Willie Nile has demonstrated the kind of rock ‘n’ roll attitude that has gotten him noticed on the New York scene.
Sometimes reflecting a folk tinge, Nile’s music shows the influence that a vintage Bob Dylan had on him in younger days.
“As a kid growing up, he was the Shakespeare of rock ‘n’ roll,” said Nile, a singer-songwriter who lives in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
Coming into direct contact with classic rock has been a hallmark of Nile’s career.
“I played with The Who and Bruce Springsteen,” noted Nile, who hits the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso on Saturday.
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“I toured with The Who years ago,” Nile continued. “In the early days of my career I toured across the U.S. with The Who. And we’ve stayed friends since. And Bruce is a good friend. I’ve played with Bruce many times. He’s called me up onstage numerous times. He’s joined me onstage on a number of occasions. He’s very generous that way.”
After releasing his debut album in 1980, Nile has slowly gained a following and built a reputation that has been noticed by some of rock’s elite players.
Bono of U2 praised Nile’s 2013 album, “American Ride,” for its insight into “the troubled beauty of America.”
One critic called Nile’s first album “one of the most thrilling post-Byrds, folk-rock albums of all time,” while another review said he mirrored “the social consciousness of Woody Guthrie.”
Rolling Stone magazine ranked “The Innocent Ones” in the Top 10 on its list of the best “under-the-radar” albums of 2011.
The New York Times, meanwhile, once called Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.”
Nile is bringing his Gotham swagger to the Memorial Opera House for the fourth time.
“I’ll be with my full band; that place rocks,” the 67-year-old guitarist assured, while pointing out that the venue has a “lot of character and style.”
Valparaiso has a good atmosphere for him: “I always feel welcome and warm there.”
Nile is bringing a bit of star aura to his show.
A video from May that shows him playing guitar with some luminaries is posted on his website, www.willienile.com.
The New York City performance features Nile in an onstage performance with Bruce Springsteen, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and two legends from The Who — Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey.
The formidable group is seen performing the Who classic, “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
Nile savors that opportunity: “It was just a magical experience.”
The New York standout will bring his own personal spark to Valparaiso through Imagine Music, which promotes and produces shows.
Imagine Music is owned and operated by Rob Harkel and Brad Koeppen.
The Valparaiso residents have been responsible for all four of Nile’s bookings at the historic Memorial Opera House.
“He’s got a great band; he’s very, very high energy,” Harkel said. “He puts on a great live show.”
Recent times have been good for Nile, who also is a pianist.
“The last five years is the most touring I’ve done in my whole life,” the native of Buffalo, N.Y., related. “I’m usually in Europe three or four months of the year. We’re currently recording a new album now for 2016 release.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Willie Nile
Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
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When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $35 and $45
Information: 219-548-9137 or www.memorialoperahouse.com