Radio London test transmissions - 1964

The story of the 60s offshore ‘pirate’ station Radio London is well-documented elsewhere. Suffice to say ‘Big L’ is broadly recognised as the most professional of the offshore radio stations, both on and off-air. 

In the most challenging of circumstances, its management on-board and in London sought to establish a decent business. Unlike the pioneering team at Caroline who seemed almost to relish the buccaneering spirit, Radio London was reluctantly on-board the MV Galaxy because it really had to be.

In programming terms, it was the UK’s first truly formatted station. With its tight playlist, self-opped strip shows, ad-libbed bright hip-jocking, and perfect American jingles, this was to be the template ultimately and unashamedly for BBC Radio 1.

The station was to become home to Tony Blackburn, Kenny Everett, Tommy Vance, John Peel, Keith Skues, Ed Stewart and Dave Cash. Here, hear some early test transmissions, including the great voice of Dave Dennis (Neil Spence); one of the many involved who were to carve out later careers in the UK’s nascent commercial radio industry.

Radio London came on air at Christmas 1964, closing down on August 14th 1967, just hours before the UK implemented new legislation to render even working on a pirate station illegal, regardless of how far out its ship was anchored.