“Be Bop Deluxe were very popular for me and my mates at Brookway High School, as not only were the songs great and the lead guitar amazing but one of our teachers had been at college with front man Bill Nelson in Yorkshire. To prove it, he brought in Bill’s first indy solo album, ‘A Northern Dream’ and we felt like some form of magic connection had happened!
It’s a shame that I never mention Bill enough as an influence, as I love his guitar playing, particularly on the first 3 albums.
In February 1976 Be Bop toured to support the release of their ‘Sunburst Finish’ album so naturally we went to see it at our regular haunt, Manchester Free Trade Hall… and this was my programme.”
Billy – Sept 2026