It's been a sad day today,as the final rites have been read and the radio station that was Chrystal has been wound up for good.
For the unititiated,Chrystal was the radio station that served the patients and staff of the Sheffield Children's Hospital.It started in 1984,and over 25 years,launched the careers of many a DJ/presenter,such as Richard McCourt (CBBC/Dick n Dom),Anthony Gay (PD Rock FM,Preston),Chris Darlow (Magic AM),Ben Day (Touch Stafford),Jon Holling (UTV Network),Gav Richards (Hallam FM),Richie Pearson (Pennine FM),and many more.
For me,it was an opportunity to enjoy what I love best - radio. Now,in an ideal world,I would have loved to made my living playing music,talking down a microphone,and playing the odd jingle and advert.I have many friends who are living the dream...but unfortunately,I've now got to an age where reality has set in,and I may have to settle for the life of a customer service advisor,which is shit I know,but I have to be realistic.However,there's still that little thing at the back of my mind saying "give it a bloody good go,and you never know...",so don't write it off just yet.In fact,I might just be asking a big favour of a good radio buddy re a demo in the new year,if he's willing to help.
In fact,if anybody from a station is reading this,I can present not half badly,I can write a half decent commercial,and I make great tea...which everybody knows is a skill sadly lacking in some of these new breed :-)! Oh, (and with thanks to Robin Blamires,my old jingle buddy,for the reminder) I'm also the man who managed to fit Doner Kebab into the lyrics of a classic JAM cut,plus write this epic for Pete Wilson!
http://www.mediafire.com/?zrym44mlyhy
http://www.mediafire.com/?zrym44mlyhy
Right,music time,and let's pick something appropriate.
MARK GERMINO - REX BOB LOWENSTEIN
Taken from the 1987 album "Caught In The Act Of Being Ourselves",it tells the story of a DJ being forced to play the songs from an imposed format rather than what the listeners wanted, but refusing, locking himself in the studio and then being arrested for his crime.
For anybody that works in,or gravitates around the great medium radio is,it's a classic.
Enjoy.
