Musician, Singer. He auditioned for The Tornados in 1962, who were primarily appearing as Billy Fury's backing band at the time. Much to everyone's surprise as he was so inexperienced, he was accepted into this highly professional circuit act, and he worked tirelessly to improve his skills. After The Tornados shot to worldwide fame with "Telstar" and a string of other hits, Heinz, who was known professionally only by his first name, was groomed as the band's star and focal point with his bleached blonde hair and white leather suits. In 1963 their producer/manager Joe Meek pulled Heinz from The Tornados and threw him into the spotlight as a solo star, where he enjoyed brief but stellar fame with a Top Five hit "Just Like Eddie", several successful follow-ups and a US tour with Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent before his career dwindled. His recording career came to a halt after the death of Joe Meek in 1967, but he continued to act and perform live for the rest of his life, with highlights including the vast "London Rock & Roll Show" of 1972 and a highly acclaimed performance opposite Dame Helen Mirren in David Hare's 1975 play "Teeth 'n' Smiles". He also appeared in pantomime and made periodic revival recordings with other original members of The Tornados. He suffered from ill health for several years before being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in the early 1990's; he met the diagnosis head on and refused to give into its challenges, even continuing to perform in a wheelchair up until two weeks before his death. His funeral was held at Eastleigh Crematorium on April 15th 2000.
Musician, Singer. He auditioned for The Tornados in 1962, who were primarily appearing as Billy Fury's backing band at the time. Much to everyone's surprise as he was so inexperienced, he was accepted into this highly professional circuit act, and he worked tirelessly to improve his skills. After The Tornados shot to worldwide fame with "Telstar" and a string of other hits, Heinz, who was known professionally only by his first name, was groomed as the band's star and focal point with his bleached blonde hair and white leather suits. In 1963 their producer/manager Joe Meek pulled Heinz from The Tornados and threw him into the spotlight as a solo star, where he enjoyed brief but stellar fame with a Top Five hit "Just Like Eddie", several successful follow-ups and a US tour with Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent before his career dwindled. His recording career came to a halt after the death of Joe Meek in 1967, but he continued to act and perform live for the rest of his life, with highlights including the vast "London Rock & Roll Show" of 1972 and a highly acclaimed performance opposite Dame Helen Mirren in David Hare's 1975 play "Teeth 'n' Smiles". He also appeared in pantomime and made periodic revival recordings with other original members of The Tornados. He suffered from ill health for several years before being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in the early 1990's; he met the diagnosis head on and refused to give into its challenges, even continuing to perform in a wheelchair up until two weeks before his death. His funeral was held at Eastleigh Crematorium on April 15th 2000.
Bio by: Mount Hope NY
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