Tony Memmel's Willpower

At the Vietnam - US Friendship Exchange Festival 2025 held at Luu Huu Phuoc Park, Can Tho City recently, the audience was impressed with the performance of 3 American guys in the Tony Memmel band. Most notably, singer and musician Tony Memmel played the guitar and sang emotionally, even with only one hand, and received enthusiastic cheers.

Tony Memmel band performs for Can Tho audience. Photo: DUY KHOI

According to the US Embassy in Hanoi, the Tony Memmel band comes from Nashville, the most populous city in the state of Tennessee. The band consists of 3 members, of which Tony Memmel is a singer and songwriter with “extraordinary willpower”, self-taught to play guitar with only one hand, has conquered audiences in 47 states of the US and 25 countries around the world . Alex Nixon is an “experienced” drummer, who has toured the world with award-winning or Grammy-nominated artists. The remaining member is Jon Terwilliger, a young guitarist, also the newest member of the band, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the audience. The band’s main music is a combination of folk-rock and pop in its own style.

The 3 boys of the band appeared on stage in Can Tho very simply with T-shirts, jeans, playing musical instruments and singing, in the applause of the audience. The melodies with strong acoustics and simple singing, without showing off the techniques of the Tony Memmel band were very attractive. The band performed enthusiastically, interacting with the audience in the style of street music . The 3 boys were delicate in choosing cheerful songs with vibrant melodies so that the audience could join in the music during the exchange night. Student Nguyen Lan Anh really enjoyed the performance of the Tony Memmel band: "The band is full of artists and plays and sings very well. This is the first time I know the Tony Memmel band". All 3 boys also expressed their excitement and impression with the harmony, friendliness and love of music of the Can Tho audience.

Of the three boys, the one who left the most impression was Tony Memmel. Born with a disability in his left hand, he practiced diligently to become a real guitar artist. When playing, his right hand pressed the strings, and the left arm was attached with a pick fixed with tape, so he could pluck the guitar. It is known that Tony Memmel spent 8 years practicing hard with many failures and pains to be able to conquer his dream of becoming an artist. He has performed almost all over the United States and many countries around the world as an inspirational figure, with the message "I can do it, you can too!".

DANG HUYNH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nghi-luc-tony-memmel-a191256.html