Beatles tour guide with 'amazing stories' of band dies aged 78
Eddie Porter was remembered as a "legendary" tour guide known as "the Walrus"
Tributes have been paid to a "legendary" Liverpool Beatles tour guide known as "the Walrus". Eddie Porter became a tour guide at the Beatles museum Cavern Mecca in the 1980s, and later became a familiar face on the famous Magical Mystery Tour.
He died on Friday, March 14, at the age of 78. On the International Beatlesweek Facebook page, Beatles fans from across the world paid tribute to him, sharing fond memories of his many fascinating tours.
Roberta Glick said: "This is very sad. Not only did I have the pleasure of having Eddie as a tour guide, but I actually hung out with him on a few occasions. He was such a huge fan of The Beatles and he had the most amazing stories of them before they were famous. Love you Eddie. Thank you for the pints and the craic. R.I.P. Eddie The Walrus."
Dino Vescera said: "Awful news Eddie was a genuine and great guy, I first met him in Liddypool in 1983, always lovely, thoughtful, full of tales and a great ambassador for Liverpool and The Beatles world."
Donna Earley said: "So sad. Been on the magical mystery tour with Eddie many times and also drinking with him in the Grapes. He was a lovely guy. Condolences to his family and friends."
Richard Porter said: "Damn – what sad news. My ‘Beatles Brother’ had passed. He was very much my mentor as a Beatles tour guide. RIP Eddie the Walrus."
Cheryl Hagger said: "So saddened to hear of Eddie’s passing. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour. I have many fond memories of nights out with him. Shine bright Eddie. Thinking of his friends & family at this sad time."
Darlene Jones said: "Oh I met him I was on one of his Beatle tours… in fact he us the one who told me to come back to Liverpool for Beatleweek and I never stopped coming back over."
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When The Beatles museum opened in the 1980s, Eddie was one of the tour guides with The Beatles' first manager Alan Williams and Cavern Club DJ Bob Waller. He also worked as a tour guide for The Cavern on the Magical Mystery bus, which he used to pick up Charlie Lennon – John Lennon's uncle – and drop him off outside the post office to collect his pension.
In a tribute, Eddie's friend Julie Sudbury, 60, said: "It got harder each time I went to visit you because as we hugged and said goodbye we always knew this could be the last hug and the last goodbye. You always got up and waved me goodbye by the door and the conversation would go on for a further 30 minutes and I'd say Eddie go in, but you would still waved till I left the street.
"I'll remember that last hug and I'll cherish it along with all the memories. I would say rest in peace Eddie but even heaven won't keep you still! Love and miss you forever. Your broken hearted friend."
