Live Review + Gallery | Willie J Healey @ Exeter Phoenix, Exeter

Kieran Webber

Director and Founder of CLUNK Magazine, CLUNK Events, and other CLUNK affiliate businesses. You’ll probably find me tucked away somewhere sending emails, listening to music, and creating content.

Willie J Healey kicked off his UK headline tour at the Exeter Phoenix and further proved he is truly one of the most underrated artists in the country

It was midweek and the weather had been teasing us with rays of sunshine, yet the rain did win this day as we made our way up to Exeter. The reason for our voyage? Well to catch, in our humble opinions, one of the UK’s most underrated artists, Willie J Healey.

After a quick pizza and beer we made our way to the Exeter Phoenix, a stunning red brick venue that stands tall and proud at the top of the city. Opening the night was Clara Mann, an artist who I had not previously heard of before, but after her set it was safe to call us fans. Her stunning vocals matched with her brutally honest and vulnerable lyrics captivated the room, with silence only being broke to applaud at the end of each song. It was a soft and lovely warm up for what was going to be a quick but satisfying hot of jams from Willie J Healey and his merrymen.

Willie and his band walked on stage with big smiles ready to kick off their headline tour and to say they didn’t disappoint is an understatement. They kicked things off with ‘Bumble Bee’, a track taken off his most recent release ‘Bunny’. It was a groove infused number that set the tone perfectly for the night. Within seconds the good vibes filled the room, smiles adorned faces, and the crowd swayed and danced to what Willie was laying down.

Surprisingly, the setlist was filled with tracks from most of his discography, including many fan favourites from 202’s ‘Twin Heavy’. Tracks such as ‘Fashun’, ‘For You’, and ‘True Stereo’, it was excellent. However, the highlight came in the form of fused medley of ‘Dreams’ and ‘Thank You’, they blended excellently and gave the band a moment to really jam and spread their musical wings.

It was a joyous gig, so much so that Willie even found himself in the crowd at one point handing out free hugs to the punters. This wasn’t to be the last crowd interaction though, as he was handed a birthday present halfway through the show, where a fan had purchased him a flying V guitar pin and a flan dish, which he loved.

It was this wholesome vibe that was felt throughout the night, a real connection and admiration going both ways. It’s this that makes Willie’s music so special, it’s relatable, warm, and heartwarming, something I think the people are very much in need of. Of course, musically, he is extremely talented, creating groove infused jams and indie rock belters. However, his connection and humbleness with his fans is nothing short of admirable.

Truly, it is a crying shame that Willie J Healey isn’t a larger artist, he deserves the world and has everything needed to take it. However, maybe it’s a good thing we still have him as a man of the people, an accessible artist that we all get to enjoy in intimate settings. Either way, Willie J Healey proved yet again that he is the countries most underrated artist. When Willie rolls into town be sure to grab a ticket, sink a few beverages and let his music sooth you, you’ve earned it.