Veteran broadcaster and musician Gerry Anderson has passed away, aged 69, after battling a long illness.
A talented guitar-slinger in the 70s and a much loved radio and TV personality for over thirty years, Gerry Anderson was highly respected and well thought of by all sections of Northern Ireland’s often splintered community… and that’s no mean feat.
He brought people together through music, stories and some jokes thank frankly shouldn’t always have made it on air but the man who effectively put the stroke into ‘Stroke City’ was ahead of his time when it came to connecting with people and getting the best out of the Northern Irish way of life.
Happy to entertain the older listeners on Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle with quick wit and tales from the good old days but equally at home hanging out with the current crop of rock stars and DJs, he will be sorely missed from the airwaves and those various places he used to pop up round the north.
Our fondest memory is of the 2009 show which saw Gerry join Belfast country-rock band Jackson Cage on stage recreating ‘Who Do You Love? from The Band’s seminal album ‘The Last Waltz’. The tune of course was written by Gerry’s old bandmate Ronnie Hawkins of The Hawks, who later went on to form parts of The Band.
In 2009 Gerry put it as only he could…
I played bass with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks for two years in the 1970s. I was known as the ‘Irish Kid’. It was the best and most exciting band I ever played in. ‘Who Do You Love’ was one of the first songs I rehearsed with the Hawk who is still alive and well and disappointing women.
Gerry Anderson – Culture NI Interview – 2009
Shay Doherty, formerly of Jackson Cage, paid tribute to him today.
Gerry was champion of local music and local people on his radio show. He was incredibly witty and humourous… He always stood out with his flamboyance!
Shay Doherty – Jackson Cage
Our thoughts are with the Anderson family and the many he counted as listeners and friends.
Photo © 2009 Chris Flack / Oh Yeah Music Centre