The “tables are going to be turned” as it’s Billy’s turn to be interviewedThis article contains affiliate links, which means we will receive commission on any sale of products or services we write. Learn more
Radio presenter Billy Butler. Circa 1975.(Image: Mirrorpix)
Radio legend Billy Butler is to tell all about his life at an exclusive Liverpool event. For many, the 82-year-old’s voice brings a sense of warmth and familiarity.
Thousands in the city grew up listening to the broadcaster on both his BBC Radio Merseyside and Radio City shows. His has been a familiar voice to generations, sharing music, stories, and unforgettable moments throughout his decades-long career.
However, it has been said that the media personality will show a different side of himself at an upcoming Q&A-style event. Billy will be interviewed by Paul Hession as part of the Rainbow Toffees‘ ongoing In Conversation series.
Host Paul, from Toxteth, told the ECHO: “He’s a proud Evertonian, so it makes sense for him to be our next guest.
“This time around, it will be more light-hearted. With India Willoughby, our last guest, she raised awareness of the trans community and the problems they face, and she did it very well. She sold out all the seats.
Billy Butler with event host and friend Paul Hession(Image: Paul Hession)
“But in comparison, this is all about Billy’s life. He’s a Liverpool legend, and everyone knows him. The thing with Billy is he is normally the interviewer. He’s a radio DJ, and there is a lot of history behind him.
“But this time around, it’s changed; he’s the interviewee. I’ll be asking him all about the band he used to be in, the Tuxedos, his time at the Cavern Club and his friendship with Cilla Black.”
As usual, the intimate event will be held at the Baltic Market’s BoxPark, with tickets available to buy here. It will run from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, May 15, with interval entertainment provided by the The Biscuit Bandits.
Paul, who is a lead member of Rainbow Toffee’s, Everton’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, said: “Billy is always promoting new and upcoming acts on his shows, and so when we see the band, The Biscuit Bandits, on the ECHO website, we thought they would be perfect for the event. It’s all about what Billy promotes.
Billy Butler outside “Smokie Mo’s” Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, on the site of the entrance to the Mardi Gras club(Image: Trinity Mirror Copyright)
“He’s had quite an eventful life, so the tables are going to get turned onto him and offer people an insight they wouldn’t always see. He’s going to show more than just his radio DJ side.
“Most people will know him and recognise his voice, and he’s such a likeable character. But this is going to be in-depth – from childhood memories to his love of football and a behind look at his family life.”
The In Conversation series sees notable Evertonians open up in front of fans about their lives. The previous guest was former Celebrity Big Brother guest India Willoughby.
The activist, who now lives in Newcastle, said it is the “toughest time in history” for people to be who they want to be freely. She told the ECHO: “When I came out as transgender and it became a big story in the 2010s, the world was very pro-inclusion and diversity.
“It was celebrated. But now, somehow, a lot of the world has been convinced that those are actually bad things, that being kind to others is negative.
“The hate is non-stop, it feels like, and tragically, it’s coming from (the) top layers and trickling down. I never imagined the day when we start rolling back rights into the older days, yet here we are.” You can read her full interview here.