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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFURY, Billy(b Ronald Wycherly, 17 April '41, Liverpool; d 28 Jan. '83, London) UK singer. Sacked from jobs in teens because of punch-ups. Sang for anybody who would listen; bundled on stage at Birkenhead Essoldo at short notice, impressed paying customers and impresario Larry Parnes, who became manager, signed him for tour. (Parnes b '30, Willesden, d 4 Aug. '89, London, was one of the first UK pop entrepreneurs.) First hit on Decca 'Maybe Tomorrow' '59; called 'greasiest, sexiest, most angst-ridden Brit-rocker of them all', became one of the biggest names in UK pop '60--65: 'Halfway To Paradise', 'Jealousy', 'I'd Never Find Another You', 'Last Night Was Made For Love', 'Like I've Never Been Gone', 'When Will You Say I Love You', 'In Summer' were his top five hits alone. An animal lover, made film I've Gotta Horse '65 about racehorse-loving pop star. Surgery for heart trouble caused by childhood rheumatic fever '67; bought a farm in Sussex, moved to Wales; played a few dates; played pop star Rocky Tempest in film That'll Be The Day '73; more surgery '75. Planned comeback late '82, working on TV show Unforgettable, made LP for Polydor, planned tour; heart attack after recording session. Album The Only One released March '83. |