Danny and the Champions of the World at Dingwalls

Family-orientated Danny Wilson wears his heart on his sleeve – both metaphorically and literally, as on Friday night he fashioned a grey shirt with heart patterns. He is a man of the people with a genuine quality and consumes his environment with ease. It’s no secret that Danny and his occasionally rotating Champions of the World are enthusiastic about performing live. It’s not a career obligation but their strongest passion, as proven by their decision to release Live at the Champs, an alt-country album that purposely records that experience not captured by studio sound.

Even the most professional bands can give a laboured performance on the penultimate date of a non-stop 21-date tour around the UK, which subsequently ends in Brighton on Saturday. However for Danny and the Champions, every performance is like their first: full of energy, commitment and heart. They performed songs from their quadrilogy including Every Beat of My Heart and Other Days, and introduced two exclusive songs from a future release: Clear Water and Just Be Yourself. Dedicated followers of Danny`s career were also treated to a solo spotlighted performance of a track from his previous endeavours as part of Grand Drive.

It’s these followers who have made him so successful, and he welcomes them into his family. His likable charm and banter including his humorous disco dance competition, his offering of drinks and his open discussions about his origins, gives him the allegiance of fans and their relationship is mutual. “These are the lovely people we have met on the way, I appreciate you”, he said in gratitude and the fanatics feel the love – including a Norwegian collective, a fanbase known as “sisters” and a supporter called Ben who had been to Danny’s last five shows in a row and consequently had a song in his honour.

Danny Wilson is a man without pretentiousness as demonstrated by one of his final speeches: “We are not going to pretend that we will come back (for an encore) but we can have a beer together afterwards.” After a night of rewarding jamming and conversational connections, it was an invitation most welcomed. 

Matt Taylor Hobbs

For further information about Danny and the Champions of the World and future events visit here.

Watch the video for You Don’t Know (My Heart Is in the Right Place) here: