Denis: Pop star’s life of Contrasts

Dec 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

OLD friend Bill Forbes enjoyed a night out in Halifax recently that revived memories of when he was a genuine pop star, appearing regularly alongside Cliff Richard, Marty Wilde and Billy Fury.

Bill got his break on the legendary Jack Good’s television show, Oh Boy, in 1959. He got a recording contract and became a household name with hits like Too Young, You’re Sixteen and Once More.

Later, he continued his career with Huddersfield band The Contrasts.

Now he features in the second volume of Small Town Saturday Night by Trevor Simpson, an illustrated book which tells the story of how Halifax played host to 50 number one rock artists in the 1960s. Bill was invited to the book launch at Harvey’s department store.

“There were representatives from America, London and all corners of Britain,” says Bill. “I represented Huddersfield with one or two musical buddies of mine.”

The first volume of the book was a sell-out and volume two is expected to go the same way and will raise funds for local charities. Bill is featured prominently with five solo photographs and one with the Contrasts.

Bill is an unassuming former pop star who got on with an ordinary life in Huddersfield after his musical career ended.

Author Trevor Simpson, by the way, as well as being a pop music enthusiast, was also a top class referee who officiated at Wembley and internationals and was a frequent visitor at Leeds Road to take charge of Town matches. But you shouldn’t hold that against him.

The books are available through the internet (www.smalltownsaturdaynight.co.uk) or from Wall of Sound in John William Street, Huddersfield.

Review of Trevor’s book in tomorrow’s edition