Billy Preston R.I.P. (1 Viewer)

[Vegas 1]

Just heard this on the radio. Billy has passed away at age 59. I haven't heard anymore details. What a bummer!

 

[Manus]

Damn!
I got the Concert for George and the Billy's smiling effervescence comes across perfectly.
Will be sadly missed cos they just don't make em that good anymore....

~M~

 

[Jack Briggs]

He delivered a fine eulogy of George Harrison on that dark day late in 2001. A fine musician, one who helped The Beatles stay and play together for a little longer. He will be missed.

 

[GuruAskew]

I'd heard he was pretty sick because on the "Stadium Arcadium" DVD, Anthony and Flea said that he was bed-ridden and only briefly got out of bed to record his keyboard part on "Warlocks" and then went right back to bed.

 

[John Kilduff]

He wrote some of The Beatles' most upbeat tunes. It was sort of expected that he would die soon, but it's sad nevertheless.

I wonder if Paul McCartney and/or Ringo Starr will be making any statements.

Sincerely,

John Kilduff...

I think I preferred Earth, Wind And Fire's version of "Got To Get You Into My Life", though. It just worked a little better.

 

[MarkHastings]

Woah I'm never gonna SAYYY goodbye :frowning:

 

[Phil A]

Here are the details -

"Preston had been in a coma at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea in Scottsdale, Arizona, since last November after suffering kidney failure and related illnesses, the legacy of a longtime battle with drugs that landed him in prison in the late 1990s. "

 

[AnthonyC]

Definitely sad news. A great musician who always seemed like a nice guy.


Billy didn't write any Beatles songs; he played on some of their very late-period stuff.

 

[John Kilduff]

Oops. I'm not as much of a Beatles fan as I should be. I'll know next time.

Sincerely,

John Kilduff...

Either way, the man knew what he was doing.

 

[Steve_Knutzen]

Both times I saw Eric Clapton in concert, BP's solos were one of the highlights. He had a very energetic and entertaining presence and that will stay with me no matter how many more concerts I attend during my life. When I saw him in 2004, the whole crowd was very into his solos. After a couple songs, we all knew to expect some great playing. During "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" when the big screen showed him with a huge grin on his face, before he'd played a single note of his solo the crowd errupted with cheers. The music that followed was simply incredible.
RIP to a very gifted musician.

 

[WarrenL]

There was so much energy and emotion in his music, from his work with the Beatles to his solo efforts such as "I Sang A Simple Song" (George Harrison on guitar on this one), "Will It Go 'Round in Circles" and " Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying".
I saw him in concert and it was one of the most happiest, energetic shows..everyone was clapping, standing or dancing and he and his band were smiling and having a good time on stage!
Such a large contrast to Academy Award winning songs of today...
Rest in peace and thank you, thank you for your music.

 

[MarkHastings]

Oh my! I had to check this thread because I was just watching O'Hara's Wife (which is where I first heard a Billy Preston song) and I got to the part where Harriet realizes she died on June 3rd.

I had to check because I knew Billy just died and was creeped out thinking it was June 3rd as well.