Much-loved Liverpool arts journalist Phil Key has died aged 79 following a long illness.
Key was well known across Merseyside’s arts scene in his role as the longstanding arts editor of the Liverpool Daily Post, which ceased publication in 2013 after 158 years.
Famous for his trademark trilby hat and moustache, Phil wrote extensively about the region’s theatre, music and arts scene for many years and was loved and respected by so many who’s careers he supported.
Key’s niece, Nicola Key, said: “Philip spent most of his professional life as arts editor of the Liverpool Post, where he was much liked and respected and considered an honorary Scouser, although he lived across the Mersey in West Kirby.
“He is survived by his twin and by his oldest brother Michael, as well as nieces and nephews in England, Denmark and Australia.”
Mark Thomas, who was the editor of the Liverpool Daily Post for its final six years in circulation, said: “This is such sad news. Phil was a lovely man, and a unique character. I remember in my early days as a young reporter at the Post and Echo watching, bewildered and slightly horrified, as he did his pub party piece of eating a glass! There was never a dull moment when he was around.
“”He was absolutely loved by Liverpool’s artistic community, and I’m sure by all who worked with him, too. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I won’t be alone among his colleagues in saying that I feel like I’ve lost a dear old pal.”
Erstwhile rival the Liverpool Echo was among those paying tribute to Key online:
In recent years, Key had moved into a care home in Banbury to be closer to his family. He died at John Radcliffe Hospital in Ox
