Graham Wyvill

1950. Born in Cleethorpes at a very early age. In 1962 Graham’s family moved to Nottingham where his brother Bob formed a school pop group called the Houndogs. Another member of that band was Rik Kenton, who went on to become bassist for Roxy Music! “If you play bass you can join!” So Dad advanced £34 for a Rosetti Bass 9 and at the age of 14 started his musical career. He turned professional in 1973 to form “Highly Likely” the band that promoted the hit record “Whatever Happened to You?” from the BBC comedy “Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads.” After Billy stopped touring Graham continued working with John in a band called The Ritz which was signed to Polydor. Billy took a great interest in the band and their original songs, giving much of his time during sessions in the recording studios. As it was then the “punk” era, he (unsuccessfully) suggested they should be renamed “The Machine Guns.” Another former member of Ritz was Dave Williams, whose current exploits can be seen here. One of Daves early bands was The New Opposition and they had Queens’ John Deacon on bass.

In 1993 Graham returned to full-time study to follow a life-long interest in furniture making and after 4 years acheived a BA (hons) in Applied Furniture Studies. During the course he received a national award for his work. You can view his own website HERE. Graham was brought out of semi-retirement to reform Fury’s Tornados and now says, ” I am enjoying every single moment recreating the music and the genius of Billy Fury.”