The Waiting: A Journey of Melodies and Controversies
In the annals of rock music, The Waiting stands as a band that has left an enduring mark on the genre. From their humble beginnings to their rise to fame, their story is a tapestry woven with both triumph and adversity.
Origins and Early Success
The band's genesis can be traced back to the city of Los Angeles in 1982. Led by the charismatic vocalist and songwriter Willy DeVille, they quickly gained a loyal following on the local music scene. Their infectious melodies and DeVille's smoky, evocative voice captured the attention of record executives, leading to a contract with Island Records.
In 1985, The Waiting released their debut album, "Waiting." The album spawned the hit single "Make It Disappear," a haunting ballad that propelled the band to international stardom. Its evocative lyrics and DeVille's raw delivery resonated deeply with listeners, earning them critical acclaim and a spot on Billboard's Top 10 chart.
Controversy and Departure of DeVille
As The Waiting's popularity soared, so too did the challenges they faced. DeVille's outspoken nature and refusal to conform led to clashes with management and bandmates. In 1989, after the release of their second album, "Blind Ambition," DeVille left the band amid allegations of substance abuse and creative differences.
Reconstruction and Later Years
Despite DeVille's departure, The Waiting continued to release music, albeit with a different lineup. They experimented with various genres, including blues, R&B, and country, but never fully recaptured the success they had enjoyed with their original frontman.
In the years that followed, The Waiting faced numerous lineup changes and financial difficulties. They also found themselves embroiled in legal battles over royalties and ownership of their music. Despite these setbacks, they remained a respected force in the music industry, releasing several more albums and touring extensively.
Discography
* Waiting (1985) * Blind Ambition (1989) * New Blood (1993) * Blue Tears (1995) * Real Emotional (2003) * Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. (2009) * Abstract Heart (2015)
Members
* Willy DeVille (vocals, guitar) * Larry Hirsch (guitar, vocals) * Brad Field (bass) * Chip Albright (drums) * David Hidalgo Jr. (guitars, vocals) * Rick Vito (guitars, vocals) * Benny Urquidez (percussion) * Ethan James (bass) * Mark Pender (trumpet, saxophone) * Steven Jordan (drums)