The obituary notice of PHIL EASTON

I have only just heard about Phils' untimely death and it truly saddens me...

Phil was one of the presenters at Orchard FM whilst I ran the local pub (White Hart) with my wife Katherine.

He was one of our much loved regulars and we often stayed up late together, swapping stories, playing music (too loudly) and plotting ways of playing practical jokes on 'Jezza' (Jeremy Kyle) or Bob McCreadie.

We played cricket together for the Orchard FM XI alonside such names as Andy Hayhurst and Andy Caddick - always having a fantastic time.

I even did the food for Phils' leaving party when he left Orchard to go back up to his beloved Liverpool...

I thought he would go on forever - such a great bloke and he will be sorely missed by all those who got to know him.

Phil - Love ya man! Rest in peace.

xx

Phil Easton was the reason I got into rock music. I started listening to The Great Easton Express in '78 and Phil introduced me to some of the best sounds I have ever heard and I still listen to them today. It was hearing a Deep Purple track which, today, made me think of Phil and I had the idea of googling him and found out the saddest news of all, Phil Easton had moved up to the Great Gig in the Sky. Long live rock 'n' roll and the memory of a great rock DJ.

I worked temporary at Radio City in the early '80's and have to say that Phil was definitely one of my favourite people there. He had a nice way about him and was always polite and friendly. He is sadly missed.

My abiding memories of Phil are, The Great Easton Express jingle at the start of every show that I listened to sending a shiver down my spine in anticipation as to what new sounds I was going to hear, local, national and the odd international. Phil was responsible for me growing to love Hymn by Barclays James Harvest, Hold the Line by Toto which he played a lot and of course any Thin Lizzy track.
The Floral Hall gigs where over a 1000 would attend and have a great time. I was priviledged to even help out if you can call it that with Phil and my great friend Kevin McGoverin. Phil was always a gent and no doubt he will be warmly greeted by some of the legends who were also taken from us down here far too early. He hasn't gone you know...he's just popped out for a pint!!

I was asked for my favourite memory of Phil. Truth is, all of the times with Phil are favourite memories. Being in the studio with him when The Great Easton Express was going out on air was a joy and a thrill; the madness before, during and after the Battle(s) of the Bands; gigs, the Floral Hall, nights out, all great.
His wealth of knowledge when it came to broadcasting and his desire to pass that knowledge on ( he had SO much patience with me!), his ability to communicate with everyone, star or otherwise.
Just brilliant.
Just Phil.
I owe him so much (although every time I said that to him or anyone else he told me to shut up) but it's true. I was privileged to call him a friend and honoured that he numbered me among his.
I have this image of him now, sitting with Thin Lizzy main-man Phil Lynott (the admiration was mutual), Guinness in hand, gabbing about music and 'discussing' Man Utd and Liverpool!
To everyone who listened to and remembers the Express, I KNOW he cared about you as much as you cared about the show.

Thanks Phil. For so much.
Kev McD

Genuinely shocked and saddened to hear about Phil. I used to listen to Phil in the mid-70's on the Express, and my musical taste was heavily influenced by the stuff he played and promoted. Being a Red was also magic during that time, and tuning in to Phil on City Sport was also essential listening - whenever Phil played a Beatles track, Liverpool usually did the business. They reckon nobody is irreplaceable, but Phil comes pretty damned close - Easton............. Rocks On!!!!!!!!!