Bonnie “Prince” Billy performs two shows

By The Daily Progress Staff

Published: August 8, 2008

From staff reports
Bonnie “Prince” Billy, known to many music fans by his real name of Will Oldham, has been showing up in some interesting places lately.
Remember the police officer behind the beard in the 15th episode of R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet’’ series? The Prince himself. If you thought you heard his speaking voice on Adult Swim, you’re right — he lent his voice to the animated show “Xavier Renegade Angel.’’
The next place he will pop up is Charlottesville’s Gravity Lounge, where he will perform on a bill with Anomoanon. Two shows are planned, at 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday.
Oldham will share his groundbreaking punk style, which has been compared to Americana, roots, country, indie and folk.
He began his career singing with Palace Music before heading out on his own for a solo career. His albums have included “Arise Therefore,’’ “Joya,’’ “I See a Darkness,’’ “Ease Down the Road,’’ “Master and Everyone,’’ “Superwolf,’’ “The Letting Go’’ and this year’s release, “Lie Down in the Light.’’
Oldham has performed throughout the United States and has toured extensively across the globe. Tours have taken him to Ireland, Scotland, France, England, Australia,
New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden, and Canada, and many stops in between.
His creative approach to music has led him into many collaborative projects. He has toured and performed with Matt Sweeney, the Dirty Three, Current 93, Bjork and other stars.
Johnny Cash recorded his version of Oldham’s “I See a Darkness’’ in 2000 on his “American III Solitary Man’’ CD,
Also on the bill is Anomoanon, another band with regal connections. Anomoanon is led by Ned Oldham — Prince Billy’s brother.