Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Williams.
Hi Donovan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Hey there, DFW! Get ready to rock because I’m about to introduce you to the Baddest Tribute to Mötley Crüe – CRÜEligans! I’m Donovan Williams, your front man, and let me tell you, my musical journey has been one crazy adventure. But today, I want to take you on a ride like no other as I reveal what sets my band apart from the rest. So, buckle up because this is going to be one wild ride through the world of CRÜEligans!
Now, you guys know me as a singer and frontman entertainer- but did you know that didn’t start off as my sweet spot on the stage? …or shall I say, “safe spot.” I began my music career at the age of 13, in Moore, Oklahoma, working day in and day out on mastering the guitar. My first (teenage) band would perform at various city events and youth church parties. As an early teen, making a few dollars doing what I loved- I was hooked! We mixed in covers with our original music and went from there. I didn’t start singing until around age 15 when our singer left us, and we had a difficult time replacing him. My bandmates encouraged me to sing because they had heard me sing in the car, driving around with them. We were young, and of course, I was shy…I didn’t like being in the front with what felt like “all eyes on me,” and I wasn’t overly confident in my vocals. I felt much safer as a rhythm guitar guy. After I got a grip on my nerves- I never questioned where I belonged on the stage; I love singing and being the hype man!
My early musical influences include KISS, Journey, & Elvis Presley. My mother was constantly playing music throughout the house, and my dad was the one to take me and my two older brothers to concerts. Both of my parents supported music in our household- my brothers are both drummers in the music scene as well. I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Joan Jett, Ugly Kid Joe, Peter Chris, Kings X, Jarret Riddick, Mr. Big, Bang Tango, Doro Pesch of Warlock, and several other national acts. However, as a true KISS fanatic, my most memorable and thrilling gig of all was performing for Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in 2016 at the Grand opening of one of their restaurants: Rock n Brews.
After countless years in 90s Cover Bands, Original Bands, and yes, even a year 12-year DISCO band phase (Super Freak – Founding member)…CRÜEligans was formed in 2015! Looking back on all the countless stages and people I’ve performed with- I can honestly say there is no other band I’ve been a part of that I am more impressed with and proud of.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have confronted countless trials and barriers that could have easily steered us off course, but we refused to let them determine our ultimate fate. Right from the start, we understood that constructing a Mötley Crüe tribute band would not be a leisurely walk in the park. It demanded blood, sweat, and tears to transform our once 4-man band into a 10-man functioning powerhouse. With each additional member we welcomed into our ranks, our product grew stronger, and our performances became more and more thrilling.
Naturally, no journey is complete without its fair share of setbacks. We have encountered our own portion of band member turnover, which at times left us unprepared and disheartened.
Perhaps the most unforeseen trial we encountered was the necessity to function as a company rather than a conventional band. We swiftly grasped that to thrive in this industry, we needed to approach our music with a business mindset. It was an entirely new realm for us, but we embraced it with unwavering determination, fully aware that it would ultimately pave the way to our success.
Throughout it all, one element remained consistent: our passion for the music we tribute: Mötley Crüe, and determination to master our craft. It is what keeps us going through tough times. Instead of letting hardships get us down, we focus that energy into fuel to push ourselves harder. I’ve learned that issues resolve themselves when you refuse to give up. Competition pushes us to be better. Financial preparedness is crucial for seizing opportunities.
We want to share CRÜEligans with as many people as we possibly can, and when you face adversity head-on, the real magic happens. And trust me, we’ve got plenty of magic to share!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Are you ready to experience the ultimate tribute to Mötley Crüe? Get ready to have your heart stolen and your face melted by the CRÜEligans! Since 2015, we’ve been rocking the stage and delivering full concert productions that will leave you speechless. Based in Dallas, TX, we’re proud to say that wherever we go, the crowd follows. But what makes our show truly stand out?
Well, let me tell you. Our concert productions are like no other. We don’t just perform the music; we bring the whole Mötley Crüe experience to life. Picture costume replicas that will transport you back in time, mind-blowing stage design that will leave you in awe, and of course, the iconic Nikki Sixx flaming bass guitar that will set the stage on fire. But that’s not all! We’ve got full pyrotechnics that will make your heart race, choreographed dancers and backup singers that will have you dancing along, and so much more!
When you see other Mötley Crüe tribute bands, you might think you’ve seen it all. But trust me, our show is on a whole different level. We’ve mastered every detail, capturing the essence and energy of Mötley Crüe like no one else. The attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into our stage productions is second to none. Each and every one of our 4 stage productions is meticulously hand-built and custom-made to fit the unique specifications of the different venues we frequently perform at. It definitely doesn’t stop there – our dedication to excellence extends to every aspect of our performances.
Take a look at the guitars our very own “Mick Mars” plays. They are not just any ordinary guitars. Thanks to the incredible team at Easton’s Guitar Shackorama, we have custom-made Stratocasters that are a true work of art. These guitars are made to resemble the iconic instruments that Mars has been using since the mid 90’s, adding an extra layer of authenticity and rock ‘n’ roll history to our shows. That’s not all that makes our performances unforgettable.
Our backup singers/dancers, known as the “Nastier Habits,” are without a doubt one of the most thrilling aspects of our shows. Picture a squad of five incredibly talented and beautiful women who bring the stage to life with their incredible routines and theatrical song interchanges. They are a remarkable and smart group of talented women, and their hard work and dedication are unmatched.
When they’re not captivating audiences on stage, you can find these amazing women in the rehearsal dance studio, perfecting their moves, and in the gym, staying fit and energized for every performance. Their commitment is unparalleled, making them the hardest working women in the entire DFW music scene. You’ll definitely be amazed as our talented girls effortlessly switch between six to seven jaw-dropping costumes during our 90-minute show. And get this: they can change and be ready to rock in just under a minute and thirteen seconds!
Our stage costumes aren’t just any ordinary outfits. Each one is meticulously handcrafted and personally customized by none other than our lead dancer and choreographer, Yvette Schell. Not only does Yvette bring the heat with her dance moves, but she also doubles as our seamstress and hairdresser. She’s the secret behind our flawless look and keeps our band running smoothly. We couldn’t imagine our band without her!
Being blown away by the visual spectacles sets us apart from other Mötley Crüe tribute shows out there, and it is a common trend that we hear our fans praise us with often. Currently, we are the only Mötley Crüe tribute band in the nation to house a fully operational “Tommy Lee” drumkit roller coaster! Yes, you heard that right. A massive, fifteen-hundred-pound machine that catapults our drummer a jaw-dropping 18ft into the air, and guess what? Yep! He’s playing the drums while upside down, just like Tommy Lee did! It’s a sight that will leave you in awe and have you questioning the laws of physics.
However, our show isn’t just about the incredible visual stunts. We owe our success to the extraordinary team of hard-working and exceptionally talented musicians who pour their hearts and souls into every performance. Their dedication and skill off the stage allow us to take our productions to a whole new level, leaving our competitors in the dust.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships that have been formed between our bandmates and their families. In the world of music, where egos often clash, this group has managed to create a bond that will last a lifetime- I’m sure of it. And what’s even more remarkable is that we’ve been on this incredible journey for nearly a decade!
So, get ready to have your mind blown and your expectations shattered. Join us as we push the boundaries of what’s possible and deliver a show that will leave your face melted right off! Do yourself a favor and make time to experience the baddest tribute to Mötley Crüe: CRÜEligans like never before.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What’s not to like about our city? I am so proud of the DFW thriving music industry! If you didn’t already know it- DFW has one of the BEST tribute scenes in the entire country! With over 100 tribute bands you could see on any given weekend, I feel right at home in our niche. My favorite thing about DFW is the surplus of live music venues, bars, and establishments! We wouldn’t have a place to do what we love without the support of the clubs. They are the ones who have provided us a platform and promoted us to the level of success where we currently stand, and for that…we are ever grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crueligans.com
- Instagram: @crueligans
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/crueligans
Image Credits
Blake Sexton
Mary Ellis
Sunni Sparks
