Billy Fury

[Mikey]

Went to see "Halfway to Paradise - The Billy Fury Story" at Bristol Hippodrome last night.
Not sure what to expect but it was very good and featured a couple of Jet's hits which was an added bonus! If you haven't seen it, basically it's Furys original 1970s backing group (all excellent, seasoned musicians and proud bus pass holders) fronted by Colin Gold as Billy Fury. The band are onstage all the time and the "story" is told through a commentary with back projection newsreels, tv appearances and other archive stuff but it's done very well . Apparently, Colin Gold appeared Fury on TVs " Stars In Their Eyes" - remember that?! The real Fury had asked the band to reform and tour with him in 1982 but his girlfriend feared for his failing health so for his sake, the band told him they had other commitments. The following year he died. Later the band decided to go on the road with his music and and had seen Colin Gold's TV performance so asked him to join them. That was 14 years ago. Needless to say, last night the band were superb and Charlie Elston, Fury's MD, stole the show with a classical arrangement of some of Fury's hits which played in the classical style on a grand piano. Colin Gold has a great voice and had a lot of numbers to perform. Physically, he needs to be taller and slimmer to be a dead ringer for Fury but he has all the moves and, most importantly, the quiff! If you haven't been and you get the chance, I'd recommend it as a great evening of 60s music.

[bazmusicman]

Hi Mikey,

I have know Colin Gould and his family for many years (he lives in the next road to me).
Before he appeared on 'STARS IN THERE EYES' he used to play drums and sing and his brother used to play the keyboard around the local club curcuit.

Best regards,
Baz.

[neil2726]

Def one of the best shows doing the rounds! The bands rendition of Forget Him makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up!