We’re down to the penultimate episode of Behind the Mic — and this week, we’re uncovering the story of the pirates who refused to go quietly.

Even after the BBC launched Radio 1 and the government passed the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act in 1967, pirate stations like Radio Caroline kept the rebellious spirit alive. From offshore ships sneaking supplies to the rise of land-based pirates in Britain’s cities, discover how pirate radio evolved into a voice for reggae, soul, funk, jungle, and grime — shaping culture and championing communities the mainstream ignored.

We’ll also jump forward to explore radio in the 2010s and 2020s: from the rise of smartphones, apps, and smart speakers, to how TikTok reshaped music discovery, why podcasts exploded, and how COVID lockdowns proved the timeless intimacy of radio.

And in Music in Radio, we travel through decades of number-one hits — including Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Boyzone’s “No Matter What,” and BTS’s global smash “Dynamite.”

With just one more episode to go, this is a celebration of rebellion, resilience, and the magic of radio.

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Instagram – @radiodjthomas
TikTok – @behindthe_mic

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and hear why pirate radio never truly died — it just evolved.

This week, Behind the Mic dives deep into the crackdown on pirate radio – the moment the government finally decided enough was enough. From the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act of 1967 to the dramatic final sign-offs of stations like Radio London and Radio 390, discover how Britain tried to silence the rebels of the airwaves. But not everyone went quietly – Radio Caroline refused to give in, keeping the pirate spirit alive even as the law closed in.

We also shine the spotlight on one of the greatest and most unpredictable voices in British broadcasting: Kenny Everett. From his wild pirate radio days to his groundbreaking work at the BBC, Capital Radio, and TV, Everett redefined what a DJ could be – funny, anarchic, and endlessly creative.

And of course, Music in Radio brings us another trip through the songs that shaped the airwaves – from Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” and the Commodores’ “Three Times a Lady,” to KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Give It Up,” Sugababes’ “Round Round,” and George Ezra’s massive hit “Shotgun.”

This episode also carries a personal note: after three incredible series, Behind the Mic is heading toward its finale. But don’t worry – we’ve still got two unmissable episodes left to celebrate radio in all its rebellious, powerful, and joyful glory.

Stay connected and follow for more radio history and behind-the-scenes stories:
Instagram – @radiodjthomas
TikTok – @behindthe_mic

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform – and keep the pirate spirit alive!

Step into the 2000s this week as Behind the Mic takes you through one of the most exciting and transformative decades in radio history. From the rise of iPods and MP3s to the birth of podcasting, we uncover how radio fought to stay relevant in the digital age. Discover how DAB changed the game, why personality became radio’s greatest currency, and the controversies that had the nation talking – including the unforgettable Sachsgate.

We’ll also explore the BBC’s dramatic comeback against pirate radio, from quietly gathering intelligence to launching Radio 1 with some of the pirates themselves at the helm. Plus, in Music in Radio, we travel through decades of number-one hits – from Melanie C’s Ibiza anthem “I Turn to You” to Elvis’s timeless “The Wonder of You,” ABBA’s heartbreaking “The Winner Takes It All,” the quirky “Turtle Power!” and Cliff Richard’s chart-topper “Please Don’t Tease.”

Packed with nostalgia, industry insight, and a brand-new opening jingle you’ll want to hear for yourself, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Follow for more radio history and behind-the-scenes stories:
Instagram – @radiodjthomas
TikTok – @behindthe_mic

Available wherever you get your podcasts

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas explores why Pirate Radio choes the music to be played out on the air and what swayed the choise, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at how radio technology changed in the 1990s as a part of the new segment looking at how the radio tech has changed across the last 70 years and of course he will look at the radio headlines for this week in radio, including Radio 1's "Mad Summer Challenge. To keep up to date with the headlines, click⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠⁠ for⁠⁠ ⁠Radio Today⁠⁠⁠.

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic" And watch on Spotify

**This Episode does contain a Production Error,  During the News There is a moment where the footage has been Distorted, do not worry, Though as it does come back. We do apologise for this. Thanks for Listening.**

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas looks at the problems that the pirate stations face whilst broadcasting and how the life at sea was not all it was made out to be and what the pirates did whilst they were not air, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at the broadcasting presenter on Radio, TV, and Podcasts, Nick Grimshaw.

For the second and final week there is no news but next time Thomas will fill you in on all the latest but if you want to keep up to date you can just click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to get to Radio today or follow them on instagram @radiotoday

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic"

Surprise! Here’s a one-off bonus episode of Behind the Mic, diving into the brand-new RAJAR Q2 2025 radio listening figures. In this special episode, Thomas break down the biggest winners, the surprising changes, and what these results mean for the world of UK radio. Whether you’re a fellow radio geek, an industry insider, or just curious about who’s tuning in where, this episode is packed with insight and behind-the-scenes perspective.

This is a one-off bonus for you listeners, but don’t forget — this week’s full episode of Behind the Mic drops tomorrow!

Follow us for more radio stories and updates:

• Instagram: @radiodjthomas

• TikTok: @radiodjthomas and @behindthe_mic

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas explores why Pirate Radio and the competition between the different radio stations and what each one offered, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at how radio technology changed in the 1980s as a part of the new segment looking at how the radio tech has changed across the last 70 years and of course he will look at the radio headlines for this week in radio, including Radio 1's "Mad Summer Challenge. To keep up to date with the headlines, click⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠ for⁠ ⁠Radio Today⁠⁠.

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic" And watch on Spotify

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas explores some of the biggest Pirate Radio stations, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at the 2nd Radio 1 Brekfast show DJ Nole Edmunds.

For the second and final week there is no news but next time Thomas will fill you in on all the latest but if you want to keep up to date you can just click here to get to Radio today or follow them on instagram @radiotoday

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic"

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas explores Pirate Radio and what made the DJs better than what you herd on the BBC, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at how radio technology changed in the 70s as a part of the new segment looking at how the radio tech has changed across the last 70 years.

For this week and next, there will be no radio news as we can't edit them in, but do not fear, as thomas will bring you up to speed in ep.4 but if you can not wait untill then, click here to get the news we read to you at Radio Today.

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic"

Well, Well, Well!

Welcome Back to Behind The Mic, Thomas has returned for the 3rd series and he can not wait to share all the new stuff with you.

Coming up, Thomas explores why Pirate Radio was so important and the main cause for it, he looks at some of the Biggest songs in radio which were number ones and were an ear worm on british radio, he also looks at how radio technology changed in the 1960s as a part of the new segment looking at how the radio tech has changed across the last 70 years and of course he will look at the radio headlines for this week in radio, including the big one where Ofcom has rejected the Idea of a new radio 2 station. To keep up to date with the headlines, click ⁠here⁠ for ⁠Radio Today⁠.

listen where evert you get your podcasts from, or just ask you smart Speaker to "Play Behind The Mic"