Andy Williams is getting another huge sendoff, this time on the West Coast, as his friends prepare to celebrate the former AEW star and Every Time I Die guitarist with a night built around music, memories and helping his family.
Violent Gentlemen announced on October 7 that it will host a West Coast memorial gig for Williams, who wrestling fans knew as The Butcher. The event is set for November 13, 2026, and the first wave of bands will be revealed Friday morning when tickets officially go on sale.
The group made it clear this isn’t just another concert. The night is being put together specifically to remember Williams and give the people who loved him another chance to come together.
“We’re excited to announce that we’re hosting a West Coast memorial gig for our dear friend Andy Williams. Please come out for a night of music and hugging your buds live and in person.”
The show will also raise money in Williams’ name, with every dollar from the event going directly to his family. His family will then decide which organizations and charities receive the money.
“100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Williams family to be donated to various organizations and charities of their choice.”
The memorial comes one month after Williams’ death at 48 following a medical emergency at an Enjoy Wrestling event on September 5. Ringside News first covered Williams’ death after he collapsed following his final match, and the wrestling world has spent the weeks since finding different ways to honor him.
AEW made Williams a major part of its September tributes, including opening Dynamite with an “In Memoriam” graphic and later holding a 10-bell salute on Collision. Excalibur also broke down in tears while remembering Williams on Dynamite, showing just how deeply his death hit the people who worked with him.
Williams has also been remembered far outside wrestling. A memorial statue is being planned in North Tonawanda, New York, while he was previously honored with a NASCAR tribute on the No. 42 car driven by Brad Perez.
Before this new West Coast event was announced, Williams’ friends and family also held a celebration of life in Buffalo on September 27, bringing together the two worlds he spent so much of his life in — hardcore music and professional wrestling.
Williams spent years terrifying people on television as The Butcher, but almost every tribute since his death has painted a completely different picture of the guy behind the mustache and tattoos. This next memorial looks like it will be less about mourning quietly and more about doing exactly what Andy spent so much of his life doing — cranking up the music, packing a room with friends and making sure something good comes out of it.
Which band would you like to see announced for Andy Williams’ West Coast memorial show, and what has been your favorite tribute to The Butcher so far? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
