|:: The Billy Fury Story ::| Reviews

The Billy Fury Story in other peoples eyes...

"Gold seems to slip easily into his role"

Review by Lee Wilkinson for www.thestage.co.uk

Halfway to Paradise - The Billy Fury Story Published Wednesday 7 May 2008 at 13:10 by Lee Wilkinson

In the sixties Billy Fury enjoyed a string of some two dozen hit singles and most of them are featured in this musical presentation.

An exponent of the beat ballad, Fury boasted smouldering good looks, a magnetic stage presence, wrote some of his own songs and was still making good records right up to his untimely death at the age of 42, in January 1983.

His backing band from the seventies, Fury’s Tornados, teamed up with Colin Gold, who appeared as Fury in TV’s Stars in Their Eyes, and the resultant show is now celebrating its tenth anniversary tour.

Gold seems to slip easily into his role as he strolls on stage in a bronze jacket and adopts Fury’s trademark posture, collar raised, coat slung over his shoulder, as he manipulates the microphone stand.

More importantly, he possesses the vocal technique and range to do full justice to all those classic recordings, from the rock’n’roll of Don’t Knock Upon My Door, to the emotive Halfway to Paradise and the slow, sentimental Maybe Tomorrow.

Besides providing solid support for Gold, the four band members have moments of their own and prove to be first-rate musicians. Keyboard player Charlie Eston, who was Fury’s musical arranger, plays a classy piano piece and guitarist Chris Raynor sings a moving number he recently wrote about Fury. Bass guitarist Graham Wyvill is equally at home on electric and stand-up versions, whilst John Raynor impresses on the drum kit.

Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon.

Review by Arthur Sutherland

Masterpiece of a performance...

There are three things which could have conspired to ruin what promised to be a most nostalgicaly entertaining evening of rocking tribute to the most charismatic of such entertainers now gigging in paradise. The abismal acoustics of a multi purpose venue, the obvious disorganisation of the venue management, and the unfortunate inclusion in the running order of the gut renching "Nobody's Child" which this reviewer had spent the years since it's release trying to forget that Billy ever recorder it.

The first of these could be forgiven as it only added to the authenticity of the sixties sound with Ricky G manfully wrestling with the mixing desk to negate the worst manifestations of the hall acoustics. The venue mismanagement caused angst by not informing ticket vendors that the balcony was not in use even though tickets had been sold for same that very morning, nor did they appear to know where the audience could park their cars. As to the last of these sins I suppose every great star must have their nadir and by Chris Raynors own admission to me after the show this was Billys, indeed he pointed out that several people involved at the time thought it not a good idea, it was largely his own determined wish to press his version of this justly maligned kitsch tearjerker. None of this thankfully snookered audience or performer.

But enough of the negative less I put would be punters off forking out their £17.50 for a night in which they will be priveleged to witness and enjoy sheer slik professionalism and muscianship, for I can assure you it will be value for money at 14p per minute.

In a performance ably assisted in creating the nostalic ambience by a uniquely synchronised back projected A.V. montage of concert footage and other film of the period in question, wherever the man himself appeared he was in perfect lip sync with Colin Gold on stage singing the same old song, in each case to perfection.

You could for short periods of time ignore the stage and believe that Fury still walked amoung the living, indeed you could only agree with the rest of the band that in Colin Gold who was Billy Fury in the 1996 season of "Stars In Their Eyes" they had found a unique talent which, while Fury may be irreplaceable Colin is now to all intents and purposes Billy Fury, The voice, the mannerisms, the stage presence, the personality are all there, from the point of his winklepickers, to the point of his quiff, at the end of his rigid D.A.

This of course, it has to be said is no mere tribute band, these are the muicians who toured with the real McCoy for most of the seventies, they were his friends, his colleagues, and his chief apostles, what they present is from the heart, with great affection and respect. I will not dampen anyones enthusiasm by giving the complete running order, go see for yourselves you will not be disappointed. The show opens from the AV backdrop to an empty stage, on screen Lisa Voice welcomes you with some anecdotes of her time with Billy, as she was his partner for the last eleven years of his short life. In her conclusion she poignantly thanks Billy and his band members for the fun and the good times.

The band less Colin at this point come on stage and then the evening becomes electric. A shimmering shock of silver hair quivers continously as the master technician of John Raynor beats the time faultlessly on his Ludwig skins. Up front Chris Raynor on his pink electric guitar in perfect sync with Graham Wyvill playing Bass with cool style and verve and all this accompanied on a battered old black concert grand played by Billys musical director Charlie Elston completes this set of maestros delivering a virtuoso rock performance. Perhaps the moves are a little stiffer these days, but hey who amoung us is getting any younger.

The set is crafted not merely around the music which Billy made famous, every hit is here, rather it is also crafted around the music of his time, it is the musical backdrop to our youth, which is exactly where it takes us all back to. For two hours an audience of 40 to 60 somethings were all back in their teens at the saturday night record hops in their local church hall. Other hits of the time being delivered along the way were Diamonds, Hoots Mon, and a robust medley of Shadows hits Just before the interval sitting at his concert grand, Charlie Elson delivered his own rearrangement of a medley of Billys hits amoung which were Wonderous Place and Halfway to Paradise. This masterpiece of a perfomance closes after 2 encores with an affectionate little ditty written by Chris Raynor in tribute to his late boss, whilst the style and chord progression of the piece are pretty much bog standard for such a tribute song the words are written and deliverd from the heart, by someone who knew him well and cared.

As Billy metaphorically leaves the building sailing up the Mersey in glorious monochrome on the world famous ferry a happy and somehow youthful audience each takes their own memories eventually home with them to dream of a time of greater innocence and freedom to be who we wanted to. Billy and his ilk aided us all in that quest his friends continue that good work, presumably till they no longer can. Perhaps The most telling comments of the evening were remarks about how many of todays acts will still be doing this 30 odd years down the line, indeed how many of their reputed fans will want them to, I suspect that they will by then have all been consigned to the cesspit of mediocrity. Thanks for listening, keep your eyes open they may add extra dates to the tour, as apparently the York gig was Enjoy.

York Barbican, October 2006

Review by Jon Rhodes

...Impressive film backdrops...

IT was somewhat ironic that on a night when a band named Fury's Tornados took to the stage the Fylde's famed winds did their level best to blow the North Pier Theatre's revival off course.

Howling gales and rain of near-Biblical proportions lashed the famous old venue, but rock'n'rollers are a hardy bunch. And the brave souls who made the rather dicey trek down the boardwalk for the theatre's second opening night in as many days, were glad they did.

Billy Fury was undoubtedly the king of British rock back in the 1950s and his legend lives on 23 years after his untimely death.

It is being kept alive on stages around the UK – and now every Wednesday in Blackpool until November – in no small part thanks to Colin Gold and the late star's own backing band Fury's Tornados.

The show has been to Blackpool before, and I dare say has not altered that much, save for some impressive film backdrops which help tell the story of Liverpool's very own Elvis. It has certainly not lost any of the spark, energy and quality which lifts it above the many 'covers' acts claiming to be the "real deal".

In Gold we have a genuine talent, and one who blends an unnerving physical likeness of Fury's smouldering, sex-bomb good looks with a frighteningly accurate take on Britain's one true rock'n'roll voice.

Fury's Tornados began proceedings with a rock medley before an evocative black and white backdrop of the River Mersey appeared. On strode Gold and within minutes there was not a dry scouse eye in the house or a Fylde foot not tapping away.

The band – tight as you like – set off on a two-hour-plus rockabilly blitzkrieg as they raced through a hit list which stretched over 26 years and 28 singles.

Wondrous Place, Maybe Tomorrow, the somewhat unseasonal In Summer and Halfway To Paradise were among the highlights as was the anthemic finale Forget Him.

Gyrating, hip swivelling and a spot of suggestive microphone abuse – once famously banned during one of Fury's early shows in the late 50s – all made for good, wholesome family fun. Times have indeed changed, but quality shines through.

If anyone wants to know why Gazette readers were so passionate about preserving entertainment on the North Pier, and signed up to the SOS campaign, then it's shows like these.

Blackpool North Pier August 2006 Web Link HERE

Review by David Lodge

Like He's Never Been Gone!

Having known Colin Gold for many years but never having seen the show I was delighted to be invited by him to go along and review it. I have also known John ‘Rags’ Raynor and Chris Raynor on and off for more years than I care to remember. I think it was 1974 that they first backed Tommy Bruce, so I knew that they were fine musicians. However I do have reservations about tribute shows and made it clear to Colin that I am hard to please when it comes to comparisons to the real thing. I know that there are some excellent tribute acts out there but for me to impressed they have to of the calibre of Johnny Curtis, Roy Orbison in the Rockin’ on Heavens Door show.

So it was curtain up at 7.30 p.m. and I was immediately impressed by the slick professionalism of the technical crew. Following on the filmed introduction of the by patron Lisa Voice the film show of Billy’s archive material started up in conjunction with the band Furys Tornados. This show was to continue throughout the evening and the sight of Billy appearing with Amanda Barrie amongst others is a nostalgic enhancement to the live show. There is also a narrator who highlights relevant moments throughout Billy’s career.

Fury’s Tornados feature an impressive lineup of musicians which include John ‘Rags’ Raynor on Percussion and Vocals he really knows his stuff. Chris Raynor on Lead Guitar and Vocals a very fine musician, incidentally his sings a beautiful self-penned ballad which is his own tribute to Billy. Graham Wyvill on Bass and Vocals, Graham is one of a dwindling number of bass players who switch between the old slap bass and bass guitar to great effect during the show. Last but not least Charlie Elston on Keyboards and vocals who musically puts the icing on the cake. His Billisa solo is one of the high spots of the show. The band know and play Billy’s music very well having toured him for at least seven years, Charlie of course being Billy’s MD during that time. The band surprised me by not playing any of the songs associated with Clem Cattinni’s Tornados. They did play during their own set some excellent music, including ‘Walk Don’t Run’, ‘Perfidia’, Hit And Miss’, ‘Diamonds’, ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ and ‘Hit and Miss’. Giving each one of them the chance to show their versatility.

Lead vocals are provided by Colin Gold who performs to a high standard. He received several standing ovations during the performance including one for the haunting and mournful ‘Nobody’s Child’. There is no doubt that Colin has studied all the available footage of Billy’s performances and worked extremely hard to recreate the movement and stance that was Billy’s trademark. This effort is not lost on the audience who scream and gasp their approval throughout the show. Billy recorded so many wonderful songs it would be impossible to perform them all but all the favourites are there ‘Because of Love’, ‘Margo’, ‘It’s Only Make Believe’ and ‘Halfway to Paradise’, and many more.

It is a great show I thoroughly enjoyed it, well worth the parking ticket I got due to it being impossible to get anywhere near the theatre. Technically the presentation is superb and the professionalism of the whole show stands out for all to see. Halfway to Paradise has been on the road for ten years, on this evidence people will be clamoring to see it for many more

Manchester Opera House

Review by Steve England

Gold-plated performance from a great pretender

TWENTY-TWO years ago, the world lost an icon. Eight years ago, one Colin Gold appeared on Stars in Their Eyes as Billy Fury

He was spotted by the 70s band that backed the "British Elvis" and the band members made contact with the pretender.

The result has been a rebirth. Colin Gold has been a sensation. For the past eight years, he has lived his dream, and the name and music of the modest lad from Liverpool has been continued.

I have a confession to make. I am biased. Billy Fury was my teenage idol. You would never believe the emptiness I felt when he died in 1983. Sir Paul McCartney believed 'Fury opened the door to the future'. Fury's Tornados could tell you stories about the great man. They savour the moments they shared as they toured.

For them, it is an honour to continue playing his tunes. And play them they do - almost continously for the whole show.

They even pay tribute to former members of the Tornados, such as the late Heinz Burt. He died five years ago, after a stroke. He was wheelchair bound with Motor Neurone disease and had only eighteen pounds to his name.

It's uncanny. Colin Gold effortlessly portrays Fury to a tee.

De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Review by Paul Maidment

Wondrous

The Mayflower echoed to the sounds of 6.5 Special, Jukebox Jury and Top of the Pops all rolled into one.

Colin Gold took on the seemingly impossible task of becoming Billy, and carried it off to perfection - his act including the famous suits, for which Billy was renowned, with perfect mannerisms and magical stage presence.

Superbly supported by Billy's original backing band - Fury's Tornados - we were taken on a trip back to the fifties sixties and seventies. A huge backdrop showed film all the way through the show, of various stages of Billy's career, as well as highlights from the concert.

This fantastic show included all of the early hits such Jealousy, In Thoughts Of You, Like I've Never Been Gone, Wondrous Place, plus of course Halfway To Paradise. Also included was some of the lesser known records which involved some great British rock 'n' roll.

I think having Billy's own band on stage really makes the show, as you can sit there and imagine just what it was like to see this great star perform all those years ago.

The story detailed Billy's life from the early stages, through all the hits during the sixties, right up to his comeback and ultimately his death in 1983.

Make no mistake, this show is much more than just a tribute. It's the closest any fan could wish for, especially those who never got to see him. A superb show, and a fitting memory to one of our greatest performers.

My seat is reserved for the next time this show is anywhere within driving distance - and it surely will be

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Review by Gayle Graham

Fury memory alive and well

"In 1983 we lost a very dear friend and the world lost a great performer and probably the the greatest rock and roller" (Chris Raynor or Fury's Tornados, Billy Fury's backing band).

Twenty years after his death, Billy Fury's memory is still very much alive, thanks to the surviving band members touring Britain with this excellent concert.

Colin Gold played tribute to the Scouse star (born Ronald Wycherley) who worked his way from tugboats on the Mersey to starring alongside the likes of Eddie Cochrane.

Fury soon became known as the British Elvis and predated the Beatles. And he even turned down the original members of the Fab Four, who auditioned for his backing band.

The two hour concert heard almost 30 hits including I'll Never Find Another You, and Halfway To Paradise.

Gold masterfully looked the part of Fury and his voice was remarkabley accurate. It was great night out - and well worth missing Coronation Street or Eastenders.

Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

Review by Mike Allen

So much more

At times he sounded more like Billy Fury than Fury himself.

Colin Gold's singing of Halfway to Paradise, for example, had more drama and depth. But maybe that simply reflects the fact that the original 1961 hit did not - indeed could not - match up to the live experience.

Gold did not attempt to ape the antics that once had Fury banned for being too sexy, but showed all the musical power of songs such as Maybe Tomorrow, Colette, Jealousy, Last Night Was Made For Love and the farewell Forget Him - a hit in 1983 shortly after he died aged 42.

No less formidable were the musical skills of the original Fury's Tornados - notably Charlie Elston on keyboards.

But this was not just a concert. The Billy Fury Story was also told through a mixture of narration, soundtrack and imaginative back projection.

The overall approach was simpler than in the Glenn Miller musical, American Patrol, premiered at Southampton last week - but the result was ten times more effective as a piece of theatre.

Kings Theatre, Southsea.

Review by Clive Weaver

Genuinely Moving

With it's stated objective of keeping Billy Fury's name alive, The Billy Fury Story has developed into a remarkably slick, professional and entertaining production, thanks to the superb augmented instrumentation from Fury's Tornados and Colin Gold's uncanny knack of reproducing the exact vocal 'Sound of Fury' The sheer quality of the music makes this a superb sixties night out

A disembodied voice relates the Fury life story and career saga, interspersed with the popular themes of 6.5 Special, Juke Box Jury and Pick of the Pops... the 60's ambience instantly pervades the auditoruim. The nostalgic atmosphere is intensified by the band's faultless instrumental renditions of such varied hits as Perfidia, Diamonds and Hoots Mon

The evening is dominated, however by Colin Gold's expert delivery of virtually every Fury hit (except I'm Lost Without You - my favourite) and it matters not that he is rather too stocky to recreate Billy's lithe sensual stage presence. Every note, costume and gesture has been lovingly recreated - a fact much appreciated by an enthusiastic York crowd.

Authenticity is guaranteed by the genuinely moving testimonies and reminiscences of Chris Raynor who worked regularly with Billy during the 70's abd by the choice of the singer's own personal stage favourites like Nobody's Child, That's Alright Mama and the B-Side Nothin Shaking.

It was nice also that credit was given to such key figures as Ivor Raymonde, Michael Winner, Jack Good and Joe Brown.

There is plenty of humour in the show, with the inevitable audience participation during In Summer abd a rather cruel, mock-bitchy suggestion by the band that Colin Gold never has the same problems with female fans as the stunningly attractive Billy Fury had to face!

Grand Opera House, York.

Review by Barry Balmayne

Precise and Accurate..

When I was part of a Double Comedy Act, I had the good fortune to work with Billy Fury on one of his tours not too long before he sadly died and it was a truly most memorable theatrical experience, as was the show I saw at The Price Of Wales Centre in Cannock. Steeped in nostalgia and perfection, it brought the very heart and soul of Fury back to the British stage. This was much more than just a tribute show, it was a precise and accurate time machine turning back the years to afford it's enthusiastic and appreciative audience the presence of what they had enjoyed from this pop legend throughout the sixties and seventies. With just the right amount of informative narration, the Fury story unfolded amidst the superb presentation of most of his greatest and most memorable numbers.

I'm sure that there was a lump in everyones throat in the Fury's fan packed audience as the tab opened and we once again witnessed the original Fury's Tornados. Opening the show with a set of superbly nostalgic vocal and instrumentals to so cleverly turn the clock back and set the scene and stage exactly as they had done so many times before for the legend himself. I think it's the fact that 'Stars in Their Eyes' Fury, Colin Gold, happened not to look too much like Fury soon passed over the heads of the audience as the voice, presentation and delivery melted into their hearts with Like I've Never Been Gone.

His voice is superb and whatever direction has been passed onto Gold by Fury's Tornados works to perfection. He works the stage, his act and his character wash professionalism and finesse. In a show full of highlights, in my book, Last Night Was Made For Love, In Thoughts Of You, I'll Never Find Another You, When Will You Say I Love You and Halfway To Paradise all shone for me, but so did two lighter side numbers, In Summer and a supern acappella version of Devil Or Angel.

The final standing ovation was richly deserved.

Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock

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