Billy Preston

Tax Evader · 6 Jun 2006 at 19:57

Sadly passed away today, aged 59

I was lucky enough to see and hear him during Eric Clapton's 2004 Tour. Thanks for all the joy and music, Billy

fuz · 6 Jun 2006 at 20:08

Damn

I saw him at Sheffield with Clapton 2 years ago and he was great. He was the fifth beatle during the let it be sessions and was up on the rooftop with them in 69, deserves respect imo.

RIP

chrisd · 6 Jun 2006 at 21:33

The guy was a legend

RIP

RetiredGreyFox · 6 Jun 2006 at 21:40

RIP Billy - you've been a great musician and god knows how many albums I've got you've sessioned on.

However, the only time I saw him live he actually helped to ruin a concert.
In the late 70s The Rolling Stones played at Bingley Hall and Billy was their keyboard player. The Stones were billed as The Greatest Rock N Roll Band In The World and I couldn't wait. We entered the building to soul music, the support band were soul music, the music in between was soul music and then the The Stones hit the stage with Jumping Jack Flash. The next 30 mins was all their very slow soul stuff and then they let Billy Preston do 15 mins on his own. They all continued with soul music until about 57 mins into the set and then finished with Brown Sugar and did no encore. Two rock n roll songs in nearly 4 hours of being in the Bingley Hall

Chronos-X · 6 Jun 2006 at 21:42

He'll be remembered best imo for adding the organ to the Beatles' Get Back

He also sang on a very good version of "my sweet lord" at George Harrison's memorial concert.

Bye billy

Tax Evader · 6 Jun 2006 at 21:51

Chronos-X said:
He also sang on a very good version of "my sweet lord" at George Harrison's memorial concert.

Don't forget "Isn't It A Pity"..