saved the best until last,which will be simply only 3 days and that will be that,of very special soul funk r&b even bit of Saxxy Jazz,one time only,the Real up close Bio of Londons best Pirate Station cica 80s (paul) this is only intended really for Tony, by way of an extended apology. plus,believe it or don't never told these details to anyone, ever, in 40 years. enjoy a little Verbatim pirate radio / musical history lesson life lesson? (certainly was for me, only in hindsight) wasn't remotely All 'gravy' for the few that gave this full total commitment. Even the published book does not reveal ALL details. It's impossible to convey this, as it happened / 'played out' over a 7 year period. time line 81>87, that's 35,36,37,38,39,40 years ago (a very very different World) my age timeline on that, went 16,17,18,19,20,21 & 'burned out' by 22,my only little 'sis' 3 years younger than me, so she was 13,14,15,16,17,18 as this played out, with half of 'London' rocking up at the door,wasn't fair, I didn't realise it, home phone line tapped (genuine) home under obso from authorities,a never ending daily succession of; music company PR's with white label promos they wanted to get airtime,listeners wanting requests and dedications,'wanna be djs ! with demo tapes,and on and on,that's how it really was, and much much more, maybe why,I don't 'rate' one or two so called superstar dj's.Home was the stations mailing address for 2 years, 84,85,86,as blatant as you liked,because, naively, at that time, I had zero fear of anything (stupidly) and was consumed and driven by all this. Hear it all, in the few real live genuine archive footage clips I post,Zak, Me, Bill Mitchell (gravel voice voice over fella) Tim Westwood circa 84,pains me to post Westwood for 'several' reasons, Inc,thought it sounded as 'awful' then, as it still does now, compared to how the rest of the stations broadcast material went out,but he lucked in! Large.When London listeners tuned their FM radio dials to 92.5 fm stereo, the audio listening experience 'smoked' Capitol Radios Boot! They had a licence and a million quid,we were illegal and had a £1. When we opened a live phone line for listeners to call in,phone rang off the hook, constant,the postie got a drink every week for the mail 'sacks' I was the youngest by far, ie when you see / hear a 'young' (he 28!) Tim Westwood on live recorded archive footage that I will post / share,judge for yourselves just how 'novice he sounds' yet he was 25 & me 17! Westwoods birthday & mine Oct 3&5. Anyone who has a real and genuine love/passion of any music genre I respect that,understand that,obvious what mine is, pictures below include djs Steve Howlett (froggy) & Steve Walsh, but that first screenshot,the few words of the first line, only a few know just how accurate that really is. Walsh a 'proper' dj, larger than life character, he was genuinely into 'the music' So much so,not only did he think he could sing! (he couldn't)! Steve actually managed to get released on vinyl his own recording of The FatBack Bands I Found Lovin, its so bad! I can't play /post that,but the fella loved music. Steve had club residencies, his 'apprentice / warm up dj one Tim Westwood! Steve sadly passed in 88 only 30 years old,car accident Ibiza. LWR had a music policy strictly Reggae, Funk Soul Jazz, everything new, everything hot, everything straight off the planes from America usually Thursdays with the latest import 12 inch records,we played 24/7 what the legal stations would not represent. So Mr (Rap) Westwood, lucked in massive! Judge for yourselves if he was quite the 'bad Azz Rap Don! the pictures above are when LWR went 24/7 more than one transmitter located in and around Church Road Crystal Palace, for those that don't know, Crystal Palace has perfect elavation for broadcasting, hence the Iconic Ariel below
Before that, every single Friday night, when it was only Sat's & Sun's, all that gear, Ariel arrays, transmitters, carted around London, installed in lashing rain at altitude taking big risks, and uninstalled early hours every Monday. When it went 24/7 that's those pictures. You could have a studio anywhere, but, the Ariel array from the broadcast studio needed clear line of site,unobstructed to the Crystal Palace receiving Ariel (in picture) that then 'talked to' our broadcast Ariel also in picture. On the opposite side of Church Road we also had another (same as) installation, much higher acute angled roof, two of us nearly meet our makers late one Sunday off that roof,no health & safety executive at lwr! I bailed out,burned out at the correct unplanned time,left London,never been back.What happened,is what happens in every walk of life,every business,and it happened to LWR & Horizon & JFM,give dj's a break,ie us, 8 x 3 hour shows a day x 7 = 56 shows to broadcast every week,hence dj's required,and no shortage of them wanting in! Then,after getting an inside and up close and personal looksy,they get (got) ideas of starting their own stations,which happened,but few if any knew how to build and run,transmitters,broadcast equipment,etc,this only ever happened to LWR once,in my time,and only once,because we were tipped off,Zak Danny & myself,were there (waiting) sure enough a couple of brave stupid individuals,did indeed turn up with the intent to 'nick' our transmitter & gear,they didnt suceed and probably never tried again! try and factor in,this is the 80s,this footage grabbed on compressed tape cassettes ! quality may not sound world class,I assure you it was coming out of radios all over London,much better quality in the second clip,well worth just a 7 minutes listen as a very god idea of what we were really like,from Xmas /New year 86,87 inc our adverts,little bit of Zak pj Bill Mitchell the girls singing on some of the ads were, Zaks girlfriend & sister(s) & Lorraine,who was in this with me from the get go.In clip two,'hold that thought,of whats played at 04.21 seconds ! 1. station ID jingles, only 90 seconds worth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyX8IbV_s9U&list=PLJsrpM1WM-hGeTlJQTDQdqpmLVrqoXadS&index=242 2.clipped 7 minutes from Xmas 86 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vENwa0mJ4zU&list=PLJsrpM1WM-hGeTlJQTDQdqpmLVrqoXadS&index=241 3.I do not recommend this ! I cannot listen to it myself (its that bad !) but if you stomach it just for 4 minutes in,Westwood reading out stations mailing address SE9 (Mottingham) my sisters & my then home. my opnion,well Id rather not say,Tim Westwood,live LWR Pepys Estate (I'm certain this was late 84,opposed to as stated but just might be early 85) yes I will ! its Jank !!! at 4.45 he is rattling on about getting Rap penpals! (my life) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuxB9Wo1eh4&list=PLJsrpM1WM-hGeTlJQTDQdqpmLVrqoXadS&index=352
this press article,from a day ago,made my adrenalin 'rush' and put a huge smile on my face 'fashion' along with everything else,is and always will be cyclical. The relevence ? nothing will ever be as authentic,as having a vinyl album,12 inch or 7 inch in your hands,not only blissful but tactile,something called a record collection. then place said record on a turntable,add a quality stylus,play & enjoy. Makes authentic musical listening experience,all musical genres,better than 'electronic downloads' For those of you with a dusty box of records tucked away in the attic,you might be in for a nice surprise,at their potential value (www) discogs (com) (other valuation sites available) ! decent place
Vinyl has continued its remarkable come back, with sales of records the highest for 30 years in 2021, figures show. More than five million vinyl records were sold in 2021 up by 8% on the previous year, and marking a 14th consecutive year of growth for the format, according to the British Phonographic Industry.
if your Musical Bag is; funkysoul soulfulfunk funkyboogie soul'y'boogie,this should be a treat
1.Stephanie Mills Put Yor Body In It 1979 20th Century Fox records 12 inch 2.Change A Lovers Holiday (debut single 1980) WEA records import 12 inch 3.Kleer Keep Your Body Working 1978 Atlantic records 12 inch 4.Charades Gimme The Funk 1983 Blue Parrot records 12 inch 5.Norma Jean Wright Love Attack 1983 Mirage records Promo dj import 12 inch 6.The O'Jays Put Our Heads Together 1983 iconic record label P.I.R Philly Int records import 12 inch (brilliant remix by dj'.S.) 7.Cameo Back And Forth 1987 third single released off the album Word Up 8.Colours Am I Gonna Be The One 1983 First Take records import 12 inch this is a very good example,of why most of these,need listening to for the full duration. this is a secret misterpj Five Star Gold sensational nailed on floor filler. check for subtle bpm changes,subtle vocal breaks,amazing tune. release it today,rerelease 'some toby dj on radio1 friday nights prime' would be playing this like billyo ! (but why wait for re release) ? should be playing all these,now,in my humble opinion,if 'he' loves the genre! 9.Starpoint It's All Yours 1983 Elecktra records import 12 inch 10.Ritchie Family I'll Do My Best 1982 RCA records import 12 inch 11.'class tune' T Life Something That You Do To Me 1981 Arista records import 12 inch 12.Central Line 1981 dj promo copy (pre release,record company PR's used to do this,give records like this,to dj's on the radio,and or with a decent club residency,to gauge reaction) something like this,got the RELEASE NOW RELEASE NOW responce.p.s. first few bars,beats,not your speakers blowing ! it's meant to sound like that ! Central Line Dont Tell Me (was a banging floor filler) 13. to finish today,how about this ? if anyone can do instant recognition of this tune,misterpj would love to meet you,buy the drinks,and chit chat music SPENCE GET IT ON sensational tune 1983 non import ! something released as a European 'maxi-single' 45 rpm Ariola records!
choice of well over 5000 seperate tunes what to chose,for the last and final bakers Dozen whatever everyones preferred choice of music genre I hope you are as passionate as I am. My genre,everytime bar non, no matter played in private,radio or public,is a genuine adrenilin rush every time,musical medicine is uplifting and good for the Soul (pun) A genuine very good 'dj' should only have in their musical armoury,what does all the above (to themselves) if the 'passion is fake' so is the 'dj' Further,said dj should equally,play only the above,but more importantly,equally play for,not too the crowd.Play for what the crowd desires to hear. Be absorbed,in the music,if you are absorbed in the music,you are (dj) in the crowd,with the crowd,part of the crowd,because you should be dancing as well,only pausing to mix the next tune.
'if ya get me'
Bundles I didnt get time to share re pirate radio,a **** of a lot left untold
Comments
this is only intended really for Tony, by way of an extended apology.
plus,believe it or don't
never told these details to anyone, ever, in 40 years.
enjoy a little Verbatim pirate radio / musical history lesson
life lesson? (certainly was for me, only in hindsight)
wasn't remotely All 'gravy' for the few that gave this full total commitment.
Even the published book does not reveal ALL details.
It's impossible to convey this, as it happened / 'played out' over a 7 year period.
time line 81>87, that's 35,36,37,38,39,40 years ago (a very very different World)
my age timeline on that, went 16,17,18,19,20,21 & 'burned out' by 22,my only little 'sis' 3 years younger than me, so she was 13,14,15,16,17,18 as this played out, with half of 'London' rocking up at the door,wasn't fair, I didn't realise it, home phone line tapped (genuine) home under obso from authorities,a never ending daily succession of; music company PR's with white label promos they wanted to get airtime,listeners wanting requests and dedications,'wanna be djs ! with demo tapes,and on and on,that's how it really was, and much much more, maybe why,I don't 'rate' one or two so called superstar dj's.Home was the stations mailing address for 2 years, 84,85,86,as blatant as you liked,because, naively, at that time, I had zero fear of anything (stupidly) and was consumed and driven by all this.
Hear it all, in the few real live genuine archive footage clips I post,Zak, Me, Bill Mitchell (gravel voice voice over fella) Tim Westwood circa 84,pains me to post Westwood for 'several' reasons, Inc,thought it sounded as 'awful' then, as it still does now, compared to how the rest of the stations broadcast material went out,but he lucked in! Large.When London listeners tuned their FM radio dials to 92.5 fm stereo, the audio listening experience 'smoked' Capitol Radios Boot!
They had a licence and a million quid,we were illegal and had a £1.
When we opened a live phone line for listeners to call in,phone rang off the hook, constant,the postie got a drink every week for the mail 'sacks'
I was the youngest by far, ie when you see / hear a 'young' (he 28!)
Tim Westwood on live recorded archive footage that I will post / share,judge for yourselves just how 'novice he sounds' yet he was 25 & me 17!
Westwoods birthday & mine Oct 3&5.
Anyone who has a real and genuine love/passion of any music genre
I respect that,understand that,obvious what mine is,
pictures below include
djs Steve Howlett (froggy) & Steve Walsh, but that first screenshot,the few words of the first line, only a few know just how accurate that really is.
Walsh a 'proper' dj, larger than life character, he was genuinely into 'the music'
So much so,not only did he think he could sing! (he couldn't)!
Steve actually managed to get released on vinyl his own recording of The FatBack Bands I Found Lovin, its so bad! I can't play /post that,but the fella loved music.
Steve had club residencies, his 'apprentice / warm up dj one Tim Westwood!
Steve sadly passed in 88 only 30 years old,car accident Ibiza.
LWR had a music policy strictly Reggae, Funk Soul Jazz, everything new, everything hot, everything straight off the planes from America usually Thursdays with the latest import 12 inch records,we played 24/7 what the legal stations would not represent.
So Mr (Rap) Westwood, lucked in massive!
Judge for yourselves if he was quite the 'bad Azz Rap Don!
the pictures above are when LWR went 24/7 more than one transmitter located in and around Church Road Crystal Palace, for those that don't know, Crystal Palace has perfect elavation for broadcasting, hence the Iconic Ariel below
Before that, every single Friday night, when it was only Sat's & Sun's, all that gear, Ariel arrays, transmitters, carted around London, installed in lashing rain at altitude taking big risks, and uninstalled early hours every Monday.
When it went 24/7 that's those pictures.
You could have a studio anywhere, but, the Ariel array from the broadcast studio needed clear line of site,unobstructed to the Crystal Palace receiving Ariel (in picture) that then 'talked to' our broadcast Ariel also in picture.
On the opposite side of Church Road we also had another (same as) installation, much higher acute angled roof, two of us nearly meet our makers late one Sunday off that roof,no health & safety executive at lwr! I bailed out,burned out at the correct unplanned time,left London,never been back.What happened,is what happens in every walk of life,every business,and it happened to LWR & Horizon & JFM,give dj's a break,ie us, 8 x 3 hour shows a day x 7 = 56 shows to broadcast every week,hence dj's required,and no shortage of them wanting in! Then,after getting an inside and up close and personal looksy,they get (got) ideas of starting their own stations,which happened,but few if any knew how to build and run,transmitters,broadcast equipment,etc,this only ever happened to LWR once,in my time,and only once,because we were tipped off,Zak Danny & myself,were there (waiting) sure enough a couple of brave stupid individuals,did indeed turn up with the intent to 'nick' our transmitter & gear,they didnt suceed and probably never tried again!
try and factor in,this is the 80s,this footage grabbed on compressed tape cassettes ! quality may not sound world class,I assure you it was coming out of radios all over London,much better quality in the second clip,well worth just a 7 minutes listen as a very god idea of what we were really like,from Xmas /New year 86,87 inc our adverts,little bit of Zak pj Bill Mitchell the girls singing on some of the ads were, Zaks girlfriend & sister(s) & Lorraine,who was in this with me from the get go.In clip two,'hold that thought,of whats played at 04.21 seconds !
1. station ID jingles, only 90 seconds worth
2.clipped 7 minutes from Xmas 86
3.I do not recommend this !
I cannot listen to it myself (its that bad !) but if you stomach it just for 4 minutes in,Westwood reading out stations mailing address SE9 (Mottingham) my sisters & my then home.
my opnion,well Id rather not say,Tim Westwood,live LWR Pepys Estate
(I'm certain this was late 84,opposed to as stated but just might be early 85)
yes I will ! its Jank !!! at 4.45 he is rattling on about getting Rap penpals! (my life)
@misterpj
Fascinating stuff, thank you Paul.
This might interest you;
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/pirate-radio-documentaries-watch
Here is a Treat,proper treat.
bought vinyl like this relentlessly since age 11,played on the radio & in London clubs in the 80's,and all my life where ever I have been on the Globe,and thats been many many places
I adore rare,unkown,unappreciated stuff,just like this, Pete Tong ! so Wrong
Excaliber Records 1981 Leprechaun Loc It Up
Shirley Mae Jones (of Jones girls fame) one of the best Albums ever 1986 titled;
Always In The Mood,track She Knew About Me (sensational today) and, ?
what was that playing on LWR New Years Eve 1986 !
the Gorgeous in looks & Gorgeous in Vocals Miss Stephanie Mills,Tong would'nt have this in his bag ! misterpj does,one of the BEST top ten tunes ever
Stephanie Mills Top Of My List (criminal this not a massive tune)
and,another Michellin Starred Slice of Supreme Soul
Ashford & Simpson It Just Seems To Hang On
the superb Alphonse Mouzon Im Glad That Your Here (skypoker xxx)
Crown Heights Affair (sensational band) You Gave Me Love
17 years old when I first played this on the radio,dj promo copy,sensation then,not to shabby today
Howard Johnson Say You Wanna
Chocolate City Records 1981 Starpoint Wanting You (brilliant tune)
Black Ivory Mainline on a 1979 USA import 12 inch sensational
Sam records (what a label that was) another dj promo import,this/these used to command huge premuims in1981 in dj fraternity,pj never sold,only bought.
Mike & Brenda Sutton We'll Make it
1982 Cheri ? anyone Venture Records import 12 inch Cheri Murphys Law ( nailed on floor filler)
CBS records 1983 Manhattens Crazy DjS remix (spiros) a better dj today,than Tong
Red Soul Remix (re edit) Change (lead vocals a certain Mr Luther Vandross) Glow Of Love
if you Love Soul, best track Shirley Jones Album,its brilliant the title track Im Always In The Mood
bit of quality Sax ? stunning instrumental from PowerLine,Sax player is a Mr Williams,his son is Miles
If you have a special someone,play the entire set below,they will love you more,compliments misterpj xxx,and if your in love with a lady,last tune,not to shabby
'fashion' along with everything else,is and always will be cyclical.
The relevence ? nothing will ever be as authentic,as having a vinyl album,12 inch or 7 inch in your hands,not only blissful but tactile,something called a record collection.
then place said record on a turntable,add a quality stylus,play & enjoy.
Makes authentic musical listening experience,all musical genres,better than 'electronic downloads'
For those of you with a dusty box of records tucked away in the attic,you might be in for a nice surprise,at their potential value (www) discogs (com) (other valuation sites available) ! decent place
Vinyl has continued its remarkable come back, with sales of records the highest for 30 years in 2021, figures show. More than five million vinyl records were sold in 2021
up by 8% on the previous year, and marking a 14th consecutive year of growth for the format, according to the British Phonographic Industry.
if your Musical Bag is;
funkysoul soulfulfunk funkyboogie soul'y'boogie,this should be a treat
1.Stephanie Mills Put Yor Body In It 1979 20th Century Fox records 12 inch
2.Change A Lovers Holiday (debut single 1980) WEA records import 12 inch
3.Kleer Keep Your Body Working 1978 Atlantic records 12 inch
4.Charades Gimme The Funk 1983 Blue Parrot records 12 inch
5.Norma Jean Wright Love Attack 1983 Mirage records Promo dj import 12 inch
6.The O'Jays Put Our Heads Together 1983 iconic record label P.I.R Philly Int records import 12 inch (brilliant remix by dj'.S.)
7.Cameo Back And Forth 1987 third single released off the album Word Up
8.Colours Am I Gonna Be The One 1983 First Take records import 12 inch
this is a very good example,of why most of these,need listening to for the full duration.
this is a secret misterpj Five Star Gold sensational nailed on floor filler.
check for subtle bpm changes,subtle vocal breaks,amazing tune.
release it today,rerelease 'some toby dj on radio1 friday nights prime' would be playing this like billyo ! (but why wait for re release) ?
should be playing all these,now,in my humble opinion,if 'he' loves the genre!
9.Starpoint It's All Yours 1983 Elecktra records import 12 inch
10.Ritchie Family I'll Do My Best 1982 RCA records import 12 inch
11.'class tune' T Life Something That You Do To Me 1981 Arista records import 12 inch
12.Central Line 1981 dj promo copy (pre release,record company PR's used to do this,give records like this,to dj's on the radio,and or with a decent club residency,to gauge reaction) something like this,got the RELEASE NOW RELEASE NOW responce.p.s. first few bars,beats,not your speakers blowing ! it's meant to sound like that !
Central Line Dont Tell Me (was a banging floor filler)
13. to finish today,how about this ? if anyone can do instant recognition of this tune,misterpj would love to meet you,buy the drinks,and chit chat music
SPENCE GET IT ON sensational tune
1983 non import ! something released as a European 'maxi-single' 45 rpm Ariola records!
what to chose,for the last and final bakers Dozen
whatever everyones preferred choice of music genre
I hope you are as passionate as I am.
My genre,everytime bar non, no matter played in private,radio or public,is a genuine adrenilin rush every time,musical medicine is uplifting and good for the Soul (pun)
A genuine very good 'dj' should only have in their musical armoury,what does all the above (to themselves) if the 'passion is fake' so is the 'dj'
Further,said dj should equally,play only the above,but more importantly,equally play for,not too the crowd.Play for what the crowd desires to hear.
Be absorbed,in the music,if you are absorbed in the music,you are (dj) in the crowd,with the crowd,part of the crowd,because you should be dancing as well,only pausing to mix the next tune.
'if ya get me'
Bundles I didnt get time to share re pirate radio,a **** of a lot left untold
for Tony tk tunes 1 2 3
for HENDRIK if you loved the Heaven vibe,you will know the place rippled when the right dj played the right music,ie tunes 4 5 6 and proud and passionate to play these,then and now
Not a chance Tong would play a JellyBean Benetiz tune (not cool enough !lol)
7 8 9 10 11 12 & 13 for anyone that adores soul funk r&b and 'dancing'
1.The Blackbyrds Rock Creek Park sultry jazzy smooch funk,defo not disco as in header A Classic
2.Gene Chandler I'll Make the Living If You Make the Loving Worthwhile A Classic
3.CHANGE 1980 ANGEL IN MY POCKET feat the sensational JOCELYN BROWN vocals @ 02.00 >
4.JELLYBEAN Featuring ELISA FIORILLO Who Found Who (Club Mix) monster all time Classic
5.Ultra Naté Free (Giovi MMXXI Rework Bootleg Edit)
6.Black Connection The Lisa Marie Experience Keep Doin
7.Ritz I Wanna Get With You (Disco Funk 1981) no remix,just a retro floorfiller
8.VERA BROWN & THE RICH GIRLS Too Much Too Fast ditto
9.in a word,a funk ICONIC all time tune SINNAMON THANKS TO YOU
10.tune that started it all for me circa 1976 Ray Parker Junior For Those Who Like To Groove
11.The Emotions Best Of My Love 1977
12.Magoo Not (Never To Late) Too Late (To Make It Right) misterpj "Boogie Funk"
13.Whom ever is your musical leader,always follow with your Musical Heart
All the 90's,anywhere in the Caribbean,everyone played this,then circa just after Millenium,someone asked Virgin Records/music to give this a UK release,and they did.
Nigel & Marvin Follow Da Leader (US Remix 2002)
Happy Healthy Prosperous 2022 one and all
God Bless love misterpj,over and out.
@misterpj
This has been an entertaining thread Paul, thank you.