The BBC Radio Merseyside legend’s time on the airwaves with Liverpool Live has come to an end
Billy Butler with his wife Lesley(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
A statement has been issued to confirm Billy Butler’s Liverpool Live radio show has come to an end. The broadcasting legend was the first voice heard on the local radio station in 2020 and he has had a slot on the airwaves ever since.
The 83-year-old DJ, renowned for his stint on BBC Radio Merseyside, had previously hosted a three hour slot on both Saturday and Sunday. It was confirmed earlier this month by Billy’s wife, Lesley Butler, the Sunday show had been axed. In a Facebook post on November 10, she said: “Sadly Billy’s three Sunday shows have been retired but you can still listen to Billy Butler every Saturday on Liverpool Live 10am to 1pm.
“With great guests music and chat. Thanks everyone for your kind words and support.” However, an update this afternoon from Liverpool Live has confirmed the broadcaster’s time with the station has come to an end.
The post, issued on Facebook and Instagram, said: “Broadcasting legend, Billy Butler’s career spans more than five decades across stations including BBC Radio Merseyside, Radio City, and most recently here with us at Liverpool Live.
“His wit, warmth, and unforgettable shows including “Hold Your Plums” have made a lasting impact on Merseyside Radio. Billy was the First voice heard on Liverpool Live when we launched at 10am on Sunday 26th July 2020.
“Like all good things….. they must come to an end … We would like to thank Billy for his knowledge, dedication, and the valuable time he has given to Liverpool Live.
“We would like to wish Billy and Lesley all the very best for the future. Team Liverpool live.” People took to the comments of the Facebook post to heap praise on Billy as they were gutted his show was coming to an end.
Lee Stuart said: “Billy is an absolute legend. Incomparable wit and sense of humour. I’m also proud to say a Good Friend, as is Lesley. Both will be sorely missed on the airwaves.”
Richie Pearse added: “I’ve listened to Billy nearly 40yrs he’s a legend of radio broadcasting no one else can take his place thanks Billy & Lesley x”
Tommy McGregor commented: “Well done Bill great radio laughs and many great memories put your feet up” Rose Monday posted: “Oh nooo….”
On Instagram, Martin Fletcher said: “Gutted to hear this.” Robert Vincent added: “Oh no!”
Broadcasting legend Billy is regarded as one of the voices of Liverpool and started his legendary career in guest slots on Radio Merseyside in 1971.
He moved across to Radio City in 1979, around the same time he became the co-host of a Saturday morning children’s TV show, The Mersey Pirate.
He returned to Radio Merseyside in 1983, and remained there until 2018, when the station decided not to renew his contract.
His son Lee has followed in his footsteps as a radio host and presents as show on In Demand Radio. Billy appeared as a special guest on the show earlier this month and they shared a clip of the chat on their social channels this week.
The post was captioned: “We were honoured to be joined by legendary Liverpool broadcaster Billy Butler this morning. Can you believe it’s the first time dad & lad (Billy & Lee) have been on air together on In Demand Radio!?
“Billy’s voice has been part of the city’s airwaves for more than five decades now, from his early days on Radio City to long service at BBC Radio Merseyside.”Alongside his great friend and on-air partner Wally Scott, he created the iconic BBC Radio Merseyside quiz “Hold Your Plums” – as part of their chaotic, hilarious Sunday show which become a Scouse institution. What if Billy Butler & Hold Your Plums made a Sunday comeback on @indemanddecades. Fancy it?”