U2 Designer Steve Averill Pays Tribute To Billy Morley

I first met Billy when he and I worked for the Irish record chain Golden Discs. I immediately recruited him (and Pete Holidai) for a then-unnamed band. I didn't even know if either could play; they just looked cool. Billy and I remained close friends from that time on.

Subsequently, we worked together in an advertising agency. Billy was also a very talented illustrator and graphic designer, and he had a long career in RTE's graphics department,

He was, perhaps, the most underrated guitarist of his generation and was extremely modest about his talent, as well as being incredibly shy about performing on a stage – something that held him back from achieving his due. He had a real natural talent that all those who played with him recognised.

His career took him from pre-Radiators from Space rehearsals through to stints with Revolver, The Teen Commandments and The Defenders, as well as a return to the touring band of The Radiators following the release of Ghostown. Most recently, he had a stint with Lucky Bones.

He was always interested in music and that was a passion for him during his all too short life.

Billy was not without his demons and during his later years these resulted in ill-health. However he never lost his sense of humour and whenever we met or talked on the phone, I always finished the conversation with a smile and a laugh.

I will miss him greatly, as will his wife Rita, his family and friends.

A light has gone out.

R.I.P

(Pic above) Greta Garbage and the Trash Cans with (l to r) Pete Holidai, Steve Averill and the late Billy Morley