I first heard Billy on Radio Luxembourg at the age of 14 when Maybe Tomorrow was played. Then I saw him on TV and I was hooked! I joined his fan club in 1961, which was then run by Frances Crook. I first saw Billy on stage at the Marquee Club in London when he was doing a recording for TV and fan club members were invited. I met him and got his autograph. During that performance some over-enthusiastic fans pulled him off stage (not me of course).
In 1962 the fan club put on a party for his birthday and I took my 12-year-old sister Susan. After Billy's birthday cake was distributed, he signed the board and presented it to Susan. I was so jealous (not any more Sue)! I did get his autograph again, and also those of the Tornados, who were backing him on this session.
In May 1963 Sue and I saw Billy at Portsmouth Guildhall and during a break between songs I rushed up to the stage and presented him with a teddy bear I had made during a stay in hospital. Billy thanked me and sat the teddy on the piano saying "you sit there and don't move" and there it stayed for the rest of the show. On that gig Billy sang Nobody's Child sitting on a stool in a spotlight. The place was in silence until he finished, then erupted with cheers. I was in tears.
I also saw Billy in his MG, registration 100 AD, from a bus in London. I waved and he smiled back.
I am now a member of In Thoughts Of You and in April went to New Brighton and Liverpool for Billy's 65th birthday celebrations. Albie did a wonderful concert of Billy's songs and it was a brilliant weekend. I am a fan for life.
Sue and Margaret with the cake board
Close-up of Billy's signature
Billy Fury In Thoughts Of You fan club member Margaret Dewick from Bognor Regis reminisces:
