light.”

Keyes, 64, had an impressive musical resume, playing with a variety of acts, from symphonic prog-rock pioneers Renaissance to the late New York City-cum-New Orleans American roots music singer-songwriter Willy DeVille.

He was a familiar fixture in clubs in New York City, as well as in Bergen and Rockland counties, among other places.

His fortes were blues and folk.

Keyes was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2007 and steadily underwent biweekly chemo treatments. Yet he never blinked onstage, those who knew him said.

“Probably the most positive person I’ve ever met, even through his long battle,” wrote guitarist Mark Newman.

“Dave was a true gentleman, great musician and ALWAYS a bright spirit in spite of the burden he carried the last 10 years,” added drummer Bill Tesar. “I'll miss him terribly.”

He also was a tremendous influence.

New York City guitarist Steve Conte met Keyes in 1984 at a Fifth Avenue club called 240 West – which later became the now-defunct Lone Star Roadhouse – when the bands they played in were on the same bill.

“We hit it off and kept in touch over the years,” he said, adding that Keyes pushed him to learn to play mandolin, open-tuned dobro & Tex/Mex-style nylon string.

“Knowing what a big Willy [DeVille] fan I was, he approached me to do a tour once, which I had to turn down,” Conte recalled. “But the next time, I took him up on the offer and it was life-changing, to say the least.

“I had no idea what to expect replacing the great Freddy Koella in Willy's band, but Dave went the extra mile to make me feel at ease in a situation where I was ‘the new guy.’

“Dave & I traveled in style with Willy; playing the greatest cities of Europe in the summer of 2003, staying in 5-star hotels, dining on the finest cuisine, drinking the best wines and playing some of the most soulful music I've ever had the pleasure of performing on a tour.

“Dave & I spent many nights on tour talking about life & music till the sun came up,” Conte added. “He was a true friend, a sweetheart who really cared about people.

“I am comforted to know that he is finished with suffering.”

The “other” Dave Keyes noted that his friend’s “ever-present smile was a beacon of light and courage in a crazy world, an inspiration for anyone who has ever been sick or dealing with major health issues.”

He called Keyes “an incredible person whose spirit and soul will live on for me thru the memories I have of hanging with him, our conversations, our golf games and the music we made together.

“Big hugs, prayers and gratitude to his wife Marilyn S. Keyes, who has always been by his side. RIP brother....There is none other like you.”

Willy DeVille’s Songbook Oct. 20th 2019

Willy DeVille’s Songbook 

Op zondagmiddag 20 oktober 2019 in de stadsgehoorzaal in Kampen. 

Speciaal voor dit concert komt YaDonna West (Wise) over uit New Orleans.
Na haar zeer succesvolle periode bij Willy DeVille heeft YaDonna getoerd met Neil Young.
Om Willy’s  fans nog een keer te ontmoeten komt zij over uit New Orleans.

De band:
In 2010 hebben ze de laatste fanclub bijeenkomst afgesloten met een fantastisch optreden.
Nu zijn het landelijk bekende muzikanten en spelen zij in bekende bands.
Op 20 oktober 2019 staan ze op het podium met Willy DeVille’s songbook:

Bauke Bakker (Her Majesty)
Sebastiaan van Olst (Typhoon)
Gertjan van der Weerd (Bökkers, Her Majesty)
Erik Neimeijer (o.a. Bökkers)

De kaartverkoop is nog niet gestart.
We houden je op de hoogte.

Jos, Robert, Gurrie

Mink DeVille Band with background vocalists Doreen and Yadonna Wise (2007)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2019

picture: (c)1991 Paul Bergen 

Willy DeVille - Aug 25th 1950 - Aug 6th 2009 - in sweet memory

In sweet memory of Willy DeVille - Heaven Stood Still For 9 Years

[photo: Paul Bergen]

August 6 has been declared DeVille International Outfit Day.
To honor Willy 'Mink' DeVille wear that day a DeVille outfit or T-shirt!
Make a picture of it and share it on your Facebook page or any other social media.
Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

6 augustus is uitgeroepen tot DeVille International Outfit Day.
Draag die dag om Willy DeVille te eren een DeVille outfit of T-shirt.
Maak er vervolgens een foto van en deel die op je Facebook pagina of andere sociale media. Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

6. August ist DeVille internationalen Outfit Tag erklärt worden.
Um Willy DeVille zu Ehren tragen Sie an diesem Tag eine DeVille Outfit oder T-shirt!
Erstellen Sie ein Bild von dort und teilen Sie es auf Ihrer Facebook-Seite oder andere sozialen Medien. Got style, Got taste, Got savoir faire!

Place the banner on your personal Web site to encourage fans:
Plaats de banner op je persoonlijke website om fans aan te moedigen:
Bitte platzieren Sie das Banner auf Ihrer persönlichen Website: