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Billy Conway (1956 – December 19, 2021) is best known for his work with Treat Her Right and Morphine has passed away. His former bandmates Vapor of Morphine released the following statement: “We are devastated to learn that our brother, Morphine drummer Billy Conway has passed, finally succumbing to cancer after a long fight. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.”
Conway was a native of Owatonna, Minnesota, south of Minneapolis. In the 1970s, he attended Yale University, where he became friends and bandmates with harmonica player Jim Fitting, who would also become part of Treat Her Right. Conway earned a degree in psychology. A member of the Class of 1979, he was captain of Yale’s ice hockey team as a senior in the 1978–79 season. He was invited to try out for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which performed the “Miracle on Ice”, but could not after tearing a knee ligament.
In an April 2020 “The Current” article it was announced that Billy had been diagnosed with stage IV liver cancer.
Later in 2020, along with partner Laurie Sargen, while fighting cancer Conway released his first solo record Outside Inside that features his original songs. Sargent, meanwhile, has released her own new album, Smiley Face, which features Conway on percussion as well as others from the Boston scene. “Billy and Laurie are offering these new records as part of a fundraiser to cover their medical bills,” Foucault writes. “In America, being sick is expensive. Rather than simply ask for financial help, they’re offering you the best of themselves.”
Billy died from liver cancer on December 19, 2021, he was 65.
