I've been a Radio fanatic since I first learned what an on off switch was.
From the moment Pirate Radio Caroline started on Easter Sunday 1964 my life was filled with RADIO and MUSIC.
In 1974, I achieved my childhood ambition by becoming a DJ on what was then a very illegal - and rusty - Radio Caroline anchored 4 miles off the Dutch coast. From there I went on to work in a toilet paper factory in Maidstone in Kent where a local businessman had started a radio station for the workers. In 1975 I joined Radio Tees as presenter and Head of music and in 1982 moved to Scotland to become Head of Programmes at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness.
In 1989 I found myself in the middle of the Tiananmen Square student uprising in Beijing China and shortly afterwards left Moray Firth Radio to live in Shanghai where for the next few years I ran a company which made 35,000 hours of western pop music programmes across China, Mongolia and Vietnam.
Since 2000 Brian I've worked around the world helping to set up radio and tv projects in Kosovo, Macedonia, South Africa, Botswana and Afghanistan.
Throughout my career, I've always been involved with projects that innovate and change the rules. I've spent a long time changing the rules around the world and I'm delighted to be involved with Original because "its about time we had a real radio station for real grown ups who care about their music here in North East Scotland" Actually I just want to get back on air and play some cool stuff for cool people.
Q and AWhich celebrity do you secretly fancy, (but you know you shouldn't)? Madonna...I have ZERO interest in celebrities but that woman has an astounding BRAIN. She also knows how to FLY
If you could have written any song ever what would it be? Ba Ba Blacksheep because it has been an introduction to music for so many millions of people and Id rather be a Blacksheep than a White one
Perfect dinner date and what would be on the menu? She knows who she is and Fish and Chips with a Sausage will do nicely
Favourite on-air moment? I have many favourite moments but one of the most memorable was in Gjakova in Kosovo shortly after the war ended. Much of the town had been destroyed by bombing and the radio station had been ransacked but had managed to get back on air. The studio was one hell of a mess and there was a gas mask next to the microphone and a rifle on the floor. I was a guest on the morning show and they asked me what I thought of the situation. I just sat in front of the microphone and burst into tears.
If you could change any part of your body what would it be? Guess
Favourite Venue? Im a Vinyl Junkie and cant be bothered with the hassle of getting to and from BIG venues so prefer the intimacy of anywhere small and maybe a wee bit seedy cos thats where REAL music can happen
Favourite ever gig? It was in a blues bar in a Chicago back street. All I remember is an amazing fat guy with a fag hangin out of his mouth playing the bare minimum of what could be called drums. I dont even remember the band just the drums....... the guy blew me away.... he was total perfection. He WAS the music. I stared at him for so long my beer went flat.
Which firework best describes you? I'd rather be the match.
Describe your best ever fancy dress? No!
What's your first ever memory? My Mum singing Que Sera Sera
Favourite album of all time? Thats a stupid question..... Todays answer would probably be DEAD CAN DANCE, Aion but then it could be Sgt Pepper or any album by JJ Cale or Santana or anything with Simon Preston playing BACH.
Worst childhood misdemeanor? Im NOT going to answer this question...... But I enjoyed it!
