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John Peel takes to the tracks: 20 October 2008; Legendary DJ and music icon John Peel has been honoured with a train bearing his name.

Merseytravel, which coordinates passenger transport in his home region Merseyside, named the train as a lasting tribute to John’s memory.

Family and friends of John’s, who once admitted his second favourite song of all time was Amsterdam’s “Does this train stop on Merseyside?”, came together to celebrate his life.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel said: “We are very proud of the man John was and of his connection with Merseyside. Naming this train in his honour is our tribute to a true broadcasting legend.”

Councillor Chris Blakeley, Chair of Merseytravel’s Rail Services Committee said: “John was one of our own and we are delighted to be able to remember him this way.”

Sheila Ravenscroft, John’s wife, joined Merseytravel to officially launch the “John Peel” train and travel on its first journey into the city of Liverpool.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel added: “Having Sheila with us to launch the train made it that extra bit special. This train will forever be linked to John; a man whose influence on music was, and to some extent still remains, unparalleled.”

The train left Merseytravel’s Liverpool South Parkway interchange on Thursday 23rd October after a short dedication ceremony.

Ian Prowse, from Amsterdam, performed the song “Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?” at the event in front of guests.

Speaking about the song as part of the Radio One tribute evening, John’s wife Sheila said: “John just loved the song. 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.

“We are just really delighted that John has been honoured with this train. He would have loved it!”

Copies of a new book, a collection of John’s writings edited by his wife Sheila called “The Olivetti Chronicles”, were given out to passengers on the train during the journey.

John Peel OBE

John Peel was born John Robert Parker Ravenscroft in Heswall, Wirral in Merseyside on 30th August 1939.

He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until 2004.

The train naming ceremony will take place two days before the anniversary of John’s death on October 25th 2004, aged 65.

Pictured: Sheila Ravenscroft boards the John Peel train with Cllr Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, and Cllr Chris Blakeley, Chair of Merseytravel`s Rail Services Committee.; Back to Media Centre