Liverpool says farewell to radio legend Phil Easton

Mar 28 2009 by Luke Traynor

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Memorial service for Phil Easton at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral _460

THE music, football and media world have paid tribute to legendary radio broadcaster Phil Easton.

Up to 500 people arrived at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral yesterday for a public memorial service to celebrate his life.

The 59-year-old died at his home in Crosby nearly two months ago after a sudden brain haemorrhage.

Since then, his work colleagues at Radio City have been organising a tribute to encompass all aspects of the DJ’s career.

Liverpool FC representatives including Rafa Benitez, Phil Thompson and stadium announcer George Sephton were among the audience as Phil had been much loved as a pitchside broadcaster on Anfield matchdays.

And close friend and singer Chris De Burgh and band China Crisis were among the performers.

Sky Sports presenter Richard Keyes, who spent seven years at City FM, hosted different sections of the service.

The football frontman said: "To me, he was a tip top broadcaster and he was just my buddy, someone who would help you rather than harm you.

"And in the radio business, he made more comebacks like Sinatra."

Gillian Reynolds, Phil’s first radio controller, spoke of taking a chance on Phil to land him his first job in Liverpool before Parr Street Studio’s Tom Lang gave a haunting rendition of a song called Bless The Child.

The music section of the service focused on Phil’s iconic Great Easton Express rock show which was idolised by listeners across the northwest.

The programme was interspersed with tributes from many from the music industry including Mighty Wah frontman Pete Wylie.

He said: "Phil interviewed me on the centre spot at Anfield before a Reds game as Heart As Big As Liverpool was released and was laughing onstage when we played to 20,000 Liverpool fans at the historic fifth European Cup win in Istanbul."

Other recollections came from Mark Knopfler: "I was sad to hear that Phil had passed away. He was one of the very first supporters of Dire Straits and I will always remember him fondly."