George Formby Society

The George Formby Society was created after the death of George Formby, a well known entertainer in vaudeville and movies in Great Britain. When Formby died in 1961, a small group of fans, brought together by an ad in The Stage placed by Londoner George Wilson,[1] met together in the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool to form the George Formby Society.[2] The first meeting drew a lot of attention and many celebrities of the day were there, including Arthur Askey. Four conventions are held in Blackpool each year.[3]

The society publishes a regular newsletter entitled "The Vellum."[4] In 2011 the 'GFS' celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and today it has more than 1,200 members world-wide.

The various branches perform at local events, travel together and have regular 'thrashes' where everyone is welcome.[5]

George Harrison was a fan of Formby, a member of the Society and an advocate of the ukulele.[6] Harrison played an ukulele solo in the style of Formby at the end of "Free as a Bird". A member of the Society does not need to have musical ability to join the George Formby Society.[7]

Branches

References

  1. ↑ The George Formby Society
  2. ↑ The Stage UK, George’s genius – George Formby Society
  3. ↑ The George Formby Society
  4. ↑ Whitcomb, Ian (2012). Ukulele Heroes - The Golden Age. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. pp. 67–8. ISBN 9781458416544.
  5. ↑ Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
  6. ↑ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
  7. ↑ The George Formby Society
  8. ↑ Sheffield Telegraph, Turned out nice again, 27 October 2011
  9. ↑ The George Formby Society
  10. ↑ The George Formby Society
  11. ↑ The George Formby Society
  12. ↑ The George Formby Society

External links

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