|:: The Billy Fury Story ::| John Raynor

John Raynor (Percussion and Vocals)

John Raynor (no relation to Chris) was born in Nottingham on 29th Jan 1951. He started playing the drums and annoying the neighbours at the tender age of 13. Other school pals joined forces with him to form his first group called "The Bloodhounds". After a line-up change they became "The Intruders", He worked his way through more experienced bands and turned professional at the age of 17. Tours around the world followed with all the stars of the time finally finding stability working with Billy.

He looks back with deep affection for that time. He recalls a quiet, shy but humorous man whose typical Liverpudlian streak lead to many a funny story. "Billy treated us more as a part of his family rather than just paid musicians" he relates... "I remember once in a dressing room I could here a tiny voice saying 'John?' - 'John?' ... a hunt around the room revealed Billy hiding in a wardrobe, hidden away from the ladies who would have loved to have got hold of him. The only thing was, he'd been crouching in there for over two hours, too scared to come out!"

These days, away from the rigours of touring, he 'relaxes' at his Nottingham home, quote "Being an old Grandad" to his seven grandchildren.

Johns Stage equipment is listed below.

1968 Oyster Blue Ludwig Super Classic kit (22" Bass Drum, 13", 14" and 16" Tom-Toms)

14.5" Ludwig Jazz Festival Snare

Remo Clear Pinstripe Heads

Meinl Cymbals - Courtesy of Active Music

A pair of old chair legs.

John sources alot of his Ludwig equipment from one of the most enthusiastic vintage drum men, Len Howe at www.classicdrums.com.

Look up his site, it's a mine of information...

Click the pics to enlarge them...

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John Raynor (Percussion and Vocals)