Football and music merge in a day of Peel’s passions

Oct 10 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

John Peel's widow Sheila (Centre) with their children ltr: William, Tom, Flossie and Danda(Alexandra) at the John Peel memorial trophy 5-a-side football tournament _320

THE third Annual John Peel Day takes place tomorrow with the traditional football tournament and concert.

As in previous years, 12 football teams drawn from Liverpool’s music industry will battle it out for the John Peel Memorial Trophy.

A team drawn from Liverpool’s world- famous superclub, Cream, will defend the title they won last year, against competitors including John Peel’s sons’ team, Ravenscroft Stanley, Elevator recording studio, The Picket, and members of Shack and The Farm.

The tournament at the LFC Academy in Kirkby will be followed by an evening concert at the city’s Picket music venue, where the winners will be presented with their trophy.

This year’s line-up features new and up-and-coming artists, including Wavertree band Aspen Grove, Clockwork – who hail from Huyton and have just been taken on by Rob Swerdlow, former manager of Cast and The La's – and Off Target, who are aged 11 to 14 years and will be performing John’s favourite-ever song, Teenage Kicks, along with their own material.

Organiser Philip Hayes said: “This year, we wanted to feature new and unsigned bands as that was very much Peel’s thing.

“It is all about celebrating his two main passions – football, in particular Liverpool FC, and music.

“The day has already become an established event and we are hoping it will be even bigger next year for Capital of Culture.”

Peel’s widow, Sheila Ravenscroft, will not be able to attend tomorrow’s event because of family illness.

The event is just one of many taking place around the country to mark John Peel Day.

The Wirral-born DJ died of a heart attack while on holiday in Peru in October 2004 at the age of 65.

He worked at Radio 1 for nearly 40 years on his own late-night show. His career was marked by discovering and championing new artists from Joy Division to the White Stripes.

The gig at the New Picket, 61 Jordan Street, Liverpool, starts at 8pm. Tickets are £4. More information on 0151 708 6789.

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk