Will Clayfield

Black Whiskey

Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, Will Clayfield's musical journey began in the late 1970s, ignited by the fiery energy of bands like KISS. Inspired by his musical heroes, Will and a lifelong friend picked up their instruments, with Will choosing the bass guitar to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Gene Simmons. Despite briefly dabbling with the guitar, Will found his true calling in the low-end groove of the bass, influenced by legends like Steve Harris, Phil Small, Greg Macainsh, and James Jamerson.

In the mid-1980s, Will became a cornerstone of Brisbane's glam rock scene as a member of VICE, the city's most popular and successful glam rock band. Now, as VICE prepares for their 40th-anniversary show, Will reflects on his roots and the evolution of his musical career.

Throughout his journey, Will's musical endeavours have taken him across continents. Spending six years in the United States, he immersed himself in the rich musical tapestry of American rock and roll before returning home to Brisbane in 2007, where he has remained a fixture on the Northside music scene.

Currently, Will is a driving force behind Black Whiskey, a project he joined in 2018, infusing their sound with his signature bass lines and stage presence. Additionally, he has recently become involved with Trash Factory, expanding his musical horizons, and pushing the boundaries of his creativity.

Will's accomplishments are as diverse as his musical influences. His international single release, "Wild & Free", soared to the top of the charts, even knocking Alice Cooper from the #1 spot in his hometown of Detroit. The track became the most requested song in the history of Australian Radio Indie, remaining in the ARIA charts' top 10 for an astounding 244 days, with multiple weeks at #1.

In addition to his chart-topping success, Will has garnered recognition from prestigious organizations such as the International Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA) and the FPCM Media International Red Carpet Music Awards, where he was a finalist in multiple categories. He has shared the stage with renowned acts like Faster Pussycat and Stryper, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

As Will Clayfield continues to make his mark on the music industry, both as a performer and a collaborator, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his artistry and inspiring others with his passion for music.