In this exclusive interview, we talk to broadcasting legend Billy Butler. From DJing at The Cavern back in the day to hugely popular shows on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Merseyside and Radio City, the charismatic star has been in and around music and broadcasting for over 60 years.
Showing no signs of slowing down, today Billy hosts a morning show from 10am-1pm every Saturday and Sunday on Liverpool Live Radio — packed with great music, fun and games and special guests. Meanwhile, he’s always on some sort of crazy adventure with his beloved Lesley. We caught up with Billy about his colourful career and life….
LVL: Firstly, how are you and what have you been up to recently?
BILLY: I’m fine — problems with walking and usual ups and downs. Not bad for 82! Been to a few shows at The Empire and Floral Pavilion recently — very entertaining as long as you don’t buy a drink! Both theatres have a packed spring and summer. I’ve also been spending time sorting a mountain of music and memorabilia.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: Tell us about Liverpool Live Radio and your show…
BILLY: Liverpool Live is approaching its 4th year and we have just received our 4th award. We have a very experienced team of presenters from music and chat to local interest and business. The very experienced Roy Basnett covers local happenings and local brand leaders. We have specialised music shows such as Country from legend Ethan Allan, whilst Paul Higgs has a first class sports programme.
There’s the award winning Dysgraceful Show with the unique Miss Grace each Monday for all LGBTQ+ or whatever letters have been added. There’s Rock with Smigger on Tuesdays and late night shows with Geoff Webster. Then there’s Soul music every Wednesday with John Jessop and Frankie Connor plays Oldies every Saturday.
On Saturdays from 10am I present 3 hours of music, chat and local music and entertainment guests. I present a Unique Covers and Motown show every Sunday — playing cover versions of big hits and Motown classics — and include the world famous Hold Your Plums quiz show. Of course, we can’t forget the breakfast show each weekend before me, with the big fellah Rod Keay.
Our female presenters Claudine Hope and Claire Campbell are really dynamic as presenters. From our line up from 6am with the likes of Rob Charles, Roy Basnett, John Jessop and Shaun Tilley, we’re the most experienced team around. We all owe it all to the Station Manager Rod Keay for setting up the station and everything he does.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: How does it compare to other radio stations?
BILLY: Unlike Radio Merseyside, we do not have the vast avenues of news and entertainment resources. None of our presenters have a producer — they arrange their own guests, features and select their own music. Our outside broadcast van is the biggest on local radio and attends many big events.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: Looking back at your career, what would you say are your most memorable moments?
BILLY: So many memorable events winning many radio awards, presenting many TV shows, Hold Your Plums being the biggest selling DVD when issued and having the biggest Sunday audience in the North West. Selling 58 Pontins events out and many Empire, Floral Pavilion and Philharmonic events for the station.
Then there’s playing football at Goodison and Anfield and being awarded the Citizen of Honour by the Liverpool City Council. But I think also a very finest honour was a letter from a BBC programme head congratulating me on the way I presented my programme during the Hillsborough disaster.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: What interviews have stood out the most?
BILLY: Impossible to select as there are so many famous local and international show business stars I’ve interviewed! Some standout ones are Elton John, Paul and Ringo, Eartha Kitt, Joan Collins, Hulk Hogan, Alex Ferguson, Dave Hickson, Richard Todd, Harold Wilson, Roger Moore, Patrick McNee, Diana Ross, Lee Oswald’s wife Marina, Wilson Pickett, Stevie Wonder, Slade, Status Quo.
There are have been so many local TV and music stars but my most memorable is The Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) and Batman (Adam West). Also at one event I interviewed the original Riddler, Robin, Catwoman and The Joker, as well as The Hulk.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: What’s your secret to success and being so good at what you do for so long?
BILLY: I’d say knowing the area and the listeners — knowing their likes and dislikes. Meeting as many listeners as possible. Being honest in stating your opinions on air, loving your job and making sure you research your guests and subjects. Always be accessible and have friends and management around you who who believe in you.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
LVL: Lesley must be a great influence right?
BILLY: Lesley is my rock — her humour, her love and affection and most of all her encouragement and belief in me. She has blossomed so much as a personality and I owe all I am to her — I’m a lucky man.
LVL: You guys are always so happy and have so much fun together — what’s your advice for a happy relationship like yours?
BILLY: Laugh together, cry together, hold hands and tell each other you love each other.
TUNE INTO BILLY’S SHOW EVERY SAT & SUN AT 10AM HERE
