In the late 1980s, Willis enjoyed moderate success as a recording artist, recording an album of pop-blues titled "The Return of Bruno", which included the hit single "Respect Yourself" featuring The Pointer Sisters. The LP was promoted by a Spinal Tap–like rockumentary parody featuring scenes of Willis performing at famous events including Woodstock. He released a version of the Drifters song "Under the Boardwalk" as a second single; it got to No. 2 in the UK Top 40 but was less successful in the U.S. Willis returned to the recording studio several times afterward.