But with all those songs ( he smirks at this ) what keeps you writing ? Surely the easiest thing in the world would be for you to use up the songs you've got before bothering to write any more?

"I write songs because it's fun to do. Y'see I don't write all of them by myself, I'll sometimes share the writing with someone else simply because I hate glory hogs. I hate all this 'I played all the instruments, designed the sleeve and directed the video, my name is Midge Ure' kind of thing. I like to share my experiences with other people and see them getting happy. It's when other people are happy that I'm usually happy. And when everybody is sad I tend to be sad."

http://www.billymackenzie.com/articles/sounds300684.htm

Ah! THAT Billy!

"william,william.....it was....really nothing !"

Poor, Tormented Soul. Hope he found the peace he badly needed.

My mate was good mates with him growing up and said that he was the best streetfighter in Dundee and loved whippets!

what a stunning voice that never sung on a stunning song, such a shame.

Loved Billy's voice RIP.

i will let u dig your own grave lol !

A bit out of context given the circumstances

youtube the associates 18 carat love affair
youtube the associates party fears two
youtube the associates club country
youtube the associates breakfast
i'll throw in a curveball here youtube heaven 17 party fears two

Hey I love em all, great songs but not classic songs IMO.
He never sung on a million seller universally acknowledged classic song if you see what I mean?

Heaven 17 murdered it btw.

What a voice indeed. Party Fears Two was a cracking song with his voice - I doubt it would have worked with anyone elses vocals at that particular time. But you're right, Jon, it's not one of the classics of the time nor is it heard very much these days. I bought the album Sulk and the follow up that had songs like Helicopter Helicopter on it. Try finding them on iTunes....

A tortured soul, alright. What a pity not having a voice like his no longer making music given some of the crap that masquerades as music these days. RIP Billy.

Thought at first you meant Billy Currie!

Well, actually our Billy didn't like Midge too, for a while (i mean, REALLY didn't like). But let's not go there

And the gamesmanship continued when Billy wrote this song in reply...

'Stephen, you were really something'

Party fears too absolutely BRILLIANT song I always play this loud and it still as Ive just heard it, Heaven 17 version is fantastic, RIP Billy!!!

I don't agree With Jon & Dazlin1. For me 'Party Fears Two' is one of those songs that has really stood the test of time and is, IMO, a classic. Equally, 'Sulk' is a classic album that is both of its time and futuristic.

I would also urge you to listen to his vocal version of 'The Rhythm Divine' with Yello and his take on Tiompkin's 'Wild Is The Wind' on the 'Eurocentric' album.

The Rhythm Divine
Wild Is The Wind


Both are wonderful songs and he more than does them justice.

Don't get me wrong I love Party Fears it just isn't a classic.

Dont like the other two tracks at all BUT what great GREAT voice RIP

I do like Party Fears Two as well, honest! Bought the 7" when it came out (white cover) - one of the best opening couple of lines ever! I'm just saying I don't think it's as highly regarded as other songs from the time, and that it's a huge shame he's still not around making songs with that incredible voice which I think was better than some of their songs, that's all.

I'll join the majority - Party Fears Two is great! But I prefer the single mix above all other versions, it's more condensed and to the point.

I just love that trio of singles that the Associates put out in late 1981 - early 1982: White Car in Germany, Part Fears Two and Country Club - stellar! Though overall I'm not actually keen on both the band and its singer - Billy often sounds like he's apart from music, couldn't and didn't want to blend with it. Which, from what I gather from the book about him, may be true.