Forum considers fitting tribute to Billy MacKenzie

A FITTING tribute to Stobswell’s rock star son Billy MacKenzie has moved a step closer.

Stobswell Forum chairman Colin Clement said people attended a meeting that was held to consider a memorial to the former frontman of The Associates, who died more than 20 years ago.

Colin said: “The meeting was very positive, with many ideas about what we could do to pay tribute to one of Dundee’s musical icons.

“About 50 people came along, the majority of whom offered ideas and were willing to contribute to future plans.

“We had a wide-ranging discussion about what would be the most appropriate way to pay tribute.

“No final decision was taken and further conversations will take place to discuss potential projects ranging from a fixed tribute such as a statue or plaque, to more civic memorials such as music concerts, possibly at Stobfest 2018, and creating a programme to work with local schoolchildren and young adults in music.”

Colin added: “The overall feeling in the room was that whatever final decision we come to, the music must be front and centre as that was the core of what Billy MacKenzie was about.”

It has already been suggested that a Bon Scott-style tribute might be appropriate, with a statue similar to the one erected to the AC/DC vocalist in his birthplace Kirriemuir.

It’s understood that a local carpenter has already come forward to suggest he could craft a wooden statue that could be erected in the community gardens in Robertson Street.

MacKenzie rose to fame in the early ’80s, coming to the public’s attention alongside guitarist Alan Rankine as rock duo The Associates.

He also produced a number of albums as a solo artist but committed suicide in 1997, aged 39.

Billy MACKe.zie.