Almost a decade ago in Edinburgh, William Douglas, decided to start a rock ‘n’ roll band, and he set out on a quest to find the best musicians in town. One by one the group was formed, with bass player Chris Agnew (The Rezillos) drummer Ian Stoddart (ex-Win, ex-Aberfeldy), and guitarist/lap steel player Stuart Nisbet (ex-The Proclaimers, Justin Currie).
For years they performed as a country tinged 4 piece and eventually they gained new members: fellow Beatle maniac Daniel McGeever on vocals and acoustic guitar; and ace keyboard player Mike Kearney.
Their music was, and is, inspired by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Little Feat, American Gospel music, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and of course Elvis!
They have supported such varied acts as The Proclaimers, The Dresden Dolls, Nazareth, The Aliens, and the Bluetones. In this age of over-produced, over-hyped, sterile pop bands who start up and fall apart within a couple of years, William Douglas and the Wheel are that most refreshing of things – a dirty old rock ‘n’roll band that keeps on going, despite it all.
And watch their latest music video, Higher.
CRITICAL PRAISE:
Ones To Watch 2013 (Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland)
Nominated for Best Acoustic Act Award (Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2013)
“With the catchy, melodic soul of The Beatles an obvious influence, as well as the rambunctious rock of the Rolling Stones, this is the kind of music that makes you want to slam back a few bottles of beer, hug your friends – and enemies too – and then sing all the way home. FOUR STARS” (The List)
“Without a doubt Edinburgh’s finest songwriter” (Red Dog Magazine)
“The rare and rising talent of William Douglas has firmly imprinted itself on the consciousness of the Edinburgh music scene” (The Edinburgh Guide)
“His own lyrics and melodies are of such a high standard that it really is a mystery to me as to why he is not a household name” (The Daily Record)
