Stephen Gerrard releases debut album entitled Gypsy Wood

Feb 10 2010 by Mark Johnson, Formby Times

FORMBY’S Stephen Gerrard has had rave reviews following his latest achievement.

But don’t get confused because it is not football skills which have landed him plaudits ... it’s his music.

The man who shares (almost) the same name as Liverpool captain and Formby resident Steven has released a debut album.

Folk singer Stephen Gerrard’s album, Gypsy Wood, reflects his interest in Formby and also his experiences emanating from a career in social work and teaching.

Stephen was inspired to record the album after his daughter Emily, 30, encouraged him.

Stephen was suffering from arthritis in his left hand so she said, “Do it now before it starts to get worse.”

Speaking at his home on Rosemary Lane, the 61-year-old told the Formby Times: “Some of the songs are about Formby. ‘Quiet and Solitary Man’ is about one of Formby’s most well known characters, Bill Tasker.

“He was a hermit who lived in a small wooden hut, nestled in the sand dunes close to Formby point.

“He lived with 12 dogs and six cats who were his close companions.

“He would just collect driftwood on the shoreline for his stove in the hut. He was a character.

“I wasn’t that interested in the commercialisation of the CD. I got some for friends and family.”