Rocking the Foundations
The voice of Simon Bates is one of the most recognisable UK radio voices – almost rocking the foundations as he speaks.
Simon was best known for hosting the weekday mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 1 for sixteen years. That longevity would be unusual these days as would the scale of his audience – up to a staggering 11 million listeners.
One of the most popular features in his programmes was Our Tune. Offices fell silent and construction work on building sites ceased as Simon dramatically relayed a listener’s most personal tale and played the song that evoked the memories of that moment in life. Few radio features have ever commanded that level of appreciation.
Now, those who opened-up to write in with their story are decades older and likely now reflect on their youthful agonies with more of a fond smile.
Simon too is now aged in his seventies. He’s back on-air now – not from Broadcasting House but from his own house in Devon. He broadcasts on Boom Radio, the radio station aimed at baby boomers. The station, built by a group of old friends, is run entirely ‘working from home’ with each of the presenters broadcasting their programmes from a converted attic or back bedroom.
Simon Bates
This approach means the station can call upon the services of an impressive range of much-loved radio names – from David Hamilton to Jenny Hanley, Roger Day to Paul Burnett, Nicky Horne to Graham Dene, Judi Spiers to Graham Torrington. Each suggests they are happier climbing a flight of stairs rather than sitting in rush hour traffic but relish still being on-air.
“I’ve known most of my colleagues for years, I daresay even decades. Maybe even more than decades!”, said Simon.
In Simon’s 70s on Saturday lunchtimes at 12.00, he spins two hours of great ‘70s hits and surprises – and then things are a little more relaxed on Sundays from 2.00.
You can find Boom Radio on your Alexa – just say ‘Alexa, play Boom Radio’. And you can hear the station on your DAB radio across much of the UK too, if it’s enabled with DAB+.
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