Painting of much-missed aspiring musician Michael Molloy unveiled at Liverpool bar

Feb 28 2013 Eleanor Barlow

A PAINTING of an aspiring musician who died in a coach crash has been unveiled at a Liverpool bar.

Michael Molloy, 18, from Woolton, died when a bus travelling back to Merseyside from Bestival in the Isle of Wight crashed on the A3 in Hindhead, Surrey, last year.

His family and friends gathered at Pod on Allerton Road on where the picture, showing Michael playing the guitar with his hero Jimi Hendrix, went on display.

Michael’s brother Joe, 22, said: “The portrait is a really nice testimony to Michael.

“He would want to be remembered as a musician, not just someone who died in a crash.

“The picture shows him with his guitar and with a big smile on his face and that’s how he’s remembered by people who knew him.

“It’s a really nice feeling that someone has taken the time to do the portrait and it’s something that will be there forever.

“The night was just for friends and family, the people who’ve been there for us without fail since Michael died, to get together and celebrate his life.”

Pod owner and family friend Clare Tague bought the picture, painted by Liverpool artist Allen Heron, and the money she paid will be donated back to a foundation which is due to be set up in Michael’s memory.

Joe said: “We’re still finalising the details of the foundation but we want it to be something that will help young musicians, like Michael.