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Pub's tribute to singer killed ahead of upcoming gig

Sarah Spina-Matthews
BBC News, Liverpool
Petrichor Coffee House & Bar A young man with short hair and tattoos on his forearm stands with his arms around a large white dog. He is smiling. Petrichor Coffee House & Bar
The team says the news of Mr Newby-Gallagher's death "hit them incredible hard"

A bar will pay tribute to its resident singer, who was killed in a motorbike crash, before he could perform at the venue again on Sunday.

Jay Newby-Gallagher, 34, died when his Suzuki motorbike collided with a blue Renault Zoe car on Northway, at the junction of Dover Road in Maghull, in Sefton, on Wednesday at about 08:30 BST.

The singer and guitarist was set to perform at Petrichor Coffee House & Bar in Aintree, where he was the resident musician, at the weekend.

"On Sunday, Jay would have been performing for his usual eager followers, but this time, we will be taking the opportunity to raise a glass in his memory," the team said in a statement.

Merseyside Police said a 34-year-old woman from South Tyneside was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving over the collision, and had since been released on conditional bail.

Petrichor Coffee House & Bar A young man with short hair and wearing a black t-shirt sits playing an acoustic guitar. A microphone on a stand is in front of him. He is inside a bar.Petrichor Coffee House & Bar
Jay Newby-Gallagher was the resident singer at Petrichor Coffee House & Bar in Aintree

In their statement, the bar staff said Mr Newby-Gallagher was "one of the most talented, joyful and loyal men we have ever had the pleasure of meeting".

They said: "Jay first popped up on our radar in Petrichor on a sunny Sunday afternoon when he asked if he could jump up at the end of one of our singer's sets to do a couple of quick songs for everyone.

"Jay proceeded to belt out two fantastic covers of The Beatles and Elvis, which we just could not ignore," they added.

He was asked to become the bar's resident singer, becoming a favourite among punters who regularly requested his renditions of 'Rattlin' Bog' and 'Seven drunk nights'.

"The news of Jay's passing on Wednesday has hit the team incredibly hard and still leaves us in absolute disbelief," Petrichor's staff said.

They added: "We are so grateful to have had the pleasure of crossing paths with Jay and for the joy he has brought to ourselves and to our customers during every one of his performances.

"Rest easy, Jay. We will all miss you so much."

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