another outlaw gets celebrated in song

Subject: NZ outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: Jack Campin
Date: 13 May 09 - 08:52 PM

"Billy the Hunted" in New Zealand:

BBC story

Subject: Folk Hero!
From: michaelr
Date: 14 May 09 - 12:32 AM

"He's building into something of a folk hero," he told the BBC World Service.

But, he says, the police have also warned that he is a drug addict who is unpredictable and possibly armed.

"He's a bit of a rascal, but the public have been warned to steer clear of him. He's also fuelling a methamphetamine habit," he added.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: Jack Campin
Date: 14 May 09 - 09:46 AM

It just occurred to me that this guy is replaying the theme of one of the best novels ever written in NZ, John Mulgan's "Man Alone", in which the hero goes on the lam across the mountains after killing someone.

I'm sure Dick Turpin, Jesse James, Ned Kelly and Johnny of Braidislee would all have used speed if it had been around.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: Les from Hull
Date: 14 May 09 - 10:08 AM

I'm sure that Swift Nick Nevison used speed to good effect, but not in the amphetamine sense.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 09 - 05:54 PM

It's a queer ol' world when law-abiding folks make a hero out of someone like him, esp. when it doesn't sound as though he's doing a Robin Hood, sharing with the poor. I know, I know, it's been done many times, but it still makes ya wonder, esp. in these days of meth, etc. At least a Ned Kelly on booze wouldn't be as dangerous as someone on meth, I don't think. I also don't like that he's got fans online...in a way they are aiding and abetting and perhaps should be charged as such? I hope he gets caught and soon.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: open mike
Date: 14 May 09 - 09:48 PM

this guy eluded authorities for 5 years
after bombing an abortion clinic in 1998
he hid out til being captured in 2003
http://www.covenantnews.com/eric/rudolph/eric01.htm
he was also suspected of a bombing at the 1996 olympics

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 May 09 - 06:53 PM

That last post by open mike is a bit confusing - it read as if it's about "Billy the Hunted", and it ain't.

Anyone got this song "Billy the Hunted" mentioned in the BBC story?

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 May 09 - 07:50 PM

Hunting around I've found it - click on "Billy the Honted One" on this page, and you can hear the song.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: Paul Burke
Date: 15 May 09 - 08:05 PM

I think open mike's point is that being on the run isn't necessarily brave and romantic.

Robin Hood needs a Sheriff of Nottingham and impoverished peasants. Your man is a burglar so they say- who did he bburgle is the q.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 May 09 - 08:25 PM

Here's another New Zealand outlaw who had a song written about him:
Mackenzie and his dog

The song ends with the line "they pardoned Mackenzie but they shot his poor dog", but I can't find it. I heard it in the 60s. It sounded like a Peter Cape one.

There is a fine novel about him, "Mackenzie" by James McNeish.

Subject: RE: another outlaw gets celebrated in song
From: GUEST,Bryan
Date: 15 May 09 - 08:47 PM

While we look at Outlaws the pursued and hunted whats happening with the 1%ers Soon we will have more hunted outlaws than we know what to do with. I refer of course to the draconian laws drafted against Australian bikie groups. There's enough colourful names there for a boot load of songs. " As Mongrel and Bodger rode over the hill into the valley so shady" Does anyone remember the lyrics to The "bikies picnic" I digress OOPS
Bryan