Eddie Hilton
Eddie Hilton.
After the second world war there were many dance bands kept fully occupied playing at venues around what is now the borough and beyond. Amongst these were The Kit Kat Band, Brogdens Dance Band and The New Mayfair. Others went under the names of their leaders, such as Stan Bates, Bunny Baker and Ron Atkins. One such band leader was Eddie Hilton.
Eddie began his musical life in Heywood at age 13 when his mother, on a weaver's wage, paid for accordion lessons at two shillings and sixpence a week. He went on to learn alto saxophone and clarinet and aged 16 joined the Stan Bates band, playing the Co-op on Lord St.
In 1943, aged 17, Eddie joined the RAF and flew in bombers over Germany as a wireless operator air gunner. As the war ended his commanding officer asked him to form a band. So at just 21 Eddie had his first taste of band leadership, an eight-piece with four fully professional musicians.
He formed his own band in 1948 and for years was in demand throughout the North. He still gets together with fellow musicians, including for trumpeter Ronnie Butterworth's 65th birthday several years ago. That day he realised "there must have been 50 or 60 musicians who had passed through my hands in that time from the early fifties."
Eddie performed on 51 consecutive New Year's Eves. Naturally, he sings the praises of his wife who had to endure his absence with fortitude! He has played in venues all around the borough including Rochdale's most famous club, The Carlton.
Eddie Hilton and his Band
Eddie Hilton and his Band
Eddie Hilton - 3 sax players
Eddie Hilton with ronnie carroll & rhythm section
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