Guitarist Herb Wiley Announces ALS Diagnosis and Releases Solo Album
Herb Wiley, known for his work with Rye Coalition and the Black Hollies, recently disclosed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and debilitating neurodegenerative disease also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In response to his medical needs, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help fund his treatment. Amidst this personal challenge, Wiley has completed a solo album featuring songs he initially wrote in the late 1990s. This album, which he recorded just before his symptoms began to appear, showcases his multi-instrumental talents, having recorded and produced the entire album himself in a friend’s basement. The album, titled Wylie, is now available for listening.
In a heartfelt statement, Wiley shared his journey with the album:
“I originally penned these tracks around ’98, ’99, and even performed them a few times with my friends Scott from Black Hollies on drums and Justin from Rye Coalition on bass. After that, I paused working on the album to join Rye Coalition for the ‘On Top’ LP sessions. During the Covid lockdown, with everyone keeping to themselves and the world in chaos, I finally took the opportunity to record these songs on tape in my friend’s basement. It took me about 25 years to finally record them the way I envisioned, with the hope of forming a band to play them live. Just as I finished recording and mixing, my health began to deteriorate. It’s almost as if I subconsciously knew I had to record them then, or I might never get another chance. It’s a very odd feeling of synchronicity. Life truly is stranger than fiction.”
Rye Coalition, where Wiley showcased his talents notably on the 2002 album On Top, was a prominent post-hardcore band from New Jersey that formed in the late 1990s. The band experienced a turbulent journey with record labels, including a short-lived deal with the major label Dreamworks which ended just before its sale. They eventually returned to the indie scene with Gern Blandstein, releasing their final album, Curses, produced by Dave Grohl in 2006. Their story, including their challenges with labels and eventual breakup, was captured in the documentary The Story of the Hard Luck 5, which featured insights from notable figures like Dave Grohl, Steve Albini, and Jack Black. Wiley, along with two other members of Rye Coalition, later became part of the Black Hollies.
The album Wylie can be streamed below, offering a deep dive into Wiley’s personal and musical journey, encapsulating his passion and dedication to his craft through decades.
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Naomi lives and breathes music. From underground indie artists to global pop icons, she’s always got her ear to the streets.