Webb Wilder is Making a Scene

May 12, 2025

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Webb Wilder

After a five-year break, legendary roots rocker Webb Wilder is back with Hillbilly Speedball, a high-octane blend of grit, groove, and genre-defying style. This marks his 13th studio release—a milestone in a career that spans nearly four decades. Known for his unique mix of rock, country, blues, and British Invasion swagger, Wilder delivers a record that feels both refreshingly new and deeply rooted in tradition.

The spark for Hillbilly Speedball came from an old friend. “I’d been in a kind of stasis,” Wilder admits, “and then David Grissom—one of my oldest pals and one of the best guitarists out there—sent me this song called ‘Hillbilly Speedball.’ I liked the groove, it was in the same key as some of my biggest hits, and I thought, ‘Why not me?’ That lit the fire.”

From there, the album took off. Backed by a powerhouse lineup of longtime collaborators and special guests, Wilder crafted 10 tracks that balance raw energy with seasoned precision. Among the featured artists are country superstar Vince Gill—whom Wilder calls “the world’s most down-to-earth superstar”—legendary guitarist and Wrecking Crew session veteran Richard Bennett, multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin (formerly with Jack White), and other standout players from across the musical map.

The album weaves together fresh originals and carefully chosen covers, creating a sonic tapestry that ranges from the obscure to the iconic. “I’m a sucker for songs I love,” says Wilder. “You follow the breadcrumbs. Some songs just hit you at the right age, the right time in life, and they stay with you forever. That’s the spirit I wanted to capture.”

But beneath the high-octane riffs and foot-stomping grooves, there’s a deeper layer of reflection. “The older I get, the more I understand myself and my influences,” Wilder says. “I’ve always been drawn to beat music and American roots of all kinds. And when those genres start to blur together? Even better.”

Hillbilly Speedball isn’t just another record—it’s a road map through the soul of American music. From rock and roll’s earliest rumblings to outlaw country grit, straight-up blues to British-influenced twang, Wilder hits all the stops with authenticity and swagger.

With a career that includes MTV airplay, major label records, a place in the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and even a stint as one of XM Radio’s first DJs, Webb Wilder has long been recognized as a pioneer of what would eventually be called Americana. Simply put, he’s roots rock royalty—and Hillbilly Speedball proves he’s still riding high.

So buckle up. This is American rock and roll in its purest form. Wilder is back, and the ride is just getting good.