Published Date: 27 April 2010
http://www.derryjournal.com


Rolling Stones fanatic Terry Morrow. (2704JB06)


One lucky Rolling Stones fan has had his "life turned upside down" following a phone call from his hero, former Stones bassist, Bill Wyman last week.
The phone call was to thank Terry Morrow for a gift he sent the rocker and ask him did he have time to meet his hero?

The Strand Road man, who turned 58 this week, has seen the band perform between 40 and 50 times, often travelling all the way to New York for the privilege.

"When I heard he was coming to Derry, I thought this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I figured meeting any of the Stones was going to be impossible but if Bill was coming to Derry why not try."

Terry put his plan into action ten weeks ago.

"I wrote him a letter and knowing he was into history and archaeology I bought him a book on the Siege of Derry. I didn't even have an address for him. I did know from a few old Rolling Stones books I had that he lived in a castle somewhere, so I came up with an address, cobbling together a town, castle name and county from different books. I don't know how much Royal Mail helped me after that but he got it."

Mr. Morrow explained in the letter to Bill that Derry is a wonderful place, 'beautiful if you get the weather' and asked 'If you get a few minutes I would like to shake your hand as I'm a big fan.'

He also outlined his personal highlights from all the Stones' concerts he has attended.

"I stuck my phone number on the letter as well, so, for a few weeks I was fearful of leaving my mobile behind me anywhere I went."

Despite having kept the plan close to his chest, Terry was shocked when he got the call he he'd been hoping for.

"I answered the phone on Monday and a lady's voice said 'I'm Bill Wyman's secretary.'

"So after a quick gasp of air," and despite hoping for the phone call, "I asked, 'Is this a joke?'"

Bill Wyman's staffer then said, 'Bill asked me to send on his thanks and say he would like to meet you.'

"I thought 'this is wonderful.' I don't think there has ever been a Rolling Stone in Derry so to meet him one on one is great. Bill gets a lot of requests like this so I was delighted he has agreed. In fact it is probably more than a birthday present.

"The fact that I did this on my own has also made me happy, everything clicked.

"I would normally be quite a shy person but I'm really looking forward to my handshake with Bill

Well played Terry!

I should have bought Keith a slab of VB beer back in 06. I frigging knew it!! Bugger.

great story!!!

I once met/saw the whole band arrive via private jet...I gave Keith and Ronny 2 bottle of champagne...

i got to shake their hands met their wives......and with that good mojo...the next nite i caught a Charlie Drumstick!!!

Big pic of Bill on the front page of today's Belfast Telegraph (Northern Ireland's biggest selling newspaper)

Since the three occasions the Stones played here in 1964-65, by my reckoning this is only the second occasion that a band member has performed in Northern Ireland. (Mick Taylor played a show in Belfast with John Mayall in 2004 - and I got to meet him afterwards).

The Rhythm Kings play their second show in Londonderry tonight. Would have liked to have gone, but it wasnt to be.