Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 14 minutes ago

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In a very special and personal interview, Bill speaks to Pegasus Publishers about his latest book, childhood memoir 'Billy in the Wars', released on October 24th 2023. Bill talks at length about childhood memories, how this new book differs from his previous titles, misconceptions about living in wartime, and the music he remembers fondly.

'Billy in the Wars' is Bill's thirteenth published work. Purchase your copy now here: pegasuspublishers.com/books/bill-wyman/billy-in-the-wars-_paperback_

Billy in the Wars is the illustrated memoir of ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, recalling his experiences as a young boy growing up in wartime Britain. Bill brings history to life through the personal lens of his childhood memories, where grim anecdotes of war are punctuated by moving moments of childhood innocence and joy.

Three-year-old William George Perks (now Bill Wyman) was living with his parents and brother in working-class Sydenham, South London, when war broke out. Over the coming years he experienced endless terrifying hours spent in air-raid shelters, the constant droning of doodlebugs overhead, a near miss with a German fighter-bomber, and evacuations from London to new rural adventures.

Out of a backdrop of constant fear and hunger, Bill learned the importance of persistence, courage and resilience; values that ultimately led him out of his neighbourhood and on to a vast and exciting future.

00:00 - 01:07 Which day stands out most from war time?
01:07 - 02:03 Biggest lesson you learned from the war?
02:03 - 03:10 What would you think if you were told you’d be in a world famous band one day?
03:10 - 05:18 Biggest misconception about WWII?
05:18 - 05:52 Favourite meal during WWII?
05:52 - 06:46 What makes this book different from your others?
06:46 - 08:10 What will today’s children take away from the book?
08:10 - 09:32 Will your generation view the book as a time capsule?
09:32 - 10:20 Removing reflectors from the road to play with
10:20 - 11:34 Still in contact with friends from that time?
11:34 - 13:10 What would your nan think about your achievements?
13:10 - 14:00 How did your childhood shape you?
14:00 - 14:47 Favourite item that you collected?
14:47 - 15:57 What music do you recall from war time?
15:57 - 17:38 Favourite three songs from your childhood?