Died On This Date (January 28, 1983) Billy Fury / Early British Rock ‘n Roller
themusicsover Billy Fury (Born Ronald Wycherley)
April 17, 1940 – January 28, 1983
Billy Fury was an early British rock ‘n roll star who rivaled the Beatles with his 24 UK hit singles throughout the ’60s. During the mid ’50s. Fury fronted a popular skiffle band, playing a popular form of music that would heavily influence the Beatles. After scoring several hits fronting the Blue Flames (which included Georgie Fame), Fury fired the band and began auditioning for a new band. It was the early ’60s. When John Lennon and his Silver Beatles tried out, they were offered the gig, but only if Lennon fired Stu Sutcliffe. He declined, but only after securing an autograph of Fury. Fury went on to have many British hits and perform in front of countless adoring fans throughout the UK over the next several years. He also took a shot at acting, appearing in a handful of British films. In 1971, Fury underwent the first of three heart surgeries he’d have over the next several years. With his career all but over due to his health problems, Fury filed bankruptcy in 1980. In early days of 1983, Fury had a new album and tour in the works, but died of a heart attack on January 27, 1983. He was 42.
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Geoff Workman was a record producer and engineer who was partly responsible for some of rock’s greatest albums during the ’70s and ’80s. He began his career working with King Crimson in 1970. Over the course of his career he either engineered or produced some of rock’s most celebrated releases. That list includes Motley Crue’s Shout at the Devil, Journey’s Infinity and Departure, the Cars’ self-titled debut and Candy-O, Queen’s Jazz, Foreigner’s Head Games, and Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry. His credits also include recordings by, to name a few, Toto, Jason & the Scorchers, Sammy Hagar, Dwight Twilley, and Tommy Tutone. Geoff Workman passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.