Still Ill performs the music of Morrissey and the Smiths. Singer Virgil Simpelo (aka Voz) is a Morrissey look-alike who also works as a martial arts instructor and wrestling referee. “I think I have somewhat the same skull structure as Moz,” says Voz, “and the same eyebrows that help me produce a similar sound…yes, eyebrows play a key role.”
Bassist Tony Montegu (also of The Cured) says, “I knew the Cure and the Smiths would be a great match for gigs. Most venues are willing to book both groups on a single bill.” Each band averages $1000 per show.
Though only recently formed around 2005, Still Ill — whose members are in their early 30s — has already seen lineup changes. “The lead guitarist was too young and inexperienced,” says Montegu, “so he moved behind the drums. But then he had too much conflict with Voz and was let go…I asked another friend to play drums, and here we are.”
Still Ill can frequently be seen raising eyebrows (and Moz-like unibrows and omnibrows) at the downtown House of Blues, which has been hosting tribute-themed events on a regular basis since opening in 2005.