Don Bilston - Fireman's Song

Subject: Don Bilston of Fireman's Song fame
From: nickp
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 06:38 AM

Stemming from a conversation over the weekend, does anyone know whether Don Bilston, composer of the Fireman's Song popularised by Dave Goulder (and others), is still alive and well?

Thanks, Nick

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Also see Billy Cocked Hat

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: nickp
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 06:44 AM

And just to add - cause I wasn't thinking straight, the lyrics are in DT and there is another old thread but no mention of his current status. N.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 10:28 AM

I'm sure somebody told me some time back he was alive and kicking, but I don't know if he still is. I hope so! If anyone bumps into him, give him our regards from the old Jug o' Punch & Fitter's Arms days.

Steve

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Orac
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 12:51 PM

Surely his name is Dan Bilston isn't it? As far as I know he is still around.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: nickp
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 04:12 AM

Hi Orac, I've always thought it was Don but I could stand corrected. Anyway its a good excuse for a 'refresh'. Good to know that he's likely to be still around. Dave Goulder, I believe, is still out and about. Nick

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 11:19 AM

Definitely Don!

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Don. T
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 11:50 AM

Anyone got a copy of his LP "Decline of Steam" ?

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 11:27 AM

Never heard of 'Decline Of Steam' album... but do have the excellent Farewell To Steam if that's what you mean. Does anyone know if he did any other LPs?
Jules Landau
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 12:21 PM

Dave Goulder is alive and kicking up the dust WAT up in Scotland - And can be heard in a regulat session with Catter John McKenzie near
Lairg .

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 03:40 PM

Would love to obtain a "legal" copy of Farewell To Steam on a CD or downloaded to the ipod. Surely someone can do this and it would sell to steam people everywhere.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 01:49 PM

don bilston is my great uncle (i take great pride in saying that.lol.) so if anyone wants lyrics,copy of his album "farewell to steam", etc just email me cos i know all the songs off by heart, [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Jo King
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 06:49 AM

Don Bilston is alive and kicking and living in Shropshire unfortunately he is no longer able to hear music any more but can still communicate through words. I am proud to say he is my Dad. And it is not DAN it is DON short for Donald and his album was called Farewell To Steam and if you want a copy I have it on MP3 so would gladly send you a copy so that his music can still be heard wherever possible, this is a unique insight into the life of a Railwayman you should spread the word. Thank you for your kind attention all together now ' I'm a navvy, I'm a navvy working on the line' Proud of you Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Jim I
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 10:25 AM

I learned 'The Fireman's Song' back when I was a lad and it is still one of my favourite songs. Please thank him from me.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 11:24 AM

The Phil Beer Band do this song and it is one of my favourites - great lyrics.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 01:42 PM

Jo, how wonderful to hear about Don! I'm very sorry to hear the bad news about his hearing; mine isn't what it was, but I can still enjoy music. I'd love to hear Farewell to Steam if you could let me cadge a copy.

I doubt if Don would remember me (though he might) but he'll certainly remember the Fitter's Arms in Walsall. Please give him my best wishes, Jo.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 03:46 AM

Pete Coe sings a mean 'The Fireman's Song'.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,screwy
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:38 PM

hi steve parkes, i will do u a copy,just email me [e-mail] :)

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Kemikal
Date: 06 Aug 13 - 03:33 AM

Hi there,I am a musician from Birmingham and here to tell you ,yes the great Don Bilston is alive and kicking,deaf as a post now though,lol,allow me to introduce myself i am stuart,(Great Nephew) of Don's,and am also driven by the mass musical connection within the family and have so far produced my own work,anyway enough about me,if anyone here would like to get in touch with my great uncle or even me drop me a line i have photos of him and my mom and nan still stay in touch with him.

i wish you all the best!

farewell for now

The Kemikal

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Kemikal
Date: 06 Aug 13 - 03:34 AM

Farewell to Steam lol

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Kemikal
Date: 06 Aug 13 - 03:36 AM

You beat me to it jo you smart ass

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 03:54 AM

Would love to get a copy of Farewell to Steam but not to sure of the technicalities of MP3. If Jo could pm me me at [e-mail] that would be great.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 15 - 03:24 PM

I have a 33 LP of that too. Bought it in a back street in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia of all places! Brilliant stuff.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 04:51 PM

His name is Don Bilston, I know because he is my uncle, and he is very much alive and kicking, and he wrote the fireman's song

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 04:57 PM

Steve he is very much alive and kicking, and I should know I am his niece, I am going to see him next week, any messages

Julia

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 05:03 PM

Leadfingers, as his niece I can assure you he is very much alive and kicking and living in Telford

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 05:10 PM

To all those who are wondering:

1. is Don Bilston still alive?

2. Is his name Don or Dan?

3. Did he write the Fireman's Song?

4. Did he make anyother albums?

Answers:

1. Yes, he is still alive

2. His name is Don

3. Yes he did write the Fireman's song

4. No, he did not make anyother albums, but four songs were taken from the album to make an EP called Songs of Steam.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 06:42 PM

This is a VERY OLD THREAD, Julia - started 16 years ago. You don't need to keep posting, just put it all in one like the end, and people who are still alive and interested will eventually discover it.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 19 Aug 18 - 08:32 AM

Is that the one that starts:

If ever you see a train go by
Or hear the engine whistle cry
Think of the man on the old foot-plate
Shovelling coal the Driver's Mate

Chorus:
A loco fireman is me grade
Boiling water is me trade
The Driver thinks he runs the show
But if I'm not there the train won't go.

If so it is years since I've heard it! Thanks for the memory nudge.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 05:32 AM

Yes, Guest Observer, that's the one!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 05:28 PM

Julia, I'm delighted to hear that Don is alive and kicking! I doubt if he'll remember me by name, but please give him my best wishes -- I know all the old Fitter's crowd will wish him well too.

Subject: RE: Don Bilston - Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,100%dutchbeef
Date: 12 Sep 18 - 02:57 PM

I recently found a copy of Don’s album, been listening to it regularly and really enjoy it.