By Christian Scalise

“KingBilly Brings Joe’s Bar to an Electric High”

Hot new country band KingBilly visited the Windy City at one of the hottest venues for live music, Joe’s Bar on Thursday July 30th, 2009.  Joe’s Bar is the premier attraction for concerts solely for its superb acoustics and intimate setting. For those of you that haven’t been there yet, we highly recommend that you head on over for a show real soon!

The crowd of mostly younger music fans starting filing into the venue close to show time. Taking the stage at 9:15pm, KingBilly opened their show with “Who I Love,” and rowdy tune “Beer.” The up-tempo songs were the perfect choice for the opening introduction to their concert.

This phenomenal group consists of six members: Donny Fallgatter (Lead Vocals), Josh Matheny (Dobro, Lap Steel, Vocals), John Osborne ("Take-off" Guitar, Vocals), Matt Utterback (Bass), Kevin Weaver (Drums), and Charlie Worsham (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals) whom each bring a unique talent to the sound and style of the band.

Even though some of you may have not heard of them just yet, they are definitely on the fast track to superstardom. Having Red Roof Inn as their official tour sponsor and a sweet deal with mega music network GAC, things can only get bigger and better in time for the band.

The energy level at Joe’s was fast paced and full of excitement compliments of KingBilly. They brought a versatile mixture of country, bluegrass, rock, and covers tunes to the show that gave the listeners an opportunity to broaden their horizons in the musical arena.

Many times during the show, each member of the band would take a turn to jam out on their particular instrument. At times it almost felt as if one was at a pseudo version of “Bonnaroo.” This really got everybody on their feet and brought out a highly acclaimed response from the crowd.

One very special moment of the evening was when music legend Richard Marx took the stage to join KingBilly on performances of “You Never Take Me Dancing” (Most recently recorded by Travis Tritt), and Keith Urban’s smash hit “Better Life.”

Before beginning the performance, Richard told the audience that he co-wrote the song with good friend Keith Urban. Richard also performed his first #1 single, “Don’t Mean Nothing” for the audience which resulted in absolute adoration.  

Speaking of Keith Urban, his wife Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman’s fellow friend and frequent costar Hollywood A-Lister Hugh Jackman made a surprise appearance at the show. Hugh was introduced to the stage by his friend Richard Marx.

Jackman and his family were in town visiting Richard Marx for the week as well as researching for his role in the upcoming Broadway production of “A Steady Rain.”  

Being that Hugh is one of the hottest commodities in the world, every woman in sight began to scream and take pictures of the Australian sensation the moment that he took the stage. He graciously accepted their approval and thanked them for being so kind.

Giving the audience another treat, Richard, Hugh and KingBilly performed one of Richard’s biggest hits, “Wherever You Are.” The rare onstage union of a country band, iconic pop singer, and first-rate actor created one memorable moment for all.

Closing out the show on a high note, KingBilly rocked the house with “Make Her Bad,” “Waitin,” “Damn This River,” “Fat Bottom” and “Kickin.” For those of you that have not been to a KingBilly concert…what are you waiting for?!? You’re missing out!! The show ended at 10:45pm.

Full Set List:

1. Who I Love

2. Beer

3. Stompin

4. Saturday Night Special

5. Savannah

6. Drive

7. Breaks Down

8. You Never Take Me Dancing (Richard Marx)

9. Better Life (Richard Marx)

10. Right Here Waiting (Richard Marx & Hugh Jackman)

11. Don’t Mean Nothing (Richard Marx)

12. Ones Got Away

13. Nationwide

14. Make Her Bad

15. Waitin

16. Damn This River

17. Fat Bottom

18. Kickin

For more info & touring dates, check out KingBilly's official MySpace here: http://www.MySpace.com/KingBillyBand