Sad to share that my friend Michael Hill has passed away. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew that everyone he knew had been told. His daughter let me know last week that he had died.
I had the honour and pleasure to edit and publish his great book, “John Lennon: The Boy Who Became A Legend“, about his friendship with John through both Dovedale School and Quarry Bank. It was Michael who introduced John to the music of Little Richard, through “Long Tall Sally”, the record Michael had bought in Holland. When John heard it in Michael’s house, he said it was so great that he couldn’t speak. It changed John’s life.
Michael had lived in Australia for many years, so it was great to catch up with him when he visited Liverpool.
We filmed him for our “Looking for Lennon” documentary film, and excerpt of which is shown in the Strawberry Field Liverpool experience. Michael’s book has been sold there with the profits going to Strawberry Field.
His best friend at school, Don Beattie, is the last remaining of the four friends who listened to records at Michael’s house, along with John and Pete Shotton.
His book is still for sale at The Beatles Bookstore if you haven’t got a copy. The last few signed copies are left.
David Bedford
