Billy Butler
Growing up, Billy Butler was a part of the family. His voice could be heard in the house, in the car and on sunny days, in the garden. Mrs Butlers eldest was part of every Liverpool family and affectionately remembered, amongst other things, for his Sunday show with Wally Scott; Hold Your Plums. A show given new life by Liverpool Live 247.
Years later as owner of the Buz Magazine, I became a regular stand-in for Lyn Staunton, on Billy’s show, guesting alongside the lovely Bobby Sox on Stars in Their Ears.
It’s fair to say I love Billy Butler to pieces. I love his passion for local music, well, music in general. I love how he loves his wife and isn’t afraid to say it. I love how he has helped so many people over the years including myself and my daughter Jade. I love that he is back where he belongs, entertaining the folk of Merseyside.
For those who don’t know you (obviously born on another planet), please give us a brief synopsis of your career to date.
Television – Thank Your Lucky Stars 1962/3, Merseypirate, Fun Factory, What’s On, Wacker’s World, Fax, Chuckle Bros, What the Butler Sees, Billy and Wally’s Night Out…
Groups – Merseybeats (guest Vocal), Tuxedo’s 1963/4,
Cavern DJ 1964/70
Manager Mardi Gras 1970/72
DJ at lots of clubs inc. – She Club, Paradise Club Wigan, Las Vegas Club Wigan, Empress and Golden Guinea New Brighton.
Radio – Merseyside 71/78, City 79/83, Merseyside 83/95, City 96/99, Merseyside 2000-2018, Radio 2 Late night 1978
When you left Radio Merseyside, what did you miss most about radio?
That would definitely be the communication with my listening public
Did you listen to much radio in your own absence?
I still listened to Merseyside and sometimes my son Lee on City. Nothing else impressed me!
What constitutes a good entertainer for you? Any examples past or present?
An entertainer who can sell himself in many different ways but can still maintain your interest e.g. Kenny Everett, Spike Milligan, Graeme Norton, Terry Wogan, Spencer Leigh and Rowan Atkinson.
You are a great collector. What is your most prized possession from those collections?
I collect so many things and have sold so many things over the years that have zoomed in price, but I can live with that. I would say I’m proud of a gold disc for Jennifer Rush, The Power of Love awarded to me by CBS for my part in breaking the record.
Is it possible to recall a couple of stand-out moments from your career?
Being made a Citizen of Honour by the Council, winning the Liverpool Echo DJ of the year a few times, and thinking of the idea for Hold Your Plums, but mostly marrying Lesley!
Just for laughs, would you have rather scored the winning goal for Everton in a cup final or had a number one record?
Scoring the winning goal for Everton in the Cup Final! Although I have played on both grounds and sang, You’ll Never Walk Alone in Liverpool kit outside Anfield after losing a bet!