Well, it wouldn't be Fuji Rock without them! Big Willie and his crew are part of the furniture in the Crystal Palace. In fact, I'm beginning to think that they come with the Spiegel tent, ready to start that show that's made them the talk of late night Fuji, tear after year...

I spoke to Willie at the end of last year's festival, and he told me that his team start asking him about, oh, November whether or not they're going to Fuji Rock next time around, and nag him until the contract is signed, sealed and delivered. The one year in recent memory that they missed out (2007), Willie reported that his band's faces were so long (and the whispers so loud) that he swore to never put himself through it again!

But don't expect to simply find these guys doing their thing late sunday night. I'm expecting to spot them doing their thing at least once a day somewhere about the festival, if years past are anything to go by. Maybe more. Don't expect too much prior warning either, these guys are just as likely to strut their stuff when someone has a hissy fit and refuses to fulfill their spot. more than possible with enough egos in town to create a black hole should the planets be out of alignment...

So expect that burlesque show that has made them the stuff of Fuji Rock legend. And the band? As I said earlier, I know they wouldn't miss it for all the burlesque in a smokey bar. Carolina and Dakota back for more? Well if they're not in attendance, it will be the crowd with the long faces!

BIg Willie's Burlesque official site
2008 FRF Report
Photo Report from 2008

Dom.

Crystal Palace in 2006:

The only possible reason why I can't find a more recent vid is that when Big Willy, Dakota, and Carolina take to the stage, you ain't looking through that camera!

Photo by Yoshitaka, used with permission of FujiRock Express 2008.