Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Spotlight on local music: G Willy

This longhaired local performer with a perma-smile and tie-died T-shirt is a fixture in Whistler. Known for his up-beat sound and friendly demeanor, you can catch G Willy playing gigs around town all year round.
1525willy
G Willy

This longhaired local performer with a perma-smile and tie-died T-shirt is a fixture in Whistler. Known for his up-beat sound and friendly demeanor, you can catch G Willy playing gigs around town all year round.

Name: Greg Manuck (aka G Willy)

What is your musical background (how were you introduced to music)?

I inherited a love for music from my musician father (… papa was a rollin’ stone…). I got an electric guitar and amplifier from my Aunty for my 12 th birthday. All other interests were out the window, including school. I wanted to be like KISS.

Hometown?

Surrey… got the heck outta there. Can you lie and put Eugene, Oregon or Hanelei Kauai? Victoria? I have lived in all these places. LOL.

What brought you to Whistler?

Grateful Greg. We have been friends for many years and I got tired of hearing about all the fun he was having up here without me. So, I came to join him and a number of other good Whistler friends I have made over the years at the Oregon Country Fair. Oh, and Liz of course.

When you aren’t on stage, where can people find you just hanging out?

Heading to the next stage, working in my studio or Tapley’s.

Do you play all covers, or original material, too?

Both and appreciate both equally.

Where do you find inspiration for the songs you write?

Places I travel to. Inspirational people. Things that piss me off.

How do you describe your music?

Diverse, energetic, soulful.

Hit shuffle on your Ipod — what are the first three songs you come across? (Come on, be honest!)

Really depends on my mood. I hate this question… right now?

“Scarlet Begonias” – Grateful Dead

“Misty Mountain Hop” – Led Zeppelin

“Suite Judy Blue Eyes” – Crosby Stills and Nash

Describe a typical rehearsal…

I practice in my sleep.

What’s your favourite song to perform?

The one I just learned… “Only The Good Die Young” by Billy Joel. My new original “You’re Driving Me Crazy”.

What song is requested most (that you secretly hate to perform)?

I don’t HATE any song really. Hating is a waste of energy. “American Pie.”

What’s your favourite venue in town, and why?

The Crystal Lounge. The staff has really made me feel at home there. And, it’s a very homey atmosphere with the fireplace and couches, cheap beer and wings.

What’s been the most memorable performance of your career?

Performing as Jim Morrison (with Jimmy Hendrix and Janice Joplin impersonators) at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. In the early ’90s I had a Doors tribute called The New Creatures. This was our finest hour.

Have you had any embarrassing moments on stage? (if so, please share!) J

I was performing at an all ages, alcohol-free show in Duncan with some fellow songwriters. In fact, one was Grateful Greg’s brother Wes. I gave this deep intense introduction to Jeff Buckley’s, “Lover You Should Have Come Over,” and blanked on the opening chord. I choked and never did the song. I may have needed a beer.

What musician (alive or dead) would you like to jam with?

Jerry Garcia.

Do you have any upcoming performances in town?

Many! Read the Pique LOL.