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Radio Greats

Luke Davies

Luke Davies (or The Live Luke) has always been fascinated by Radio. In this series, he chats to some of his heroes of the airwaves about how they got into radio, the challenges they have taken and what advice would they give.

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S10 · E36
Today · 59 min
Mike Vitti
Send us Fan Mail From starting a career in the clubs across the North of England, Mike Vitti went onto achieve a career in radio presenting and management. From hosting the first Dance show on Red Rose Radio in Preston, to being part of the launch team of Magic 828 in Leeds and Radio Wave in Blackpool, before a career with the CN Group and being instrumental in the relaunch of Jazz FM, but what is his story? Well this week Mike is the guest on Radio Greats and shares his story from how he got the bug for radio and what working on Red Rose/Rock FM was like from that first overnight show. His standout song from his time there. What working on Magic 828 was like from its launch. How he was never supposed to be part of the launch of Radio Wave. Taking on his first management role with the CN Group and recruiting talent. What the relaunch of Jazz FM was like and how he got everyone he wanted to work on it before moving freelance and working for BBC Radio. Find out more about Mike by visiting his website mikevitti.com And you can also listen to Mike on Mi-Soul Radio Also check these Airchecks of Mike out from Aircheck Downloads We would also like to give additional thanks to John Foster for the use of the Magic 828 Name Jingle.
S10 · E35
October 20 · 1 hr 10 min
Mike Toolan
Send us Fan Mail Having cut his teeth on Essex Radio - Mike Toolan has enjoyed a career on the radio of over 30 years, from a journey on stations that have included Marcher Sound, Rock FM, Capital Radio, Key 103 and now presenting Drivetime on Hits Radio. This week Mike joins Luke to share stories about his life and times on the radio - from getting the bug and working on Essex Radio, before getting sacked on Hospital Radio. Taking a trip to America, where he bluffed his way onto a station out there. What getting his first radio job on MFM was like and how he got sacked. Joining Rock FM and taking on Mid Mornings across the station. Working on TFM before moving to the Capital Group and presenting shows on BRMB and Capital. Moving to Manchester with Key 103 and becoming a national name on Hits Radio. Check out these Airchecks of Mike on Aircheck Downloads. And hear this cracking jingle of Mike's from Marcher on Soundcloud. And give Mike a follow on X @Toolyboy and on Instagram @miketoolan And find and listen to Mike on Hits Radio Drivetime every Weekday Evenings
S10 · E34
October 13 · 52 min
Tim Allen
Send us Fan Mail You remember the sound effects, the shows and the fact he has taken you to infinity and beyond (no pun intended) - but who is Tim Allen? Well he has done all many styles of radio, whether its Pirate, Instore, local and national radio. Well why not listen to Tim share his stories about his radio journey in this weeks edition of Radio Greats? There are plenty of stories to indulge in - from joining Radio Caroline to working with Chiltern, what it was like to work with his radio heroes on Classic Gold. Joining Wave 105 and working with the station for 17 years, before moving over to Nation Radio. Why not listen to Tim on Radio Caroline here on the Pirate Radio Hall of Fame Also listen to several airchecks of Tim on Radio Floss here Don't forget also to listen to Tim on Airchecks Download
S10 · E33
October 6 · 36 min
Neil Andrews
Send us Fan Mail You may remember him on Capital Gold as Neil Winfield where he hosted Network shows across the country and also presented Breakfast on the Kent service. Or maybe you remember him presenting shows on Ten-17 FM in Harlow or maybe Breakfast on Time 107 FM in Romford, but there is one question! Who is Neil Andrews. Well this week he joins Luke to share stories about his career on the wireless, from how he developed that bug, before working on stations around the South of England and in London and also how his new radio station All Hit Radio began as a final show, but became a full fledge radio station! Why not listen to Neil every morning between 6 and 10AM on All Hit Radio And why not give Neil a follow on X @neilandrews1967 And why not listen to these Airchecks of Neil on Capital Gold courtsey of Aircheck Downloads
S10 · E32
September 22 · 1 hr 11 min
Chris Farrell
Send us Fan Mail For the past four decades, Chris Farrell has been on radio stations across the country. He was part of the launch team of Heart 106.2 in London, where he hosted shows for nearly 17 years. He has also enjoyed stints on stations that included MFM, TFM and Horizon Radio. This week Chris sits down with Luke to share stories of his radio journey. Some of the stories include joining Essex Radio when he was just 10 years old, and working on stations around the country, to landing full time work on MFM, before moving down to Horizon and the Hot FM. Joining a new service in London called Heart 106.2 and what the launch date was like. Moving to America and coming back to the UK to take on work with Radio Jackie and GHR 80's. Check out some of these airchecks of Chris courtesy of Aircheck Downloads Also why not give Chris a follow on Instagram @chrisfarrellradio
S10 · E31
September 15 · 1 hr 9 min
Clive Bull
Send us Fan Mail He is often dubbed as the King of Nightime Talk Radio, and is currently LBC's longest serving presenter. Having worked in all fields on the station from producing, reporting and presenting - but there is one question, who is Clive Bull? Well this week he joins Luke to chat about his life and career on the radio and how he became associated with talk radio. Some of the stories we touch upon including getting that passion for radio and starting up a school radio station, before going to the National Broadcasting School. How he turned down a job at Southern Sound to join LBC. How he became associated with nightime radio and also how Peter Cook started phoning in his show as Sven from Swiss Cottage. What the split of FM and AM was like and some of the calls he has taken over the years and what it was like to see LBC go from a Local London station to a National one. Remember to listen to Clive on LBC every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 1AM and 4AM. Also follow Clive on X: @clivebull And listen to these Airchecks of Clive, coutesy of Aircheck Downloads And watch this documentary of Clive on LBC from 1991 on Youtube.
S10 · E29
September 9 · 59 min
Robin Banks - Middle East Communication Coach On His Radio Career: Part 1
Send us Fan Mail Robin Banks is now a Middle East-based executive presentation and communication coach, helping professionals build executive presence, communication coaching, public speaking confidence, presentation coaching and boardroom communication skills all across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and all over the GCC. In this first of two parts, Robin sits down with Luke to chat extensively about his radio career. In this episode we range from developing the bug, and getting a job at 13 years old on a station in Kilkenny, before joining Chris Cary's Radio Nova. Moving over to Atlantic 252 and what it was like broadcasting on Longwave and some of the Antics he got up to in Trim. Topping the Smash Hits magazine and moving over to Virgin 1215, where he famously announced Chris Evans had died. Joining XFM and how he punched Richard Park. You can find out more about Robin by visiting his website right here: robinbanks.com Also check Robin out on Facebook, Linkedln and on Instagram Also check out these airchecks of Robin, courtsey of Aircheck Downloads
S10 · E30
September 9 · 1 hr 4 min
Robin Banks - Middle East Communication Coach On His Radio Career: Part 2
Send us Fan Mail Robin Banks is now a Middle East-based executive presentation and communication coach, helping professionals build executive presence, communication coaching, public speaking confidence, presentation coaching and boardroom communication skills all across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and all over the GCC. In this second of two parts, Robin sits down with Luke to chat extensively about his radio career. In this episode we range from joining Beat 106 and making great content and breaking almost every rule in the book. Joining KISS FM and beating Capital Radio, before taking time out and starting up a business before returning to the wireless with Leicester Sound and then joining Orion Media and presenting shows across the midlands with Theo the Greek. Moving around the country with stations that included Star FM and Radio Jackie, before moving out to the Middle East, where we find him today. You can find out more about Robin by visiting his website right here: robinbanks.com Also check Robin out on Facebook, Linkedln and on Instagram Also check out these airchecks of Robin, courtsey of Aircheck Downloads
S10 · E28
July 23 · 44 min
OJ Borg
Send us Fan Mail Currently broadcasting from the Salford Rivera often on a Weeknight after midnight on BBC Radio 2, OJ Borg has had a stellar career on the radio. Whether it was on Galaxy, Kix 96.2 FM, XFM South Wales or Key 103. OJ has many stories to share in this weeks edition. Why not listen to OJ sit down and reflect on the last three decades on the radio, with some fun stories about his time on air and how a specific programme on Leicester Sound inspired him to start a radio career. Listen to OJ on BBC Radio 2. And follow OJ on X: @OJBorg and on Instagram: @oj_borg. Also listen to this aircheck of OJ on Radio 2 from Aircheck Downloads. We would like to extend additional thanks to Robin Blamires and Radio Moments for additional content that was used in this weeks edition.
S10 · E27
July 20 · 1 hr 29 min
Gary Crowley
Send us Fan Mail He's launched the careers of so many singers and bands. He hung out with Wham! and Bananarama back in the days. He's presented on Capital, GLR and XFM. But there is one question.. Who is Gary Crowley? Well this week Gary joins us for an edition to chat about his career on the radio. Have a listen to how Gary got the bug from radio and how he interviewed members of The Jam whilst he was still in School. How his first radio show was presenting In Concert for BBC Radio 1. What joining Capital Radio was like, the shows he presented and the gods he was around. Why he joined BBC GLR and what the launch of XFM was like and what its like to be back at the BBC with Radio London. Currently you can catch Gary every Saturday afternoon on BBC Radio London. Also why not listen to Gary launch XFM here on Aircheck Downloads. Also listen to Gary here on Youtube, interviewing George and Andrew from Wham! And follow Gary on X: @CrowleyonAir and on Instagram: @garycrowleyonair We would like to extend additional thanks to Random Radio Joittings, Radio Rewind, Depeche Mode Wiki Live, Things we Lost in Tapes, FrutierThanThou and TheSoundMaster for additional content.
S10 · E26
July 8 · 58 min
Tich McCooey
Send us Fan Mail For over 33 years Tich McCooey was one of the most recognised presenters on MFR (Moray Firth Radio) presenting almost every show on the station, including Lunchtimes and Breakfast. During his time he came close to presenting The Big Breakfast on Channel 4. And Even presented his show from London, which involved a alteration with Chris Evans on BBC Radio 1. This week Tich joins Luke on Radio Greats to share many memories of his time on MFR, from getting the bug for Radio, how a demo lead to the Programme Controller offering him the Saturday Chart Show. Presenting Lunchtime and Breakfast, what MFR was like as a station and coming back to present the Tich Mix. Discover more about Tich and listen to some cracking promos and jingles at Vintage MFR. Read also about Tich's alteration with Chris Evans here at The Scotsman. And listen to Tich on MFR Country here on Audioboom. And MFR's thirtieth anniversay on Aircheck Downloads.
S10 · E25
July 1 · 34 min
Jim O'Neill
Send us Fan Mail If you grew up in Ireland during the 80's, then you will no doubt remember listening to Jim O'Neill on RTÉ 2fm. From a career that initially began in the music industry Jim was part of the launch team of 2FM in May 1979, before going onto present shows for stations that included Radio Nova, Century Radio, 98FM and Today FM. In this weeks edition, Jim sits down with Luke at the formers home in County Wicklow to talk about his radio life. From getting the bug and being part of the launch team of RTÉ 2fm and Century Radio. Creating a character called The Thing, working with Chris Cary on Radio Nova and why he never fancied a career in the UK. Joining 98FM and returning to national radio with Today FM, before returning to local radio with East Coast FM. Catch Jim every Sunday Mornings for Solid Gold Sunday on East Coast FM Also listen to some of Jim's production work here on Soundcloud.
S10 · E24
June 24 · 1 hr 16 min
Chris Ashley
Send us Fan Mail Often dubbed as The Ugliest Man in Radio or The Mouth, Chris Ashley has spent half a century across the radio, working on stations in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the UK. These have included being the first Breakfast presenter on Red Dragon in South Wales, hosting shows with Brian Clough and pulling stunts on Radio Trent and presenting Breakfast on Beacon Radio. In this week's edition, Chris sits down with Luke and shares stories of his life on the radio. Some of these stories include listening to Bob Monkhouse on Radio Luxembourg, and listening to radio in Australia - before joining BBC Radio Brighton. Working on Radio Trent and presenting shows with Brian Clough and pulling stunts at the station. Becoming one of the launch presenters with Red Dragon Radio and banging Madonna records, which lead to a spot on LWT's The Six O'Clock Show. Going up to Wolverhampton and joining Beacon Radio, before moving over to the BBC and presenting shows that included winning a Sony Radio Award and also joining forces with John Challis. Chris currently host's Breakfast on Celtica Radio and Saturday Breakfast on 45 Radio. Listen to Chris present on Talk Radio from August 2001 right here on Youtube. Also listen to Chris presenting on Beacon Radio here from 1987/1988 on Youtube. And watch Chris' apperance on LWT's The Six O'Clock Show right here. We would like to extend additional thanks to Bill Everett and Tim Cooper for content and help in this episode.
S10 · E23
June 17 · 48 min
Frank Renton
Send us Fan Mail If you grew up listening to BBC Radio 2 in the mid 90's then you will probably remember listening to Frank Renton present Listen to the Band, a show he presented for nearly 23 on the network. But did you know long before he took over presenting duties, he was a musical conductor with the BBC Radio Orchestra and had been a bandmaster in the army. Well in this weeks edition, Frank sits down and shares his memories of how he got into radio and how he took over presenting duties on Radio 2. Also did you know his first presenting job was actually on BFBS? Have a listen now! Have a read of Frank's bio right here. Also listen to Frank host Listen to the Band from December 2017 right here on Youtube.
S10 · E22
June 10 · 1 hr 19 min
John Clarke
Send us Fan Mail He was part of the Pirate Revolution in Ireland, was controller of RTÉ 2fm and a career that's longer than the Beatles but shorter than Rolling Stones, but who is the real John Clarke? Well he joins us on this weeks edition to talk about his radio career, which includes stories of getting the bug and working in Pirate Radio, before joining Chris Cary to work on Radio Nova and KISS FM, how after three tries to secure a place, he landed a job with RTÉ 2fm and how he got into trouble on his first show. How he became a producer with the Network and produced the 2fm Breakfast Show for 10 years. What the feeling was like when he became programme controller for the network and what the challenges were and his proudest moment. Right through to what current radio projects he has under his belt. Why not listen to John on Kiss FM, by visiting his archive page at the Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archives. Also listen to John present on Radio 2 from July 1986 here on Mixcloud. And listen to John present shows on Hits Radio Ireland.
S10 · E21
June 3 · 1 hr 9 min
Ross King
Send us Fan Mail Often dubbed the King of Hollywood on UK TV, Ross King has often been seen on our screens every morning covering news from America, but before he went Stateside, he was in our ears on the radio, hosting shows on stations that include Radio Clyde, Capital Radio and the old BBC Radio 5. This week Ross joins Luke to share stories of his time in radio, from his early start in Hospital Radio in Glasgow and listening to Radio Clyde. How he gave up on his ambitions to become a footballer and began helping out on shows on Radio Clyde as the Saturday Boy. Getting that first show on the station and becoming one of the youngest radio presenters in the country. Being part of the playlist committee and how using the Swimming Pool during one show lead to Dead Air. Working with Richard Park, Tiger Tim and Paul Cooney. How he turned down a job at BBC Radio 1, feeling he wasn't ready. Moving down to London to join Capital Radio, before moving over to BBC Radio 5 on its launch and presenting sports show and being part of Radio 5's Olympic Coverage. Moving out to America, but continuing to associate himself with Radio presenting on Talkradio and even co-hosting a show with the Legend Rick Dees. Find out more about Ross, by visiting his website rossking.com Also follow Ross on Instagram and on X too. And listen to Ross presenting Radio Clyde's Alright, All Night from October 1987 here. (courtesy of Old Radio Recordings on Mixcloud) We would like to extend aditional thanks to Radio Moments, Aircheck Downloads and Andy Walmsley for the additional content that was used in this edition.
S10 · E20
May 27 · 50 min
Richard Astbury
Send us Fan Mail If you grew up listening to BFBS or were familiar with the various stations, then you would have most likely remember listening to Richard Astbury - who worked for the Forces Network for over 40 years. During his time with the network, he hosted a variety of shows including Pop Around Europe and covered the Eurovision Song Contest for BFBS listeners. He introduced bands like ABBA on stage in Germany and interviewed people from Elton John to Prince Philip. Why not have a listen to this weeks edition and hear Richard share memories of his career on BFBS and Riviera Radio. Find out more about Richard by visiting his website right here. Also listen to Richard host Pop Around Europe on Youtube. And listen to Richard close down BFBS Malta on March 31 1979 here at The Shortwave Radio Archive.
S10 · E19
May 21 · 1 hr 37 min
Jonathan Gold
Send us Fan Mail Jonathan Gold has spent over three decades in the radio industry and has worked in almost every field in the radio industry, from tech-oping, producing, presenting and running several stations across the country. Some of those stations include MFM, SGR Radio, The Bay, Juice FM and Pennine FM. In this weeks edition, Jono sits down with Luke and shares stories about his life and career on the radio. These include getting the bug and being inspired by listening to the test transmissions on Viking Radio, before landing work with Hospital Radio. Joining Radio Aire and Magic as a tech op, before presenting shows with the RSL - Energy Radio in Wakefield. Getting his first radio show on MFM, before moving around the country and why he never applied for Capital. Moving into a creative role as a producer with GWR and joining Juice FM in Liverpool. Presenting the last show on Pennine FM and then moving over to Ireland to join Red FM in Cork, before heading up to Northern Ireland and the Radio life he has led since moving back to the UK. Why not check out more about Jono by visiting his website here. Also why not give Jono a follow on Instagram @jonathan_goldfm. And listen to some of Jono's airchecks and shows on Soundcloud. We would like to extend additional thanks to Aircheck Downloads and Radio Jingles Online for the use of additional content that was used in this edition.
S10 · E18
May 13 · 50 min
Ally Bally
Send us Fan Mail Having spent four decades on radio across Scotland - Ally Bally joined Radio Tay from its launch back in 1980, and then worked his way from the production offices right through into the presentation team, hosting a variety of shows including Breakfast, Mid Mornings and Tay Talk-In. In this weeks edition of Radio Greats, Ally sits down with Luke to reflect on his 40 year stint with the station, from how he got the bug for radio, before he left his career as a manager at B&Q to join Radio Tay as part of the sales team. What the feeling was like when he was offered his first programme and then taking over Breakfast from Mark Goodier. Presenting shows for the station and one of his memorable moments hosting Tay Talk-In. Taking over as manager of the North Scottish stations and why after 40 years with a station he had been with since it launched, it was time to move on. Listen to these old Radio Tay Jingles on Youtube (courtesy of djbigpete - Ally's name Jingle is around 1:21 minutes) Also listen to Ally on Tay Talk-In from August 2011 on Youtube (courtesey of Fraser Macpherson) The Opening of Radio Tay can be found on the Lost Dundee Facebook page
S10 · E17
May 6 · 1 hr 4 min
Eddy Temple-Morris
Send us Fan Mail From producing shows, to creating the sound of stations, to remixing and presenting Alternative sounds Eddy Temple-Morris is definitely someone who should be regarded as a Radio Great. Having started out in the music industry, his radio career began on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, before he went down to London and began a established career with Radio 1, XFM and Virgin Radio. In this weeks edition, Eddy sits down with Luke to share his stories of the radio industry. From growing up in a political household, to writing songs and playing music, before he landed his first radio job on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester. How he applied for the role of Senior producer with BBC Radio 1 and how he was responsible for changing the station sound and selecting songs for the Playlist. How he was inspired by Z100 to create the Radio 1 sound and how he piloted for a show with the network. How after a career on MTV, he joined XFM and established The Remix. Introducing us to the likes of Kasabian and others. What the real reason was behind his departure from XFM and what it was like to join the new Virgin Radio. Why not check out Eddy on his own website at eddytm.com And why not follow Eddy on Instagram @eddytemplemorris Also check out Jameshyman on Mixcloud who has archived many of Eddy's XFM show The Remix Also why not listen to this Aircheck from one of Eddy's XFM Shows from Aircheck Downloads (Broadcast Date April 4 2000)

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