In 1974 Willy DeVille founded Mink DeVille in San Francisco. The band moved to New York and became the house band of the legendary CBGB club. The band had their international breakthrough in 1977 with the hit 'Spanish Stroll'. Several albums followed, the critics cheered, but unfortunately the broad success did not materialize. The band Mink DeVille broke up, Willy DeVille moved to New Orleans and started his solo career. In 2007/2008, Willy DeVille recorded his last studio album, 'Pistola', and toured again with the Mink DeVille Band to promote the album. On February 27, 2008 they performed at Bremen's Pier 2, while Radio Bremen was there to record the concert. It appeared to be Willy's last tour, as he had been diagnosed with cancer soon after. Willy DeVille died on August 6, 2009, a few days before his 59th birthday.