Posted: 05 February 2010 at 6:13pm | IP Logged

Having heard Banksys explaination of Billy Billy(brilliant by the way) I fail to see where the likeness to a "wasted Pete Townsend turned up late to Billy Connolys party" could be associated with the character in the song.

Pete Townsend is still an acomplished musician/composer and does loads of work for charity.Didn't turn out like the song character.

So who fits the bill?

Syd Barret?Marilyn?.........There must be better Billy Billys than that.Can any one name an artist that is most like the song character?

Mark

Posted: 06 February 2010 at 12:13am | IP Logged

I've just had another listen to the song on Youtube (Rock goes to College). To me, the song is really based around the relationship the singer has with Billy. There is a sense of loss that the old innocence has gone, and with it, the old friendship. Everything that was good and real has been swamped by the managers / promoters / media etc. and Billy has lost himself in it, but the writer still retains a degree of faith in what is basically there, underneath (I hope they give you everything that you deserve!)

There's no direct suggestion that Billy has slid into the depths of Sex & Drugs & Rock 'n Roll, rather the song is a critique of the music industry, and how it obscures the individual (& presumably puffs up his self importance somewhat.) If I dare say it, its a bit like the song 'Stars in their eyes' albeit musically very different, and its full of peronal regret, even anger (see how powerfully A.P. delivers that line!)

So I don't know if its possible to find a real life model for Billy; I think that would tie the song down too much. Its much more about everything that surrounds him, and today you could maybe start your list with the X Factor and all its clones. (I'm glad I've got no television!)

Regards,  Seagull

Posted: 09 February 2010 at 2:10pm | IP Logged

Mmmm...I really like the connection to x factor and similar shows.

Just listened to again with that in mind and you're right it really fits.

Mark