Radio Mercury Launch 1984

Radio Mercury was based in London's stockbroker belt and its HQ was suitably plush. Set amongst landscaped lawns and lakes south of Crawley, Broadfield House was a Victorian mansion that the station occupied for a peppercorn rent on the proviso that it was repaired and renovated to its original state. Launching the station on Saturday 20 October 1984 was Ed Stewart, who'd signed with Mercury after losing his afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 earlier that year. It was a suitably grand opening: the National Anthem played in full redolent of Capital Radio's start in 1973, a symphonic station theme composed by David Arnold and then the inevitable word from the chairman. Although I've slightly edited this opening sequence, in reality we didn't get the first record until 10 minutes in: Pilot of the Airwaves by Charlie Dore, for those that keep a note of these things. In fact Stewpot's opening show was recorded. He'd already committed that weekend to hosting a charity golf tournament in Spain. He did make it on air the following Monday to start his new mid-morning show. Other DJs heard that week included Pat Sharp, Tony Myatt, Peter Young, Geoff Aspel and Howard Pearce. Radio Mercury broadcast on 103.6 FM and 1521 kHz MW. This recording, complete with crackles, was made from the medium wave transmission. Thanks to Noel Tyrrel for the audio.