I don't know how many of you remember Wild Willi Beckett and the Psycho Surgeons. They toured with New Model Army back in the day and played with everyone who was anyone from the mid 80s to the 90s.
Once seen they were never forgotten & Willi's mad doctor act will always stick in my mind like it was only last year.
Here is their myspace site http://www.myspace.com/psychosurgeonsuk
Anyway, just had this email with sad news.
Dear Surgeons fans,
It's with great sadness that I am passing on the news that Willi Beckett died peacefully at home on Friday March 2nd. As many of you will know, he was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer last spring. Knowing his time was limited, he embarked on a manic schedule of preparing for the 'One Last One' concert, CD releases and some new material. He had absolutely no intention of going quietly, and was writing and recording virtually until the day of his death, fuelled by a toxic mix of chemotherapy and characteristically ill-considered amounts of ale. It was a textbook rock and roll demise - exactly the way he planned it.
He has left all of us with an endless range of great memories. Each story you hear about the man seems more incredible than the last one. At no point after he was diagnosed was he despondent. He was startlingly frank about his own mortality and his accounts of treatment were always tinged with humour. He was not prone to self-pity and would not want us to sink into a decline over his death. He has gone to another place now.....and is probably demanding an extension of their licensing hours.
The universe has lost a star.
Kev
The Psycho Surgeons
-
markfiend
- goriller of form 3b
- Posts: 21181
- Joined: 11 Nov 2003, 10:55
- Location: st custards
- Contact:
Sad news indeed.
Didn't Wild Willi stand for parliament under the Monster Raving Loony banner?
Didn't Wild Willi stand for parliament under the Monster Raving Loony banner?
The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.
—Bertrand Russell
—Bertrand Russell
Just to add
Willi was told a few months ago that he'd see this last new year in but not out.
They quickly organised "one last one" , a final farewell show before he died. Every line up of the band played as well as guests like original NMA bassist Stuart Morrow and Stan from The Skeletal family.
Willi's voice had already gone due to the cancer but he still did a 30 song set. What a way to say goodbye.
Willi was told a few months ago that he'd see this last new year in but not out.
They quickly organised "one last one" , a final farewell show before he died. Every line up of the band played as well as guests like original NMA bassist Stuart Morrow and Stan from The Skeletal family.
Willi's voice had already gone due to the cancer but he still did a 30 song set. What a way to say goodbye.
Love ? Love is just f**king with a kiss thrown in !!!
markfiend wrote:Sad news indeed.
Didn't Wild Willi stand for parliament under the Monster Raving Loony banner?
haha, yes he did, he really was a huge character.
Love ? Love is just f**king with a kiss thrown in !!!
-
markfiend
- goriller of form 3b
- Posts: 21181
- Joined: 11 Nov 2003, 10:55
- Location: st custards
- Contact:
True. A sad loss.biggy wrote:he really was a huge character.
The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.
—Bertrand Russell
—Bertrand Russell
-
Spiggy's hat
- Utterly Bastard Groovy Amphetamine Filth
- Posts: 662
- Joined: 31 Jan 2002, 00:00
- Location: East Yorkshire
Good night to the Dr.
Give me one good reason
I knew was ill, they played the last ever gig in Bradford just a couple of Months ago as well, really sad news 
, "Just who are the new Barbarians now?Being brave is coming home at 2am half drunk, smelling of perfume, climbing into bed, slapping the wife on the arse and saying,"right fatty, you're next!!"
Willi Beckett was an exceptional man, extremely principled and as stubborn as a mule at times; very intelligent and charming company.
From chaotic gigs , to 'Naff' verse , to crossing the Thames in a giant transparent beach Ball, (Raving Loony campaign) his repertoire was vast.
His musical career would have no doubt gone a lot further if he hadn't given so much time to what some people sneeringly call 'good causes' these days ,as well it must be said the odd crazy decision.
We all have feet of clay and he maybe suffered fools too gladly, as well as having perhaps too great a liking for the ale at times.
But he was not a 'sad' man and his incredible enthusiasm and goodwill rubbed off on everyone.
The Surgeons were never a great band, but they have been very underated, I hope he gets his deserved acclaim at some point - it's always given too late!
But for me I'll always remember him with a wry smile as The (frankly s**t scary) Doctor.!
cheers Willi!
'I did everything right
I was damn near perfect
What more do you want
Blood? '
From chaotic gigs , to 'Naff' verse , to crossing the Thames in a giant transparent beach Ball, (Raving Loony campaign) his repertoire was vast.
His musical career would have no doubt gone a lot further if he hadn't given so much time to what some people sneeringly call 'good causes' these days ,as well it must be said the odd crazy decision.
We all have feet of clay and he maybe suffered fools too gladly, as well as having perhaps too great a liking for the ale at times.
But he was not a 'sad' man and his incredible enthusiasm and goodwill rubbed off on everyone.
The Surgeons were never a great band, but they have been very underated, I hope he gets his deserved acclaim at some point - it's always given too late!
But for me I'll always remember him with a wry smile as The (frankly s**t scary) Doctor.!
cheers Willi!
'I did everything right
I was damn near perfect
What more do you want
Blood? '
'I have reason to believe' he said, 'that one of you has been going out at night!'