Much Loved Local Musician Billy Franks Dies at 60

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Friends rally round and raise thousands to give him 'send-off he deserves"

Friends, fans and colleagues living around Hammersmith and Fulham have been paying tribute to much loved local singer and songwriter Billy Franks, who has died suddenly at the age of 60.

Billy, a father and grandfather whose friends included Prince Harry, died at his home on September 20.

The sad news was announced to his many friends and fans on his Facebook page, saying: " It is with immense sadness that we bring you the news of Billy's passing.

" We will, of course, bring you more details in due course but for now please join us in sending your love and condolences to his friends and family at this very sad time.

" RIP Billy Franks 7/6/56 - 20/9/16."

Shocked friends left messages of sadness and support on the page while one friend, Ellie Rashbook set up a JustGiving page, saying: " Our darling Friends lost their Dad yesterday in tragic circumstances and Fulham lost a Legend, Billy Franks.
 
" He wasn't only an Amazing Musician & Songwriter that we all knew and loved he was our friend. He was an Uncle a father a Grandfather and a brother. We will all miss him so much.

" He is leaving a big gap in all of our Hearts and also wonderful memories of which we are all so lucky to share.

" Not so long ago my family were fund raising for my sister's little boy who needed an operation. 
Billy and his band and Friends and family helped us reach our Target by doing many fund raising things for us playing gigs for our events, having whip rounds and collections at every gig , party and function he played at and much more. We will be forever grateful for this.

" This was just one example of the amazing Charitable work he always done with so much passion and love.

" Now we're asking for your help to raise some money for his family. To give him the send off he deserves. We hope you can help xx." 

Ellie was aiming to raise £3,000 and today, September 29, the total sailed beyond that. Ellie said:"Wow we did it.

" I know the family are so grateful and have had a huge weight lifted by all of your kindness and generosity. Thank you all xx."

Billy lived for most of his life in Fulham Court on Fulham Road, and wrote a song about life on the estate during the 1980s, when he was lead singer with a band called Faith Brothers.

At the height of their success, the band supported the likes of R.E.M and U2 and as well as Fulham Court, had succcess with their songs Country of the Blind and Stranger on Home Ground.

After they broke up in 1987, Billy continued performing as a solo artist, releasing six solo albums and appearing at venues including Shepherd's Bush Empire and the Troubador in Earls Court as well as many local pubs.

He also released a charity single in partnership with Prince Harry, to raise money for the Prince's charity Sentebale, which supports orphans and vulnerable children in Africa.

In 2008, Billy starred in a feature length documentary film, called Tribute This! It chronicled the adventures of four friends travelling the world to ask stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney to appear on a charity tribute album to an unknown but worthy recipient: Billy Franks.

The documentary was followed by an autobiographical book called A Far Cry from Sunset, which included stories about the making of the film.

This summer, Billy walked the 780 km Camino route from from St Jean Pied de Port in France through the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain, and recorded his adventures  on a website he called The Kid Stays in the Picture .

Billy snapped during the walk through the Pyrenees

His niece Rachel Hirons told the Fulham Gazette: " He was a heartfelt man and a generous guy. He was always the first one to put a hand up to do a charity gig. He was always willing to help anyone.

"He still had a massive following and he was really loved in the area. He was a very well liked man, and just everyone really got on with him."

Billy’s funeral will take place on October 12 at Putney Vale, setting off from Fulham Court at 11.50am with the service beginning at 12.20pm.

September 29, 2016