Friends
The Who
Since the early 1970s, Billy has been a central figure in The Who's live performances, serving as Backing Singer and Musical Director for the band's touring productions. One of the greatest and most influential rock acts of all time, The Who built their reputation on explosive live performances and landmark albums including Tommy and Quadrophenia. Billy's decades-long relationship with the band remains one of the defining professional partnerships of his career.
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Pete Townshend
Guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of The Who, Pete Townshend is one of the most important figures in the history of rock music. Billy and Pete go back a long way, firm friends who have written songs together and performed alongside each other countless times. Billy was also involved in Pete's first solo venture: Deep End at the Brixton Academy on the 1st & 2nd November 1985 where Billy was asked to help Musical Direct the show. Deep End Live Album released in August 1986.
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Roger Daltrey
The voice of The Who and one of rock's most iconic frontmen, Roger Daltrey has been a close colleague of Billy's throughout his long association with the band. A passionate advocate for music and charity, particularly through his work with the Teenage Cancer Trust, Roger continues to be one of the most vital performers of his generation.
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Ronnie Lane
Co-founder of the Small Faces and one of the great, gentle souls of British rock, Ronnie Lane was a long-term friend and creative companion of Billy's. A gifted songwriter and bass player who shaped the sound of a generation, Ronnie was taken from us in 1997 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He remains forever in our hearts.
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Phil Manzanera
Lead guitarist of Roxy Music and one of Britain's most respected producers and solo artists, Phil Manzanera has been part of Billy's musical world for over half a century. Their collaborations span decades, built on a shared love of crafted, ambitious music and a friendship that has only deepened with time.
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Justin Hayward
Lead vocalist and guitarist of The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward is the voice behind some of the most enduring songs in British music, among them Nights in White Satin and Question. A warm and generous talent, Justin and Billy share a long musical friendship that has endured across the decades.
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John 'Rabbit' Bundrick
Known universally as Rabbit, John Bundrick is one of the most versatile and in-demand keyboard players in rock. A member of The Who's touring band for over four decades and a central figure in Free and many other celebrated acts, Rabbit and Billy have been musical companions within the same close-knit family of players for years.
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The Chieftains
Ireland's most celebrated traditional music group, The Chieftains have been performing together since 1963 and have won six Grammy Awards over the course of their extraordinary career. Known for their fearless collaborations across genres and continents, Billy has had the pleasure of working with this remarkable band.
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Slim Chance
Formed by Ronnie Lane following his departure from the Faces in 1973, Slim Chance continue today as a living tribute to Ronnie's enduring music and spirit. Their warm, rootsy sound carries on a tradition that means a great deal to Billy, keeping alive the work of a dear friend and one of British music's finest souls.
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Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift recorded a beautiful version of Billy's song I Can't Stop Loving You, one of the most wonderful surprises of recent years. One of the most celebrated and creative artists of her generation, Taylor's connection to Billy's songwriting is something he holds with enormous pride. Are we friends? We'd very much like to be.
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The Meher Baba Association
Billy is a devoted follower of Meher Baba, the spiritual master whose teachings of love, unity and selfless service have shaped his life and work. Billy has produced an album in support of the Meher Baba Association, whose work continues to spread Baba's message of universal love around the world.
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Morgan Nicholls
Billy's son Morgan is a musician, composer and producer of extraordinary range. As Musical Director and bassist he has toured the world with some of the biggest acts in music, and through his Decatone Studios in London he has built a reputation as one of the most gifted producers of his generation.
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Amy Nicholls
Billy's daughter Amy is a singer-songwriter who has inherited the family's gift for melody and heartfelt performance. A distinctive and moving voice, Amy is very much her own artist, and one whose talent makes her father enormously proud.
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