Tributes have been paid to a popular and well-known Fulham musician , who counted Prince Harry as one of his friends and fans, after he died suddenly.
Billy Franks passed away at his home on September 20 near Charing Cross Hospital. He had celebrated his 60th birthday earlier in the year.
He will be well remembered by fans as the frontman of 1980s band Faith Brothers and his years playing small and intimate venues across the Capital as a solo artist.
But friends and family say they will also remember him as a generous man who would always go out of his way to help others, often playing fundraising gigs to help people in need.
They have set up a JustGiving page - which is zeroing in on its £3,000 target - which reads: "This is for us to give a little back for the man that gave so much."
Despite never breaking into the big time, Faith Brothers had a large band of loyal fans, and in their heyday supported R.E.M, U2, Boomtown Rats and other groups, while appearing on TV shows such as TV-am and Wacaday.
He grew up and lived in Fulham Court, and his early hit of the same name was one of many adored by fans.
His niece Rachel Hirons said: “He was a heartfelt man and a generous guy. He was always the first one to put a hand up to do a charity gig. He was always willing to help anyone.”
The granddad was born in Battersea but grew up on Fulham Court and spent most of his life living there.
“He still had a massive following and he was really loved in the area,” Rachel continued. “He was a very well liked man, and just everyone really got on with him.”
Among his legion of fans was Prince Harry, who came to see him perform at Shepherd’s Bush Empire a few years ago, and joined Billy at the aftershow party in the legendary Troubadour venue at Earl’s Court .
As well as his music, Billy was also a gifted writer, who recounted his travels across Europe and America in his autobiographical book A Far Cry From Sunset. This later inspired the film Tribute This! which featured Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and many more stars.
He loved performing and recently played gigs at the Chelsea Pensioner in Fulham Road.
Family friend Ellie Rashbrook, who set up the JustGiving page, said his sudden death had left a community and fans stunned. She said: “He lived in Fulham Court and one of his greatest hits was Fulham Court. It was about growing up in Fulham ; everyone in Fulham knows that song.
“He was such a nice guy and what’s happened is shocking. We are all completely heartbroken."
Billy’s JustGiving page has so far raised £2,390 for his funeral costs.
Tributes have also been left on The Faith Brothers Facebook page. Afc Baggy said: “Billy’s lyrics meant so much to me. I never met him but knew him and will miss him. That says a lot about the man.”
Peter Taylor said: “Saddened to hear this awful news. Billy your music will live on. RIP”
And Suzanne Batey added: “Very shocked and sad. I send my condolences to his family and friends and everybody else who loved him. He was an amazing songwriter and I loved.”
Billy’s funeral will take place on October 12 at Putney Vale. He will make his final journey from Fulham Court at 11.50am with the service beginning at 12.20pm.
Click here to donate to the JustGiving page
