Willy DeVille RIP

Willy DeVille died last night of pancreatic cancer, age 59. I think he was an inspired performer. I only had a chance to see one of his shows live, and that was back in 1978 at Massey Hall in Toronto, on a bill with Nick Lowe and Rockpile and Elvis Costello and the Attractions. DeVille's band back then was Mink DeVille and they were burning hot. I was in high school at the time and rock and roll was being refreshed and renewed on many fronts. I remember the show well, both because all three bands were terrific, but also because the day before I was hit in the face with a baseball, leaving me swollen and sore.