Open Media pay special tribute to Michael Molloy and the Tyred Campaign

On the anniversary of his passing, Open Media honoured the life and legacy of talented 18-year-old musician Michael Molloy, from Liverpool, who was tragically killed in a coach crash while travelling home from a music festival on September 10th 2012.

 

Michael and two others, Kerry Ogden, 23, and coach driver Colin Daulby, 63, died after a 19-year-old tyre on the coach blew out on the motorway. All the tyres on board were found to be dangerously old, with even the spare 14 years old.

 

Following the crash, Michael’s mother, Frances, launched a campaign for a ban on tyres over 10 years old for buses, coaches and lorries. The Tyred Campaign faced many hurdles and was rejected eight times in parliament overall.

In 2019, however, Frances and the Molloy family were victorious, with the government announcing legislation to ban tyres 10 years or older on the front wheels of buses, coaches, minibuses and goods vehicles.

 

And on Tuesday, the 12^th anniversary of the tragic crash, Open Media turned their Liverpool City Centre screens into tributes, remembering Michael the musician and the life-saving influence of the Tyred Campaign.

 

In 2013, Michael’s song ‘Rise and Fall’, which he performed with friend Alex Evans, was released by his family, breaking into the UK singles chart at number 38.

Open Media lit up five of their most popular screens in Liverpool City Centre with an image of Michael, playing his beloved guitar, and the slogan ‘Legends Never Die’, as well as the Tyred Campaign logo, while thousands passed by.

 

His mother Frances told the Liverpool ECHO: “This is how we remember Michael – he was a musician first and foremost. He loved music, it was his whole life. Once he learned to play guitar, I don’t think I can remember a day when he didn’t play it.

 

“He was always thinking about what he was going to do next with music, so that’s how people remember him. All his friends describe him as a larger-than-life character.”

 

Open Media CEO Mike Smith said: “Open Media are proud to play a small part in remembering Michael Molloy and his inspirational legacy. The Tyred Campaign has, and will, save countless lives.

 

“As a firm with strong Liverpool roots, Michael will forever be in our hearts and the tribute was important, for all of us at Open, to play our part in remembering a special human being.”