Charlie Elston (Keyboards and Vocals)
Charlie Elston was Billy Fury's Musical Director throughout the '70s firstly with Milky Way and subsequently with Fury's Tornados. Prior to Charlie, Billy had John Miles and Georgie Fame on keyboards / direction so Charlie continued a long line of excellent musical pedigree.
His own career following his time with Billy included 'The Enid' a major recording band with several albums to their credit. Quite diversley, after The Enid and brief spell with 'The Casuals (Jesamine), he joined Leeds based comedy band 'Black Onyx'. The reformation of Fury's Tornados had taken place initially without Charlie appearing live due to his other commitments. Charlie re-joined on a full time basis in 2000.
A major highlight of the show is his own personal classical arrangement of a selection of Billy's songs titled 'Billisa', which leaves the audience spellbound.
One of Charlies many memories of the seventies includes the time he visited Billy at his St. Johns Wood home just after Billy had undergone major heart surgery. He recalls... I was talking to Billy when Lisa came into the room and said Paul was at the door. Billy said..... "Ask him if he'll come back later.... I'm talking to Charlie." The Paul in question was none other than Paul McCartney! Billy could make you feel so special.
Two other recollections. During the 1972 Rock 'n' Roll Wembley gig backing Billy, they shared a dressing room with Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry... some line up! - and - during the promotion of the movie "That'll Be The Day" we performed at a London nightspot where Keith Moon came up to me and asked if he could play with the band. John had grave concerns for his drum kit!
Included below is a video of his truly spectacular piano solo.
A magnificent homage to the music of Billy Fury, he arranged it himself and it always brings the audience it its feet in appreciation.
It's quite a large file (14Mb) so it may take a few minutes to load up. Enjoy!
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