Radio Moments - Clips

On 6th Jan 2019 at 18:00, Free Radio 80s closed. On 1152am, 990am and 1017am it became Absolute Classic Rock.

On 17th December 2018, Absolute Radio was replaced by Greatest Hits Christmas on 105.2 FM in the West Midlands - ahead of the launch of Greatest Hits Radio on Jan 7th 2019.

Billy Butler served Merseyside for 47 years on Radio City, its AM offshoots and then back to BBC Radio Merseyside. At the age of 76, the BBC chose not to renew his contract.  Having hosted Thursdays and Fridays, his final programme was broadcast on 28th December 2018. 

As is to be expected, in the case of a man who’s served such a characterful city for so many decades, played at the Cavern and rubbed shoulders with the Beatles, his regular listeners were not best pleased, as reflected on social media and on local press. His ‘Hold your Plums’ has a place in broadcasting history. 

Aziz Rashid, head of the BBC in the North West, said: "Billy Butler has been in radio for almost half a century and most of that on BBC Radio Merseyside. 

"Few people attain the status of legend in their own lifetime. Billy Butler MBE (Mrs Butler’s Eldest) can certainly claim that honour. As well as an outstanding contribution award from the BBC in 2010, just this year he was enrolled as a Citizen of Honour of Liverpool; the highest accolade the city can bestow. 

"Billy has brightened our listeners’ day; been a huge influence on local musicians; and impressed and flummoxed many a celebrity guest with his legendary forensic research – often knowing more about them than they do. And he is of course the man behind the iconic Hold Your Plums. 

"We hope Billy will be working with us on some one-off projects in the future. A beloved broadcaster and a generous colleague, we thank him for the incredible contribution he has made not just to broadcasting but also to life on Merseyside." 

Hear Billy’s story in his own words in this hour of Conversations.

Chris Evans is a master. A rule breaker who annoys every radio programme director listening – but the sense of occasion every show brings is simply perfect. On Radio 2, with the maturity that decades on air brings, he has been at his best. The creativity and rebellion lives on, polished with the pain of experience.  In this final show on 24th December 2018, he uses every trick in the radio box. Wives , children and tears. And he does it authentically. As he prepares for the biggest gamble of his career, these are his final BBC moments

"I have loved every single moment. Never intended to go. But you know circumstances change and everything will be fabulous and Radio 2 will still be sparkling and magic", said Simon Mayo as he waves farewell to Radio 2 on 21st December 2018.

Some shows are remarkable for their longevity. The drive show in 2018 on Radio 2 was noteworthy for its brevity.  

After many years solo, Simon was joined by Jo Whiley. Whilst both are accomplished professionals - behaving professionally - and with genuine mutual respect, it was probably not the approach either of them would chosen.  The partnership ended  on Thursday 20th December 2018, with Simon flying solo the following day.

Enjoy Simon here being teased on his post-Radio 2 future. Aside from the Film Show for 5 Live, 'there'll be other entertainments of a radio variety...on the way. Very shortly.... We should probably await for the formal unveiling'.

Emma Bunton began working with Heart in 2009 - as a guest co-host for Jamie and then as maternity cover for Harriet Scott. She assumed the role 'full-time' in 2013.

Enjoy here some clips from her final show with Jamie Theakston on Friday 14th December 2018. Heart proves yet again you can be polished, showbiz - and yet still authentic. This coupling was great casting - and the final show a touching end.