Ron Willis, lead singer for Big Red Shoe, is a born storyteller and the anecdotes just come rolling off his tongue – like the time he opened for April Wine or was asked to play at Rockfest in front of 30,000 people.
Only it poured all weekend and the entire field turned to mud. The event was cancelled and everyone was trying to scramble out of the field only to get stuck in the mud.
“By the time I got to the highway, I was a born-again Christian,” laughs Willis who also plays bass for Big Red Shoe.
Rounding out the foursome is his wife Bonnie (rhythm and lead guitar), Paul Crompton (lead guitar/vocals) and Rick Nutback (drums).
Together for 17 years, Big Red Shoe performs at diverse events from corporate gigs and small clubs to huge outdoor festivals. This coming Friday, the rockin’ blues band stops by LB’s Pub.
The band was launched after friends invited themselves over for a jam session. They started writing their own material, and Willis, who only wears red shoes on stage, dubbed the band Big Red Shoe.
“What sets us apart from other bands is the flexibility of our material. We promote ourselves and do songs you’ve forgotten. We do a lot of material nobody else does,” Willis said.
The dynamic set list keeps everyone hopping with numbers such as Revolution, Double Vision, Dance the Night Away, I Want You To Want Me, Voodoo Thing and Keep On Lovin’ Me Baby.
But the glue that bonds everyone’s energy is a long-time friendship.
“There is no stress. It’s like a family band. It’s low tension. We have a lot of fun and the crowds sense it.”
LB’s Pub is at 23 Akins Dr.
