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Later this year the sixth Wills & The Willing album “ Thats Why I Wrote This Song” will be released. The first single “Newtons Law” is out on Friday April 24th 2026, recorded last summer and autumn, the sessions were interrupted a few times due to my various health complications including developing sepsis , in the twilight of uncertainty, thinking WTF is happening to me , my overwhelming concern was the artwork for the singles and the album , I knew it needed someone else’s ideas , direct input & inspiration, I turned to the only person I know who has the skill, vision, maverick creative wand, love for Wills & The Willing , proven friendship , my soul brother Mr Brendon Taylor.
Brendon is a founding member of W&TW and has over past 20 years done the artwork for various singles and the booklet cover of last album “Another Long Week”. I pitched Brendon the following, let me send you the 12 songs , whatever inspires you that is it, no interference or suggested changes, what you create and inspires you from each track is final , the only caveat was regarding the album cover , I could give my thoughts and Brendon would interpret.
Brendon listened to my pitch, asked me one salient question, can I confirm whatever he painted there would be no “ sorry mate this ain’t working for me “ , I assured him no matter what he painted for each song it, if he truly felt what he presented, then it would be carved in stone , Brendon looked me straight in the eye like Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm “ took a deep breath and said “ send me the tracks” .
I am so humbled and proud to say “ Thats Why I Wrote This Song “
“ Artwork “ Brendon Taylor .
Over the coming days I will post each one of Brendon’s incredible works starting with “ Newton’s Law “
Peace , love & whatever else rocks your boat.
Ian Wills
The Willing are:
Simon Hanson: Drums (Squeeze)
Donnie Little: Guitars (Paulo Nuttini, Imelda May)
Mo Pleasure: Bass (Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Bette Middler)
Andy May: Piano & Hammond Organ (Marianne Faithful, Albert Hammond)
Susie Lopez: Backing Vocals
Moya Brennan - (1952 - 2026)
In 1982 Clannad had broken the world with the theme for “Harrys Game” four years later I heard for the first “In a lifetime“ I fell in love with Moya, her beguiling beauty only bettered by the voice even an angel could not posses. In 2018 I had the insane idea to reach out and ask Moya if she would consider contributing to “Mercy’s Door”. Much to my surprise Moya’s husband Tim called me out of the blue, we talked over the track, he said they both had listened to “Mercy’s Door” and Moya was up for it, Tim invited me over to Dublin, I was in shock, humbled, the adrenaline was exploding inside me , as we agreed a day, I will always remember putting phone down tears of emotion overwhelming me, Moya Brennan was going to sing on my track .
Tim, Moya, Aisling & Paul welcomed me into their lives and home, the day i spent with the Jarvis family remains one of the best days of my life .
Moya the Queen of Celtic music, gave me the gift of a day that will live not just for a lifetime but forever in the hearts of my family.
Thank you Moya, may you rest peacefully, the angels can now sing with a true Queen xx
Harp of Donegal
To sing in Godsheavenly peace
One true Queen
Angels did call
Swells of Gweedore
Raised her soul and
harp of Donegal
every child that
sleeps in heaven
Wakes now to the choir
of Moya Brennan