Leaving Home - Part II - the Adventurer - Tony Memmel

You should make a list of things you must do in your life and be sure to put “See Tony Memmel Perform” at the top. Tony Memmel is a songwriter and performer with unique charisma and creativity. He was born missing his left forearm and taught himself to play the guitar, piano and harmonica. It is my contention that if you heard a song of Tony’s on the radio or on one of his CDs (“The Tale of an Underdog” or the soon to be released “Potter Road” (summer’09”)) and were not aware of his being an amputee, you would never know the difference at all. In fact, many people are often shocked to learn of it and/or don’t even notice at his live shows until he wipes the sweat from his face with the two characteristic arm bands that he wears on his left bicep.

But Memmel is not one to try to sell you on his handicap alone. His music most definitely stands on its own. It is catchy, but personal and real at the same time. Memmel has earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and is a classically trained and acclaimed vocalist. He has gained a loyal following and support from fans and musicians alike in the Midwest, the Country, and even the World. Tony has sold hundreds of copies of his debut release “The Tale of an Underdog” strictly through his rigorous gigging schedule. He hopes to get his new album “Potter Road” into the hands (or hand) of people all over the globe.

Though you will most often see Memmel playing solo, his band has rapidly worked its way onto the scene. In 2008, drummer and longtime friend Brian Farvour began collaborating with Memmel. Tony soon recruited his wife Lesleigh Memmel to join the cast. She contributes backing vocals and piano/keyboards to the group’s signature sound. The trio is featured extensively on “Potter Road.”

Memmel has gigged extensively in the Midwest and is making a name for himself in such places as Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis. He will be heading out on his first U.S. tour this fall in support of his new album. Check Tony Memmel’s calendar to see if he’ll be coming to your town.

It may sound trite, but in this case trite is just plain accurate, Tony Memmel has a talent and personality that you simply do not see every day. It doesn’t fit to say it’s the beginning, as Memmel has accomplished more in his life with one hand than I have with two. Get on board now, as many already have, and be on the lookout for great things from this bright young artist. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.