Gerry Anderson, a beloved broadcaster and musician from Derry, will be honored with a posthumous award for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the upcoming ceremony at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on November 13. The Oh Yeah Music Centre will be presenting this prestigious award to recognize Anderson’s significant impact on the music industry. In addition to the award, a bursary established in his name will receive a generous £3,000 donation from the Irish Music Rights Organisation.
Anderson’s impressive career spanned over three decades, during which he became a household name for his witty and fearless presence on BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Radio Ulster. Alongside his co-host Sean Coyle, Anderson entertained listeners with his humor and passion for music. His radio shows were so iconic that they even inspired an animated TV series, showcasing some of the best moments from his broadcasts.
While Anderson was best known for his broadcasting career, he was also a talented musician. He started his musical journey in the 1960s, teaching himself to play the guitar and performing with various bands before eventually joining The Chessmen in Dublin. Throughout his career, Anderson remained a strong advocate for local artists and musicians, using his platform to support and promote their work.
Following Anderson’s passing in 2014, his family established the Gerry Anderson Music Bursary to commemorate his legacy and support emerging artists. The bursary aims to provide financial assistance to musicians and foster creativity within the music community. Details on how to apply for the bursary will be announced after the NI Music Prize in November.
David Anderson, Gerry’s son, expressed his gratitude for the recognition his father is receiving, stating that music was always at the core of everything his father did. The award serves as a touching tribute to Anderson’s dedication to celebrating local talent and nurturing creativity. The director of Marketing & Membership at IMRO, Keith Johnson, praised Anderson as a true champion of music and creativity, highlighting his lasting impact on the music industry.
The NI Music Prize, where Anderson will be honored, will be held at the Ulster Hall and broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster. Limited tickets for the event are available through the Ulster Hall website. The ceremony promises to be a fitting tribute to Anderson’s remarkable contributions to the music scene, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the artists he supported and inspired.