It's with a heavy heart I make this post.

My mate through music, football and the Newcastle taxi trade connections passed away today.

Bill's love of soul music and Newcastle United was well known throughout the land.

My condolences go out to his family.

My respect goes out to yet another soul and football brother, I can no longer have a bit of crack with.

I was so priviledged when he asked me to do a set along with Davey and Matty at his birthday party last year. RIP Bill.

Tony Fiddes

 

 

 

I have been asked by Bills family to let the soul community have the following -

Funeral -

Tuesday 19th March at 11.15am St Johns Church - Birtley DH3 2PJ

Then -

Birtley Crematorium DH3 1PQ for 12.00

Then -

All welcome at the Barley Mow Club on Vigo Lane DH3 2AW to celebrate Bills life.

Thank you.

Edited March 13, 201312 yr by NUFCSOUL

Really saddened by this news - it's been a really sad couple of weeks for those who grew up on the Soul scene on Tyneside . Bill Swift was a big influence for many of us growing up in the 70s on Tyneside and a larger than life old style Soul scene character RIP Billy

R.I.P. Bill

So sad to hear this news, R.I.P , my condolences to Bill's family

Very sad to hear this the last few months has seen the loss of many friends on the site.

It doesn't seem like six years since we helped celebrate Bill's birthday.....RIP mate.

Edited March 9, 201312 yr by JOEfromupnorth

One can only echo the above sentiments. Billy was a huge influence on so many, whenever he ventured out. It was a privilege to have been in his company, even outside of our music.

 

Rest In Peace - Billy.   

I have known Bill for 40 years and when his daughter Victoria phoned me on Thursday to say he was very ill my heart sank. The news earlier today was a blow. As Manus said a big influence on many of us, particularly in the early days when it wasn't trendy, just a passion that never waned, only grew. Sad, sad loss of a true soul fan.

Frankie McCue

R.I.P Bill. Great memories of you and the Sombrero in the early 70's. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Edited March 10, 201312 yr by Mick Reed

Very sad news indeed .

Thoughts go out to Bills family and I'm sure he will be missed by a hell of a lot of people .

Nev & Jo x

Sad news, I haven't seen him for 30 odd years, will always remember him for the great soul events at the Sombrero in Chester Le Street.

Rip Bill and condolences to all family and his friends.

Sad news indeed, Bill allways had his finger in one of the soul pies in the North East!

Great Character who will be a sad miss to many,

Rip Bill.

Rest in Peace Bill

 

x

Bill Swift RIP

 

Andy and Susanne Whitmore.

Very Sad.....The words Bill Swift and Northern soul in Tyneside were inter woven.......a huge influence on the North East soul scene when I was young.. a Legend, RIP,

 

 

Geeoooooooordie

I have been asked by Bills family to let the soul community have the following -

Funeral -

Tuesday 19th March at 11.15am St Johns Church - Birtley DH3 2PJ

Then -

Birtley Crematorium DH3 1PQ for 12.00

Then -

All welcome at the Barley Mow Club on Vigo Lane DH3 2AW to celebrate Bills life.

Thank you.

Tony Fiddes

Top man, great fun to be with

Dave Sheldon Derby