So sad to wake to the news Australian rock singer Billy Thorpe passed away early this morning, Wednesday February 28, 2007, Sydney time, at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, as the result of a heart attack.

He was only 60.

Memory

I came to Australia in December 1964 as an 11-year-old. I think I was about 14 when I attended a Billy Thorpe concert that he was giving around Liverpool, Sydney, where we lived. I wore very thick glasses. As we waited to get his autograph, the other kids pushed and shoved and mocked me. Billy Thorpe waited till the crowd had gone, then he called me over and asked my name. He said I had a pretty name, and he signed my autograph book. I still have it. He really brightened my day and made me feel good. I'm so sad this morning.

Hope you are somewhere over the rainbow, Billy Thorpe. Thank you for your words all those years ago. My thoughts to the family, band members, his fans and all those who loved him.

News article:

Peter Garrett tribute
The Australian
“Thorpe was the inspiration”

Tributes: 'Thorpe was inspiration' | News | The Australian

Funeral notice and online condolence messages

William "Billy" Richard Thorpe
(1946-2007)

William "Billy" Richard Thorpe - Australian Funeral and Death Notice


Billy Thorpe’s official site
Thorpie.com - Billy Thorpe's Official Site

Tethys

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-- Harry S. Truman

Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs!!

LOL, Howard wouldn't know Billy if he bit him! Any music Howard would listen to is Montovani's greatest hits!!! The man is beige!!

I had forgotten that story of yours, Tethys. And Billy was right you do have a pretty name!

Onya, Billy.

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Lucky is he (sic) who has been able to understand the causes of things
Virgil

Ta' enigma.

Among the recollections on ABC Radio National this morning, they mentioned an incident when Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs were playing in a pub in Sydney. After the band had finished their gig, someone noticed every fish in the aquarium was dead. The loud music had been too much for them. Poor little things. Still, Billy Thorpe sung one of the best rendition of the classic ballad "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" ever.

Tethys

__________________
-- Harry S. Truman

I'd forgotten about that! He did too!!!

__________________
Lucky is he (sic) who has been able to understand the causes of things
Virgil

Bye, bye, Thorpie. Some of my best mates played with him at one time or another. I think. Hard to remember.

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668.....the neighbour of the beast.

Yanqui, go home.

Good heavens, Moon. You aren't one of those "if you remember, you weren't there" mob?

__________________
Lucky is he (sic) who has been able to understand the causes of things
Virgil