Billy Whizz is based in the Cognac area of South West France but is willing to travel. See a list of their current gigs here.

They are a party and wedding band consisting of four seasoned and experienced musicians. A combined 175 years of making music! Andy is the vocalist, Papa T guitar, Culli on bass and Jean-Lou drums. The boys all help with the backing vocals when needed.

They perform a wide range of all your favourite covers (see a sample playlist here) from many different genres of music all aimed at keeping the dance floor busy! Three generous sets will mean well over two hours of music. They also provide good quality incidental music when they are not playing and a full light show to create atmosphere.

Competent musicians, polite and user friendly the band are ideal for any function. They are prepared to learn a new song if a special is required. A favourite first dance for example.

A lively four piece The Billy Whizz Band is completely focused on keeping your event rocking. They will ensure that yours is the party all the guests will talk about. From start to finish, set up to break down a smooth evening.

for further information, or to make a booking please call Culli on +33 (0)6 78 18 12 98  or use the email form on our contact page.

Andy Porter - Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist  

Andy grew up in Dorset & worked with bands in the UK until he made the move to the Charente in 2000, living the dream with his wife Jen just north of the historic town of Cognac.

He says “Lets get 'em dancing & keep 'em dancing”!

“Music is a passion not a hobby, I love to get folk singing & dancing to songs that evoke memories from their past & giving them a night to remember”.

Ernest (Papa “T”) Taylor – Guitarist

Papa “T” studied classical guitar from the age of 10 before falling under the spell of pop music of the late 50’s and 60’s and the excitement of the electric guitar. Gigging in local bands throughout Yorkshire from the age of 13, he reckons he probably spent more time playing the Dance Halls and Working Men Clubs than he spent in school!

Papa “T” claims to be a true “Child of the 60’s” and an original “Mod” having spent his teenage years throughout that magical decade. His musical influences are wide and varied starting with Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers and Elvis; through the Beatles, Stones and The Who; then inevitably Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

For live gigs he favours the sounds produced by his beloved “Blondie”, a unique Mike Vanden built 335, “Oor Wullie”, a 1960’s Les Paul Standard re-issue, or his very versatile “James Burton” Telecaster, played through a Hughes & Kettner tube amp.

Having moved to France in 2013, Papa “T” has been performing mainly in Jazz combos, whilst searching for like-minded musicians who want to both entertain and make sure that the audience have a fun time. When he was invited to audition for the role of guitarist, he was thrilled and delighted to be welcomed into the fold of The Billy Whizz Band.

John (Culli) Culligan - Bass guitar

Gear- Ibanez SR600 active bass and a Jazz Bass built by himself, playing through a Warwick 300w stack.

Culli started playing guitar in his early teens. A long time ago! Bass players were a rarity and to fulfil a need in the school band Culli started playing bass. All through his time at art school studying to be an architect (see his website here) and beyond he continued as a bassist with several bands but eventually returned to the 6 string as lead guitarist. He played with his son Ross (then aged 14) in a blues band and then for 12 years in Big Girls Blues (eventually with Ross on drums again) until moving to France in 2003. 

Jean-Lou Bargain - Drums 

JL has played various music styles in different bands for about forty years, Rock, Rock'n Roll, Pop, Blues, Jazz. He was playing with a small jazz combo when he met Culli and Andy, who were using backing tracks for the drums at the time, so offered to join as their drummer. Culli and Jean-Lou found an instant groove so The Billy Whizz Band was created. Jean-Lou still plays in a jazz band called Swingline Jazz to keep his jazz roots going.
His main acoustic drum kit is a Pearl Session Custom SRX vintage sunburst, including a "small" set of Zildjian "K" series cymbals.
To play jazz, he uses a Gretsh pearly drum kit and also has electronic kits and a full range of percussion which he uses from time to time.