Bill Mattocks is a veteran blues musician known for his powerful vocals and distinctive harmonica style. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he has been a prominent figure in the Western North Carolina blues scene since relocating to Asheville in 2013. Career Overview • Blues Veteran: Mattocks has played blues harmonica for over 60 years, performing both locally and nationally throughout his career.
• Main Instruments: While known for his gritty vocals and harmonica, he is also skilled on the guitar.
• Musical Style: He is dedicated to performing "real deal" blues, covering legends such as Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Howlin' Wolf, while also incorporating elements of soul, funk, and R&B into his shows.
• Bands & Projects: In the Pacific Northwest, his high-energy "The Bill Mattocks Band" was a popular draw in the Seattle area. After moving to North Carolina, he established new projects, including: Bill Mattocks Blues The Mattocks-Johnson Band The Howie and Bill Acoustic Duo The Bill Mattocks Quartet The BBC Trio Bill Mattocks Solo Bill Mattocks and The Strut
• Performances: He has played at numerous blues festivals and opened for national artists. He performs regularly at venues in the Western North Carolina Mountains region, such as the White Horse Black Mountain and Southern Appalachian Brewery and also tours nationally on a regular basis.
Bill Mattocks is a member of: The Blues Foundation The Washington Blues Society
The Charlotte Blues Society
You know, there are moments where you get lost in the music, and this was one of them. The great Bill Mattocks sat in with us at the White Horse Black Mountain this past weekend, and holy sh!t was this fun!! Steve Eagon 6/01/2026
"Piper & The Hard Times had the pleasure of having Bill Mattocks sit in with us last weekend at the White Horse in Black Mountain, NC. Bill is an outstanding musician and wonderful person!" Steve Eagon 2/19/2025
“Bill Mattocks is a True Blues Legend. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Bill packed up his Harmonica and headed to Western North Carolina where he brings his authentic delivery of Chicago Style Blues among others to our mountain stages.” – City of Highlands Chamber of Commerce
“Bill Mattocks is a real deal soulful Musician who sings and plays from deep down. He makes you believe in the words he is singing by the way he delivers the message of the song. His Harmonica playing is genuine and from the heart in a way that it speaks to your emotions at so many levels. Bill always surrounds himself with top notch Musicians in his Band making for a first class concert experience each and every time. Put all of these ingredients together and you have a must see show.” – Randy Oxford
