Cadillac Willy – History Lesson
Cadillac Willy is based out of Destin, Florida, and has played just about every bar and venue along the Emerald Coast. Over the years, the band has built a loyal following and become a staple of the local live music scene. You can regularly catch Cadillac Willy lighting up stages at Redfish Taco, Stinkys Bait Shack, Proud Larry's, Bands on the Beach, Third Planet Brewery, The Boat House, and Baytowne at Sandestin, bringing their signature blend of rock, funk, and jam-driven energy to every show.
The band’s roots go back to 2000, when percussionist Louie Antoon and lead guitarist Clayton “Bubba” Bonjean began shaping what would become Cadillac Willy inside Bonjean’s project studio. During those early recording sessions, they were honored to have former Allman Brothers bassist Dave Goldflies sit in to help out. The original lineup featured Josh Pace, John David Sullivan, Patrick Wilson, Louie Antoon, and Clayton Bonjean, laying the foundation for the band’s evolving sound.
Over the past two decades, many talented musicians have been part of the Cadillac Willy story, including John Mark Turner, Scott Crompton, Tim O’Shea, Mike Ingram, Robert Chaffe, Mikey J, John Catrino, and Charles Pagano. About 15 years ago, Metz Barnes joined as lead vocalist, and Shawn “Shack” Shackelford came aboard on drums, helping define the band’s modern era. Today’s lineup delivers a dynamic live experience powered by drums, percussion, electric guitars, bass, keys, and strong vocals. With five to six musicians on stage, the only real challenge these days is stage space.
After more than 25 years together, Cadillac Willy has earned significant recognition. They were named Best Jam Band at the 2012 and 2013 Beachcomber Music Awards, where Shawn “Shack” Shackelford was also honored as Best Drummer. Readers of Destin Magazine named them Best Band, and Emerald Coast Magazine readers voted Cadillac Willy “Best Band” in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, the band was inducted into the Beachcomber Hall of Fame, followed by being named Best Dance Band in 2017.
Cadillac Willy has also shared the stage with an impressive list of artists and celebrity guests, including Heidi Newfield of Trick Pony, PNUT, Emeril Lagasse, Dave Goldflies of the Allman Brothers, Eric Lindell, Taylor Hicks, Edwin McCain, and Jess Franklin, along with many other accomplished musicians who find themselves jamming while vacationing on the Gulf Coast.
One of the most exciting elements of a Cadillac Willy show is the possibility of surprise sit-ins. Over the years, a long list of standout players and personalities have joined the band on stage, and you truly never know who might show up to jam. That spontaneity, combined with deep roots in rock, funk, and improvisation, keeps every Cadillac Willy performance fresh, unpredictable, and unforgettable.