Photos: Andy Williams with Atomic Rule @ Sleeping Village, Chicago (1/24/26)
It took me a few songs into Atomic Rule’s set to clock why their burly, bearded guitar player seemed so familiar and finally it dawned on me: “This dude riffs and grooves like Andy Williams from Every Time I Die.”
On September 5th, 2026 Andy Williams passed away at the tragically young age of 48.
Andy had what every musician works their whole life for: a signature sound, a signature style. While I can’t stake a claim as his biggest fan, Andy’s influence cannot be denied. Friends of mine, even those with barely a passing interest in heavy music, have been ride-or-die for ETID since Hot Damn!. The man and his bands have been dearly beloved for over two decades now and with the outpouring of love and grief these past few days, there’s no doubt in my mind his music will continue to be venerated for decades to come.
I caught Atomic Rule’s set at Sleeping Village this past January by pure happenstance. A friend invited me along to see his buddy’s band, Bursting, and I brought my camera along for kicks. I’m glad I did, and that in some small way I was able to help immortalize Andy with these photos.
This was only Atomic Rule’s second or third show, as I recall. It’s a shame they won’t have the opportunity to develop their sound, to lock in on their chaotic groove. From the stage, Andy shouted out his new friends in Bursting and his admiration for headliners Shiner: “Shiner is one of the most underrated heavy bands ever. Shiner is heavier than Black Sabbath.” He joked that he was the worst guitar player to take the stage that night.
Take pictures at shows. Go see bands you’ve never heard of and show up for opening acts. Take pictures of your friends and loved ones. Shout out the bands and art you love.
