BILLY RAYMOND

IN MEMORIAM 6

FROM CARMEL AUDSLEY, SCOTS NEWS MAGAZINE, BRISBANE

In the past few years I have corresponded with Billy to help promote his shows around Queensland.  The last time I spoke to him was just before he left on what turned out to be his farewell tour.  I had grown up watching him on television and singing his songs.  In the 1990s, when I was editor of Perform Magazine of the Performing Arts, I was surprised to learn that Billy Raymond was manager of the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr, North Queensland.  Could it be the same Billy Raymond?  Yes indeed.  There was no end to his versatility.  I was recently at a ‘very serious music concert’ and, after concentrating for three hours on this serious music, my mind started to wander and I imagined Billy coming out from the wings, microphone in hand, kilt swishing, as he started to belt out “The Song of the Clyde”.  The world needs all types of music, but true entertainers are hard to find.

Billy, rest in peace now, the battle’s o’er.

FROM DAVID LLOYD (Ex-Manager, Townsville Civic Theatre, now Manager, Skilled Park, Gold Coast)

A terrible loss to the theatre and entertainment business and a true friend.