BILLY LEE RILEY (R.I.P.) memorial update!

[herr_rudolf]

Mr. Riley recorded several times with my fellow Dutchmen The Bellhops.

Rock 'n' roll pioneer and SUN-legend Billy Lee Riley rocked till his death. Here he is in Holland more than a decade ago backed by The Tin Stars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryF2C_WIYVE

And who didn't rock to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqHyfP9v65Y

As written on rockabillyhall.com:

Billy Lee Riley ...
one of the greatest original Sun Recordings artists, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 at 5:20 am. His family was at his bedside. Funeral arrangements are pending. Billy had his share of health problems and medical bills. Please consider sending something to his wife, Joyce, to show Billy Lee's family that he meant a lot to us.
(for adres visit http://www.rockabillyhall.com )

 

[Bendix]

Re: any rockabillies out there? BILLY LEE RILEY R.I.P. (...)

i recently picked up a dvd of an old pbs 'soundstage' with john prine. it was around the time 'pink cadillac' was released and blr, who played with the band in the studio, also made an appearance on the episode. while i knew of him, it was fun to actually see him- quite the showman! 8)

 

[gashuffy63]

Re: any rockabillies out there? BILLY LEE RILEY R.I.P. (...)

Too many of these guys are leaving us all of the time. "Red Hot" has to be one of my favorite songs ever. He will be missed.

 

[karfer67]

Re: any rockabillies out there? BILLY LEE RILEY R.I.P. (...)

omg i have tears in my eyes and i just ran out and said a lil something, poured a bottle of motor oil on the ground and did a nice burnout in the ranchero while blaring red hot. i will remember this day

 

[Bigcam59]

Re: any rockabillies out there? BILLY LEE RILEY R.I.P. (...)

I remember hearing Robert Gordon's version of "Red Hot"when it first came out, and it became my #1 fave song...still is, and "Flying Saucer Rock&Roll" has gotta be #2. Goodbye Billy, you'll be missed.

 

[herr_rudolf]

First of all, thanks for your interest en comments guys!

At the time the news of Mr Rileys illness came out his Dutch recording- and backingband The Bellhops started organizing a benefitconcert to raise money for Billy's hospital bills. Billy was overwhelmed by the attention his sad news generated. I was asked to design the flyers and a t-shirt. Shortly after the agreement Billy passed away and after a short meeting the organizers decided to go through with the concert in billy's memory. No less then 15 bands will be performing and all the money raised will go to Mrs Riley and the family. So if you're in the neighbourhood (yes I know, Holland is far far away ;-) please do drop by.