Billy Connolly on Gerry Rafferty (Conan O'Brien, 2012)

Billy Connolly appears on the Conan O'Brien show in 2012 and tells a story about his days with Gerry Rafferty in The Humblebums.

[@Fee212]

There will NEVER be another Gerry Rafferty. His voice was glorious and thoroughly unique.

[@MrSmid888]

Yes I agree. At times it sounds altered. Really was unique. Just great music. I thought Conan was a bit mean about the LOL texting. That was Billy’s long term friend in his death bed. Really touching.

[@markrich7171]

Agree wholeheartedly: totally underrated singer song writer.

[@aloisschicklgruber9807]

@@MrSmid888 'Conan' has always been more an 'assoholic' than sober, or funny. He's a an 8 foot lightweight

[@clevelandmortician3887]

Gerry Rafferty was honest in his talents. Makes him a true pro

[@DaniLou1987]

He and Billy were a beautiful mix

[@pauldg837]

In 1969 Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly came to my high school in Paisley to perform at our school folk club. They played in our history auditorium which only held about 100 pupils at most. It was a great lunch time concert, none of us realizing then the fame they would go on to achieve. Billy as a solo artist and Gerry teaming up with Joe Egan to form a new group called Stealers Wheel. Both Gerry and Joe were from my hometown in Paisley.

[@Fee212]

Gerry was the most talented and a perfect songwriter.

[@pauldg837]

@@Fee212 Fully agree with you. I met Gerry again years later when was introduced to him by Danny Kyle who I knew through the Paisley Folk Club. Those were the days, the parties at Danny's house, or should I say drinking sessions with people dropping in to sing and play the guitar. For an 18 year old it was an amazing experience.

[@andydixon2980]

Thats a brilliant story. Don't suppose you can remember any of the songs? ah diddly dee dum dum..

[@blairhelsing630]

To this day I enjoy immensely the Stealers Wheel single "Star", with the kazoos blazing away. Pretty well sums up Gerry's take on show business I guess. One of my current bands (one that plays a lot of '70s rock) often does a fine take on "Stuck In the Middle With You". As the drummer I get a weird amount of pleasure hitting a cymbal or some other metallic object in those breaks in the song that come up with the word "please". "Baker Street" was playing everywhere in the Bay Area, Spring of '78. Cements that time in my head. This interview with Billy Connolly is a treat.

[@pauldg837]

@@blairhelsing630 "Star" was a great song, I used to sing that myself, both myself and a friend both played acoustic guitars and that song was one of our repetoire. I actually emigrated to Canada in 1975 when I was 19, so it was wonderful to be driving along and listening to "Baker Street" on my car radio a few years later.!

[@steveconn]

Right Down The Line... beautiful song.

[@KingNerdius6993]

Listen to night owl another good one

[@pretorious700]

The bridge harmony is sublime. I still play this song in my band.

[@jackgee7355]

Honestly didn’t realise Americans appreciated Gerry Rafferty... the guy is a staple in music, and will always be heavily underrated in every way.. genius

[@drdoll1]

Yes, Gerry's songs evoke emotion in me more powerfully than almost any other artist. Especially Right Down the Line, and Baker Street. Rest in peace, Gerry Rafferty.

[@harrygrosomanidis9699]

City to City did hit no 1 in the States on July 8 1978, it Knocked The Saturday night Fever Soundtrack off Top spot .

[@jackgee7355]

@@harrygrosomanidis9699 and I personally think Night Owl is even better than City to City. Phenomenal album!

[@harrygrosomanidis9699]

@@jackgee7355 Hard to separate those two. Richard Thompson also played on the Night Owl Lp.

[@jackgee7355]

@@harrygrosomanidis9699 I mean, I think Night Owl is much more personal and has much more meaning to it.. I also actually think it has better songs, every single track is brilliant.. love how honest Gerry is in his tunes… the title track is so sad but also my favourite song of all time

[@ArchieDuke.]

Well done to Billy for being respectful as to how Gerry died.

[@justayoutuber1906]

He died of liver disease from over drinking. Don't hide it, it could save someone's life.

[@johnclements4194]

I agree with the first comment about respect,i empathise with your stance but it would have come across as preaching and after all he was his friend ....his choice

[@larryharry7221]

Some sad shit. Drank himself to death.

[@romystumpy1197]

Yes he struggled with mental health

[@jeffmilroy9345]

What else could he say? Best to abruptly change the subject to something that supports one's lifestyle. Perhaps they kept one or two of those bible pages. Revelation 7:9-17 is a common passage conveyed to comfort those on their death bed.

[@j.s.connolly8579]

"And it was Revelations!" BEST Punch Line EVER! Billy is FREAKIN' AWESOME! :D

[@Jacques-Le-Marois]

I worked at a hotel in the 90’s and Gerry came in. I nearly fell over as I had only recently been introduced to his astonishing music. I’m so glad I got to tell him how fantastic I thought his music was 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Ricky_Evans1611]

What did he say back to you?

[@stevechristie2569]

On behalf of all his fans thanks for doing that

[@macmachine]

Dragged along at 14 by my 19 year old cousin to see the Humblebums in a filthy little venue in Glasgow, they blew me away and introduced me to the banjo!

[@drdoll1]

Gerry's songs evoke emotion in me more powerfully than almost any other artist. Especially Right Down the Line, and Baker Street. Rest in peace, Gerry Rafferty.

[@SightForMemories]

try the Ark - Gerry Rafferty kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmqwgHaEZ56UocU

[@cdjruski]

Same here,Baker st being my all time fave song

[@mkb6353]

Absolutely... Right down the line really hits me

[@billybatchelor2863]

Me too

[@reemclaughlin4260]

Love him and Redbone. There’s no music like this anymore. ✌🏼☮️🍀♥️

[@leoking2982]

I really love the song Days Gone Down its so personal the way he wrote that song. RIP Gerry Rafferty

[@IrnBruNYC]

That song is about Billy. “The first time I set eyes on you, I listened to you sing…”

[@Bhodisatvas]

Gerry Rafferty was part of my childhood living in the UK, his music was always on the radio and so it just became background to my life. Now in 2022 I am seeing his music in a whole new light and realise the man was a musical genius.

[@jimmygarlon750]

I would have to agree.

[@SpeccyMan]

He truly was something special. A truly unique musical talent.

[@mariuspretorius5468]

Ure right

[@kanasatka1]

Well said

[@matttrafton2725]

One of the few celebs whose interviews are worth watching two or more times. Every year or so for me.

[@dennisdemark8151]

Love the late great Gerry Rafferty, have his album "City to City" certainly brings back memories of my boyhood. RIP Gerry 🙏🏼🕯️🙏🏼

[@LaserRanger15]

This guy couldn't be any funnier and what a great story teller.

[@steu.k.6114]

I love Billy, always have and always will. A great man that has suffered in the past but brings happiness to millions.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

"it was revelations" 😂 I love a story with a punchline.

[@melodycopp6777]

I 've been playing Right Down The Line a lot lately...beautiful song. Listening to Gerry's work always reminds me of the late 70s my late teen years...hard time in my life.

[@davidfanara3229]

Hope you are happier now,

[@broodingelm2216]

I love hearing Billy’s stories about Gerry Rafferty. Especially the ones about Gerry prank calling people, fucking hilarious.

[@nancyullrich5447]

Billy Connolly is a superb story teller!! Funny story! What a character!

[@wimmelstein]

And with the final punch that it was Revelations... 😀

[@hauntedhouses9248]

Gerry Rafferty brilliant singer /songwriter.

[@yourturn777]

Shoulda stuck to the pot, & ditched the alcohol.

[@beckeygallivan8290]

@@yourturn777 be quite

[@mkrchnak5269]

@@yourturn777 ..shoulda stuck a sock in it. Idiot!

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

But he treated everyone around him like shit. I always wish that someone supporting a talented prima donna would have the guts to punch their lights out when it was needed.

[@thestrengthwithin4249]

Marmaduke Winterbotham can I ask where did you hear that ??? Please 👋👍🇬🇧

[@marymcmullen5150]

I once had a wonderful moment with my Uncle on the telephone just before he died. He was at home in Liverpool and I in Dublin. His last words were, "I have a nurse, now she is something. She said to me , well are just going to stay in bed and die or are you going to do something with your life?" We both laughed, it was sad and wonderful at the same time. So thanks Billy for sharing. My dear Uncle Frank died peacefully, that night.

[@dgill441]

I just discovered Gerry Rafferty - so many good songs in my future!

[@ebjeezer]

Billy and Gerry were just before my time but I have come to love and appreciate them both more than anything. Billy 's response "It was Revelations" .... I laughed out loud. The timing was perfect !

[@kirbykeller2623]

I wondered which book it was at the beginning of the story, but I figured Billy wouldn't leave that out.

[@SaintVodou]

They were WAAAY before my time: I had no idea Connolly was a musician, as I figured being that funny is enough gift for one lifetime. But after seeing the clip I listened to Gerry Rafferty; these two guys would have deserved fame whatever they pursued.

[@marieryan7973]

Such an engaging and funny storyteller x

[@KCFlyer2]

Same here. The story was already funny...that just pushed it over the top

[@tw364]

My favorite Gerry Rafferty song is “Days Gone Down”, just a wonderful love song that everyone can relate to.

[@KCFlyer2]

I was about to post the exact same thing. I've loved Days Gone Down since I first heard it SO long ago.,

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Gerry Rafferty, City to City, bloody brilliant !

[@BrianNewport]

Brings happiness to millions - Gerry and Billy

[@billmago7991]

City to City was one of the earliest albums I bought in 1979....I bought it for one song but wow what a collection.......and curses to those that hindered😂

[@oneconsciousman1942]

Gerry Rafferty, the consummate songwriter musician. He has such a great direction that took a wrong turn down a very dark street in life. Very sad. So much great music and a few songs have been part of music’s exceptional lexicon. I was thinking about the song Right down the line and played it after many years of not hearing it, the slide guitar and guitar tone in the song is just as perfect an addition to a song as you could ever hope for. This was not played as much on radio as Baker Street, but it is the one song that equals Baker Street in the feeling I get when hearing this song. But his vocals are so spot-on with the transitions of sounds.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Omg, Bill was making cry!! love him. God bless Gerry Rafferty!!

[@petepalmer9281]

His songs are so great he is amazing

[@charlie-obrien]

I knew he was going to say "Revelations". What else could it be? Also, it's great to hear about Gerry Rafferty and not delve into the tragedy, he gave us a lot of joy and a lot of revelations with his music. Baker Street alone is a touchstone of a song.

[@jawtek82]

Tragedy? He wasn't hit by a train - he slowly killed himself.

[@tracerocks]

It could have been Exodus when he got kicked out of the band house!

[@richardholly7984]

Billy Connolly is hilarious!! Great sense of humor

[@claudemasse8028]

It was Revelations!

[@quickchris10]

@@claudemasse8028 Good thing! That's the book that never should be read, anyway!

[@buckeyechuck4064]

"the 60's doesn't explain everything". A great Conan line.

[@markstevens1729]

It only fails to explain everything if you were not there.

[@Fee212]

@@markstevens1729 My thoughts exactly

[@malcolmnicholson3538]

I remember seeing the Humblebums at the Sloop Inn, Wootton, Isle of Wight in the late sixties, Gerry Rafferty was incredible.

[@TopazShane]

He knows how to tell a story! I loved Gerry Rafferty's music. I play several songs of his on my internet radio station and not just the hits, but many album cuts that Top 40 listeners have never heard, therefore depriving themselves of how great musician this man was.

[@SpeccyMan]

Billy is such a great storyteller.

[@johnlamb2754]

Love you Billy and still love you Gerry RIP.

[@streips]

Whatever's Written in Your Heart is one of my favorite songs of all time. Thanks for sharing this interview!

[@Fee212]

Mine too. It's true too. "Is all that matters."

[@stevenhernandez2897]

I just listen to this song a minute ago it's a very beautiful emotional song

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

I loved Gerry Rafferty's music and he had a wonderful voice I saw him once in concert and he spoke a little bit about Billy Connolly and how they would change the cords on there bango's to get the right sound.

[@largemarge1603]

Chords.

[@mwales2112]

Gerry Rafferty, missed but never forgotten. RIP Mate...

[@WwYnN]

That may be one of the coolest stories ever!

[@pufango4059]

Hardly

[@Cruithneach]

@@pufango4059 What's your cool story, wee man?

[@darich44]

I remember sitting in my driveway at 6:00am coming down from some acid and hearing Baker street .It was epic. 70's

[@davidjackson6835]

Rafferty and Al Stewart ...my entire summer of 78 before I went to College...as a pizza delivery driver...car...sun..radio...looking back...wow..heaven.

[@The02wooley]

Great stuff, dad gave me that album city to city when I was child still listening to it now.

[@vantastic9367]

Smoking hashish with Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty now that would be epic.

[@SPAINISHLOCKSMITH]

No matter how many times I hear the same thing no mater what time the video was made ..Billy makes me laugh every time ...it's a wonderful man man who can make so many people happy ...Thank you

[@FBAV]

Year ago bought your Humblebumbs original vinyl album... Such a gem! Thanks for that Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty (R.i.p. or shall I say r.i.h.? Rest in harmony)

[@Dutch2go]

Didn’t know about Gerry passing away. Great musician who wrote wonderful songs.

[@shizuokaBLUES]

Neither did I and I’m sad about it now. A couple of lovely songs that live forever

[@bodoor8172]

@@shizuokaBLUES all his songs are great not just the hits, Gerry was a gem.

[@shizuokaBLUES]

@@bodoor8172 thanks 🙏 I’ll have a lengthy listen tomorrow during lunch break. Hope to hear some more gems of his

[@neildiamondo1131]

My mum. Was a naive 16 year old from the highlands whrn she moved to Glasgow. She worked in music shop rafferty and Connolly used to visit. She thought they were just really happy. Not having a clue about drugs. They were always stoned lol

[@rvbvbaservices]

When your mom talked about talented Gerry on drugs.. Alcohol is a drug, sad but.. as it is, mom got it right.

[@neildiamondo1131]

@@rvbvbaservices true. My mum was a big drinker. Alcohol a scourge in Scotland. Be better with weed lol

[@Mozart1220]

@@rvbvbaservices I have relatives in Scotland and I can tell you from experience that to them, alcohol is NOT a drug. IT'S FOOD. LOL

[@edwood5535]

There is chance they were just happy to be doing what they loved.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@Mozart1220 - the old Gaelic word that I can't remember that became "whiskey" means "water of Life." Just trying to help.

[@jonesy3million26]

Billy Comoly is a national treasure. I hope he is doing well.

[@hauntedhouses9248]

Jonesy 3million, its Billy Connolly.

[@Elitist20]

@@hauntedhouses9248 He is very comely.

[@QueensWino]

He should have been in the Python sketch, "A Scotsman on a horse."

[@jonesy3million26]

@@hauntedhouses9248 fixed! Thanks for that.

[@bhaskarnatarajan3014]

Typo with his name, but damn it's likeable. Just for good old Gerry. Even a couple of pages did the job. Gotta love him, Jerry!

[@topcat43truffles15]

Gerry was one of the few that got away… Growing up in NYC just about everyone eventually came through, so I was able to see many a legendary band. But by the time I discovered his fantastic music, Gerry no longer was crossing the pond….🙁 The music will live on forever……❤😎

[@justincourtney8691]

Billy always been a witty warm person. I’d like to hear his stories that are not quite safe for Conan.

[@doloresm7396]

No greater story tellers than the Scots and Irish. I would know. Lol.

@@doloresm7396 Check out his interview with Bonzo = it's great.

[@jimhood1202]

"And it was revelations" 😁 Ah Billy, the story was fine as it was but you couldn't help but find that last kicker. God will bless you. 😉

[@mattiemclean9882]

probably told it 1000 times

[@grimmsleeper9475]

What’s your thoughts on them smoking the bible ?

[@onebutler1]

I just like music from the 60’s and 70’s good stuff

[@osovagabundo1]

First time I saw Billy I thought I was gonna choke, that descending minor in key or punctuated the punch line like no other. We would miss the next half sentence from so much laughter. A great story teller

[@joseberrios7979]

That shows you the absolute legend Billy is.

[@mikeyancik5002]

god bless yer sick heart billy...i love you and gerry!!!!!!

[@bgrigg07]

The sixties explains a lot, though!

[@McPrfctday]

Every artist, poet, philosopher and comedian amongst us was wondering what was written on the pages... And he told us!

[@arthurcholmes9388]

Imagine Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly smoking pot... brilliant

[@sayno2lolzisback]

*Bible

[@gabriellefagan1014]

No hash!

[@berzerker1100]

We used to Smoke a lot of Hashish while stationed in west Germany in the 1970s they really didn't have marijuana in Europe, unless some G.I. came back from Furlough with weed, yep, we would SMOKE A BOWL !

[@berzerker1100]

Yeah, I remember using pages of the small pocket size bible as Rolling paper, while in Juvenile detention, we we're just kids, we just wanted to smoke tobacco 🚬 we never read Scripture, we were delinquents But I wouldn't do that now, I've got rid of my smoking vice😇

[@kasperjoonatan6014]

I'm listening to Baker Street and just crying and then youtube shows me this 😥

[@stevearle]

That story is Fookin' brilliant!

[@scottmeeker9971]

Brilliant !! Thank you for sharing 🍻

[@w0251605]

I’m only 39 and have such an appreciation for Jerry’s music. No matter the time in genre music can touch anyone and Jerry has such a beautiful voice and will composed music with great lyrics.

[@alanburge4798]

Two legends right. Well three with this excellent video and Conan etcetera as well as Billy and Gerry and the story about the bible which is absolutely classic..........Baker Street is an absolute 70s pop masterpiece without any doubt. Billy is unique himself. Gerry is magnificent. Conan is funny.

[@slyasleep]

„…and it was Revelation.“ Perfect story, perfect self-setup.

[@stevemurrell6167]

"....and it was Revelations" Hilarious!

[@Yooper2024]

I remember Rafferty in Stealers Wheel. Great song...Stuck in the Middle With You.

[@garysinglewood6369]

God love you Billy I've just been listening to gerry and talking to my friend about him x love you from bishop Auckland County Durham x

[@krisscanlon4051]

Awwww the look on Conan's face was priceless 🤣

[@berdalee8468]

could there be a better story-teller than billy connolly...with a better story to tell. gerry rafferty rip and thanks for the grrreat music and whimsy. smokin a bible...love it... and that 'it was revelations' tag...brilliant. great post thanks russallert.

[@bspeckter]

Gerry was a great musician and musical genius!!

[@wboyle9721]

Wishing billy all the best I know he going through a bad time just now with his health look after yourself big yin from glasgow

[@c2274swen]

You know times are shit right now but thank you for causing me to wet myself while sitting on my back porch laughing my ass off. Neighbors think I’m crazy 😜 now.

[@JaysenLeedotcom]

Absolutely Brilliant!!! ♥️

[@marco-58]

We did that once, but it was in the 70's. Nice thin paper, but not quite thin enough if memory serves.

[@freebirdh604]

And not very sticky to seal the joint 😉. Oh gosh those were the days, I remember saying in my twenties that I would still be smoking a joint while queuing for my pension. In reality, I stopped around 40 years old after a not very nice experience in Amsterdam and finally quite smoking all together at 62, after getting throat cancer. I still miss it though 🥺☮️✌️

[@MrX-jw5yw]

@@freebirdh604 Try tincture. Just a few drops under the tongue. Work great.

[@robertbrowne7880]

I'm sorry to inform you Coco but "the sixties" does indeed explain everything.

[@charlie-obrien]

As another great icon said of the times; "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." - H.S. Thompson

[@JDrevolver66]

I remember Paul Simon being on Colbert (I think) and being asked about the meaning of the "I got up to wash my face..." bit in 'Cecilia' and giving pretty much the same answer.

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

Those who experienced the 60's and the 70's know...

[@sniffableandirresistble]

Comedy nectar I'm feasting!!! Sharing really is caring ❤

[@stephenodonnell8023]

GREAT STORY FROM 2 GREAT FRIENDS

[@LeBator]

Brilliant! He smoked Revelations!!

[@juliemalmbergmacprpparaleg8472]

He's great. Good times, dude.

[@scottnever8732]

there will never be another comic like Billy

[@IamMiXeM]

Thee Greatest Comedian ever ❤🌎☘️

[@mikebuxton8472]

God Fucking Bless Billy Connelly 🙏🙌💪💯🧐🎷🎤😎🥊🦅🧞‍♀️🧞💎💰🦾🕶️🎅🐯🎖️🧯⌚🎧👏🤲🚒🇺🇲🥊😎🎤🧞‍♂️🎙️🎙️

[@barryeva9186]

I saw Gerry and billy in the folk group the first humblebums several times, love the song her father didn’t like me anyway

[@latigolatigus4885]

Beautiful story!

[@annchristine47]

We Scots understand exactly what Billy is talking about but if you are from Glasgow then you know it’s comedy and tragedy are inherently linked.That’s what makes Glasgow so special.

[@carlosrincon1551]

Love Gerry Rafferty. Love Billy Connolly.

[@cciccone61]

What a wonderful story.

[@glenaitken9403]

If ever you doubt the genius of Billy, hang around for the last gag. 😁😁

[@daviddemar8749]

The punchline is worth the whole story. Bloody hell it's as funny AF and it's the twinkle in his eyes that sells it 😊

[@christhegreat8096]

Gerry & Billy, legends👌🏻

[@tamilapp4944]

Okay...I'm not even sure how to process this... I've just been playing a bunch of my favorite songs/videos here on KZbin and this came up ... Now, GR's Baker Street has LONG been one of my very favorite songs.... since I was a teen in the late 70's.. Then in the later '80s my youngest girl took up the sax....and now in 2021, I have my eldest grandaughter in college for music therapy and her main instrument is the sax....(several kinds) Then I saw this with Billy Connolly who was in the second X-Files movie, "I want to Believe" which I went to see at least 6 times in the theater back in 2008 when it came out because I am such a HUGE XF fan... strange all around! LOL!!

[@seisen410]

I was 14 years old when City to City came out. Great album. Deep cuts such as Home and Dry and City to City were just as good as the hits.

[@heathermiller5765]

Lol what Conan said about how the '60s doesn't explain everything reminds me of an interview I once saw with Joe Walsh. It was something along these lines: "So you guys were doing drugs back then?" "Well sure, it was the '70s, we were all getting high" *lol* 😄

[@bradleylowden558]

Loved him in Still Crazy.

[@ericdebord]

I bet these old guys have so many great stories we will never hear because their old and forget that kinda stuff.

[@user-zp8qu4uk6l]

Why wouldn’t Americans enjoy Gerry? Great music finds its way everywhere. He was great in Stealer’s Wheel and his solo work has loads of great albums and hidden gems amongst his less popular ones.

[@TheLonePiper]

Gerry was an amazing musician and huge influence. Some songs take you back to a place and time whenever you hear them, but no song takes me back to the summer of 1978 more than Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street. With my pandemic freetime, I recorded and filmed this in the basement, as a tribute to my hometown ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fILIl4yiidqsaK8

[@reemclaughlin4260]

Awesome!

[@TheLonePiper]

@@reemclaughlin4260 Cool, glad you liked it.

[@reemclaughlin4260]

@@TheLonePiper I loved it! I was a teen in the 70's and it was THE BEST time to be alive just for the music! ✌🏼🤗

[@davidfanara3229]

When I need a little soul comfort before I go to work I listen to Gerry Rafferty and an AL Stewart chaser. Works every time. I was 9 years in '77 and I enjoy those songs more than ever. Time and place ,surreal. You said it.cheers

[@johnmitchelljr]

So funny. Thank you.

[@michaelconnolly7681]

That interview is so funny. Excellent ending.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

The 'interviewer'? That was Conan O'Brien interviewing the 'funny guy'. 🤣