BILLY
RAYMOND
1981
There were celebrations to mark Billy’s 25 years in showbiz, with adverts being taken out in a theatrical newspaper called “Encore” dated January 1981, offering congratulations from the Tamworth & District Workmens’ Club Ltd, Jayes travel agents, Masling Airlines, who stated that Billy had by then travelled a million miles with them. There was also a column from “The Kids from ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘A Touch of Tartan’, commemorating 10 happy years working with him. John Parbs, Billy’s Manager, also took out an advert of congratulation, saying “I couldn’t have found anyone easier to work for.”
Billy continued to play his “Toast to the Tartan” show around the country, including in Manly Music Loft and Western Suburbs Leagues Club.
In a two-page article in the Daily Mirror, dated 10 July 1981, the banner headline read: “Billy hangs up his Kilt.” This article announced Billy’s intention to retire from stage shows when the curtain went down after the show on 15 August. The article reads: “He said: “Since going into show business, I’ve had one heart attack, been crippled by spondylolothesis (a spinal disease), contracted hiatus hernia and almost gone bankrupt twice. That’s what 26 years of show business can do for you. And people ask me why I want to quit. I’m a bloody walking miracle ...” The article goes on to say that he intends to produce his own shows through a company called Billy Raymond Enterprises which he formed years ago “when I thought I was a star.” A very modest remark from a talented veteran of show business.” The article then continues to detail a potted history of Billy’s career to date, and describes Billy’s heart attack. Billy said: Four years ago at the Fairfield RSL Club I had a massive heart attack on stage while singing “Amazing Grace”. I suddenly felt funny and my right arm began to paralyse. I just managed to finish the song, put the microphone down on top of the piano and introduce Jan Adele as the next act. Somehow I managed to stagger to my dressing room where I collapsed. As I was being taken by ambulance to hospital and literally dying, I lifted the oxygen mask off my face and whispered: “Quick! Ring Matt White at the Daily Mirror (the writer of this article). If I snuff it I might make the front page...” Billy didn’t snuff it and made Page 3.
The article continues by saying that Billy “had devised a TV programme called “Entertaining Australians” which will feature 12 to 15 performers per hour show. It is going to regional TV stations but I hope to get it on a national network. I won’t even appear for three seconds. Let the others have the spotlight. I’ve had all I ever want.”
Uh-huh.
Billy continued to play his “Toast to the Tartan” show around the country, including in Manly Music Loft and Western Suburbs Leagues Club.
In a two-page article in the Daily Mirror, dated 10 July 1981, the banner headline read: “Billy hangs up his Kilt.” This article announced Billy’s intention to retire from stage shows when the curtain went down after the show on 15 August. The article reads: “He said: “Since going into show business, I’ve had one heart attack, been crippled by spondylolothesis (a spinal disease), contracted hiatus hernia and almost gone bankrupt twice. That’s what 26 years of show business can do for you. And people ask me why I want to quit. I’m a bloody walking miracle ...” The article goes on to say that he intends to produce his own shows through a company called Billy Raymond Enterprises which he formed years ago “when I thought I was a star.” A very modest remark from a talented veteran of show business.” The article then continues to detail a potted history of Billy’s career to date, and describes Billy’s heart attack. Billy said: Four years ago at the Fairfield RSL Club I had a massive heart attack on stage while singing “Amazing Grace”. I suddenly felt funny and my right arm began to paralyse. I just managed to finish the song, put the microphone down on top of the piano and introduce Jan Adele as the next act. Somehow I managed to stagger to my dressing room where I collapsed. As I was being taken by ambulance to hospital and literally dying, I lifted the oxygen mask off my face and whispered: “Quick! Ring Matt White at the Daily Mirror (the writer of this article). If I snuff it I might make the front page...” Billy didn’t snuff it and made Page 3.
The article continues by saying that Billy “had devised a TV programme called “Entertaining Australians” which will feature 12 to 15 performers per hour show. It is going to regional TV stations but I hope to get it on a national network. I won’t even appear for three seconds. Let the others have the spotlight. I’ve had all I ever want.”
Uh-huh.
