17-Year-Old Local Rocker Thrills Crowd at New Lenox Triple Play Concert

Chris Grove, a keyboardist with Eddie Money, had this to say about Shorewood Christ Academy student, Channahon resident and 17-year-old rock sensation Dustin Walker, “(He) is a wonderful new artist whose possibilities are endless. Great songwriting and structure filled with passion.”

And that was before Walker showed off his improvisational skills during an appearance as the warm-up act for rocker Rick Springfield on Saturday night in the Triple Play Concert series event on the New Lenox Commons.

A technical glitch forced Walker to wing it—and a packed crowd loved his performance.

“Dustin’s guitarist amp broke during the show,” said Dean Walker, Dustin’s father. “So, Drew Thompson, the lead guitarist, plugged into Dustin’s amp and Dustin climbed the fence and went out into the audience to sing.”

Walker—who performed with Thompson and the two other members of his band, Channahon’s Josh Carey (bass) and Joliet’s Johnny Collins (drums)—is said to have killed it in an awe-inspiring performance that revved up fans who thought Springfield was going to be the only star on stage.

“The lighting-rigging guy on the stage crew—who just came off of the Rolling Stones Tour—said that opening bands very rarely get any connection with the audience,” said Dean Walker. “Dustin and his band (Talking to Strangers) had the audience responding to their songs and screaming for more.

“The lighting tech (guy) stated that they were the best opening band he has seen in 20 years.”

And that’s just the latest in a string of praise for Walker, who grew up idolizing Springfield and today calls him, “Uncle Rick.”

“(He) is the future of rock. After having him on my radio show, playing his music and getting to hang with him on a couple of occasions … I can say that this (17) year old talent is the real deal,” said TV and radio personality  “Rowdy Ron” Higgins.

More Walker press clippings can be seen on his ReverbNation official website.