Wilson at the Agora

Cleveland, Ohio
September 26, 2015

What’s black and white and red all over? I’m not sure exactly, but I envision that it’s possibly what I could have resembled had I fallen off the rooftop or down the steel ladder from whence I came while chatting with Wilson one beautiful day in Cleveland, Ohio, amidst the rooftop of The Agora.

Kyle, Nici, and Matt up on the roof! — Photo by Jodi V

Beat! Beat! Drums!
I met with Drummer Matt Puhy and Guitarist Kyle Landry from the hard rock band Wilson, and the meeting started off with a bang… many bangs. I had arrived during Mark Tremonti’s sound check, which for the time being, was focused on the drums. The green room, where we would normally conduct the interview, was located immediately behind the stage, and to quote Huey Lewis in Back to the Future, it was “Just too darned loud.” We walked across the stage a few times, across wires, over guitars, and sliding past some very hot men, trying to find a quiet area. I was about to suggest a car, when either Matt or Kyle said, “I mean, we could go to the roof.” Yes, of course. The roof. Let’s go up on the roof!

Nici on the ladder to the roof

The Adventure
Not at that moment, but later on, I remembered words to a Hed PE song, Swan Dive, as I climbed the steel ladder to the edgeless roof: “I climb hand over hand, closing my eyes…. Too scared to look down…. I climb hand over hand…. Putting distance between I and I and the ground.” Yes, it was scary, a roof without borders, but also I was very thankful that I had opted to wear the black jeans that day versus the skirt that I had planned to wear earlier.

Probably the most entertaining interview I’ve experienced, this situation offered Matt, Kyle, photographer Jodi, and me the true concept of adventure. We were open-minded to possibility, we allowed ourselves to take chances, let our guards down, followed the moment, and enjoyed the rewards: a gorgeous day, a view of Cleveland’s skyline, and energetic, fun conversation, not to mention some hysterical photos. This was an experience that I will never forget. Check out more of my interview with the guys below.

If Nici, Matt, and Kyle formed a band, this is how their album cover might look — Photo by Jodi V

The Concert
Wilson, on tour with Tremonti and Trivium, is a hard rock, crazy, fun, loud, party kind of band. And, they put on one hell of show. Pure energy and entertainment. In the Hed PE song previously mentioned, the lyrics continue with, “What could be better than a swan dive into the asphalt? I don’t know.” I can tell you what was better. Lead singer Chad Nicefield’s swan dive into the crowd and subsequent crowd surfing. Chad, please keep that up. There’s not enough band member swan diving these days!

Left: Wilson in concert ● Right: Chad Nicefield crowd surfing at The Agora, Cleveland

Following Wilson was Tremonti, led by Mark Tremonti of Creed and Alter Bridge fame, performing a truly high-quality set. Having been a part of (an annoyance to?) the sound check process earlier, immediately following the interview with Matt and Kyle, we were able to see Mark and band practice perform “Another Heart.” Exceptional song. And, Trivium rocked the house and made fans go nearly insane with their killer set.

Left: Tremonti ● Middle: Excited crowd at the Agora, Cleveland ● Right: Trivium

Nici’s Halloween costume inspired by Wilson’s T-shirt

The Merch Inspiration
After the show, I purchased a Wilson T-shirt with a lovely man featured on the front, who inspired my Halloween costume (see photo). I think I could be labeled as Wilson’s Ghoul’s Bride. Thanks guys!

The Wrap
In all, I truly enjoyed meeting and watching Wilson, and I look forward to seeing them in concert again. Although our messages and mottos in life might be worded differently (check out their Facebook page), they hold the same ultimate meaning. Live for today. Enjoy today. Live for adventure. Have fun. Go for it.

Wilson’s The Setlist
1. Before I Burn
2. Give ‘Em Hell
3. College Gangbang
4. Waiting for the World to Cave In
5. Windows Down!
6. All My Friends
7. Right To Rise
8. Susan Jane

Highlights of the Rooftop Chat with Matt and Kyle

Kyle, Nici, and Matt up on the roof — Photo by Jodi V

How long have they been together, how did they get started, and what’s the story behind the name Wilson?
Hailing from Detroit, the current members (Matt, Kyle, Chad, Guitarist Jason Spencer, and Bassist James Lascu) have all been together about 5.5 years. Jason started the band in college “to get free beer.” They started getting more serious, played a few shows, and then unexpectedly won a battle of the bands in Lansing, Mich. The name Wilson was shouted out randomly in the crowd. It stuck!

Are they on a national tour?
The band is just wrapping up a 28-city tour for five weeks. They are in the works for some other things, hopefully soon to be announced!!

Being from Michigan, have they been to the Machine Shop in Flint?
“Oh yes! This is one of our favorite spots.” I loved how Matt put it: “I see Machine Shop shirts everywhere. Pants down, more than any other shirt!”

What is their tour vehicle?
Wilson has a 15-passenger van, with seven people on board. Said Matt, “Kyle is the resident ‘MacGyver’ who was able to build in some bunk beds. It’s pretty comfortable. We were touring in a Suburban before, so it’s like being in a 4-star hotel.”

Do they love the adventure of touring?
Matt: “The adventure thing is amazing! We did get to do one tour on a bus. Our first tour in Europe. We were with Halestorm and Nothing More. It was a lot different because we would go to bed in our bunks and wake up in a different country. So, we would have the whole day to wander around. We definitely had much more time for adventure in that situation.”

Kyle: “It’s nice that we can drive ourselves in the van. We go to the gym on the road. We go to Planet Fitness almost every day.”

Nici and Matt at the merch table

What goes on while other acts are on stage?
The guys explained that they listen to the bands, hang out, and socialize with fans at the merch table. Per Matt: “We’re a social band. We like meeting the people who take the time to listen to us, so why the hell wouldn’t we want to get to know who they are?”

What do they aspire to do next?
Kyle: “A long time ago, I aspired to do exactly what we’re doing right now. It’s a tough question because every time you get to the next level, whatever that might be or entail, you’re always thinking bigger. You’ve got to just stop and smell the roses once in a while.”

Matt: “My biggest thing would be to quit my jobs back at home. We all work when we’re back home.” The guys explained that they’ve had jobs ranging from insurance sales to handy work.

What are some of their influences?
Kyle: “We’re the two members who probably listen to the most eclectic music.”

Matt: “I listen to little bit of everything … classical, jazz, funk, hip hop. The metal stuff is fun and I used to listen to a lot of it, but it’s nice to get influenced by something that is completely separate from a genre that we might be compared to. I take influence from everything.”

Kyle: “A lot of influences are the bands we tour with. Watching them every night, we take in some of the things we like.”

I referenced Wilson’s motto on their Facebook page: “Drive fast, fuck hard, and raise hell! Are you living like you’re already dead?” Now, I phrase it a little differently, but that’s kind of my motto, too. To me, they’re saying: Enjoy every day. Live life. Right?
Lots of laughing. Absolutely!!