John Peel Rides The Rails
Iconic British DJ John Peel is being posthumously honored in one of the coolest ways this transit aficionado can think of: He’ll have a train named after him by the British transport agency Merseyside. The John Peel makes its maiden voyage to Liverpool this Thursday, two days before the fourth anniversary of his 2004 passing. Peel’s widow Sheila Ravenscroft will be on hand for the christening; Ian Prowse from the British pop outfit Amsterdam will also be in attendance. He’ll play the band’s track “Does This Train Stop On Merseyside,” which was No. 31 on the 2003 edition of Peel’s year-end countdown the Festive 50.
“John just loved the song,” Ravenscroft said. “He always became emotional when he played it. He wasn’t capable of playing it without crying. If he played it on the radio he’d have to put something on straight afterwards because he wouldn’t be able to speak. When he played it at home, he’d always need a cuddle afterwards.”
Here’s a clip of Amsterdam performing the song in 2007:
Does This ‘John Peel’ Train Stop on Merseyside? [Merseytravel] Amsterdam – Does This Train Stop On Merseyside? [YouTube]
