Piccadilly Radio pt 1

In 1974 the formidable Piccadilly Radio station was born, in Manchester and quickly became one of the UK’s premier radio stations. That the station would be based in Manchester was a delight for me, and of course I was there when the doors opened seeking my first real position of DJ /radio presenter. I had become a well-known DJ in the then booming club circuit of Manchester and the Northwest, I had my own unique style and preference for dance, soul and all that is black music. I hoped this would set me apart from the others who would be looking for the same opportunity as me. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case as I was not successful at this time.

I understood why, when on the first Friday evening I tuned in to ‘Andy Peebles’ ‘Soul Trian’, I couldn’t believe my ears, he was playing tracks by ‘Lamont Dozier’ ‘Bobby Womack’ and ‘Sam Dees’, I think it was the first time I heard ‘After All’ by Sam which I still play it today, in 2024. These artists were never heard / played on mainstream radio.

The show was sensational and covered everything a Black Music fan could wish for, and more. With my soul interest in Black music, I knew that my journey towards a coveted role at the station would mean patience and perseverance, whilst Andy was a presenter. During this time, I would perfect my skill and continue gaining a reputation, and a following on the Manchester club circuit playing music by James Brown, Sex Machine, Commodores Brick House, Parliament, and Bootsy Collins, everything that got you onto the dance floor, whilst still working at post office.

Sadly, if I was to nit-pick anything about the show it would be that Andy did not play much dance music, and that’s about all that my-self and anyone else at that time who tried to find something to criticize. Andy! the show was Magnificent.

Four years later, and I open the ‘Daily Mail’ whilst working in the post office at West Didsbury, and there before my eyes I saw the headline!!!

‘Andy Peebles to leave Piccadilly Radio for BBC radio1’ oh wow! and he would be taking his ‘Soul Train’ show with him….

I could hardly contain my delight. Peebles is going, Now this is the time for ‘Shafty’ to shine. I quickly change my lunch break, and before I knew I was standing nervously in the reception area of Piccadilly Radio, I had to work quickly on this as there was surely others who would be waiting in the wings to step into Andy’s shoes.

The excitement, adrenalin was unbearable as I stood there in the reception area I asked Pat, who was on the reception desk, if I could speak to Colin Walters, only to be told that Colin was not in that day, I was mortified but decided I was not letting this go. I was not moving without talking to someone and like a dog with a bone I kept asking questions and finally  ‘Pat’ suggested I speak to ‘Gail’ who was Collins secretary, so Gail arrives I am not getting anywhere with her, she is listening to me but not giving much back, after 45 minutes of me telling her I am the man from Manchester ready to take the reins of ‘Andy Peebles’ I am here in the flesh! just point me in the right direction. I have even been grooming myself for this, by working on a local radio station in a shopping mall ‘Oasis’ as I know DJing  in a night club is very different to presenting on the radio.  I wanted her to understand my commitment, she was looking at the new Andy Peebles, ‘Manchester’s Soul Man’😊

Finally, and I think just to get rid of me, Gail suggests I send a tape to Colin Walters, I breathe a sigh of relief I knew if Colin heard my tape, he would give me a job.  I had so many years of experience, I was totally dedicated to my profession nothing ever deterred me, from working full time at the post office so I could get the money for my records, to spending my Saturdays in a shopping mall presenting on what sounded like a local station, just to gain experience in readiness for this break. I was not going to mess this up. I am ready for the challenge! Andy has gone, and Mike Shaft is waiting. But will Colin agree?

Let’s find out what happens next.