Radio Legends to Share Decades of Entertainment Tales at South Woodham Ferrers Event
An afternoon filled with star-studded stories, backstage gossip, and exciting musical bingo is set to arrive in South Woodham Ferrers this April, celebrating a remarkable broadcasting milestone. The event, titled Radio Rock Bingo, will feature two entertainment veterans sharing their incredible journeys through radio and music promotion.
Steve Scruton's Broadcasting Journey from Pirate Radio to BBC Essex
Steve Scruton's passion for radio ignited in the 1960s while listening to pirate stations broadcasting off the Essex coast. This early inspiration fueled his own broadcasting ambitions, leading to his big break in 1976 when he responded to an advertisement in the Essex Chronicle for volunteers at Hospital Radio Chelmsford. He dedicated many years to broadcasting for patients and remains President of the service today.
Following roles with Radio Orwell, Essex Radio, and Radio Cambridgeshire, Steve secured a full-time position at BBC Essex after spotting another ad in the Essex Chronicle, this time for a broadcast assistant at the new station. His illustrious career included a 22-year stint presenting the Afternoon Show and involvement in numerous major events and outside broadcasts.
In 2004, Steve realized a lifelong dream by broadcasting from a ship during a pirate radio recreation on the LV18 anchored off Harwich. He has also hosted the live Christmas Day show for three decades, a tradition he continues to this day.
Memorable Interviews and Unforgettable Encounters
At the event, Steve will share fond memories from interviewing thousands of guests on his radio shows. He recalls unexpected moments, such as Rod Stewart giving him a surprise hug and a former East End gangster making a shocking offer. "From working with my radio hero Johnnie Walker to meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II, it's been a blast!" Steve exclaimed. "I'm looking forward to sharing stories about the people I've met in the studio and worked with on stage. I'm often asked about the best and worst moments of being on-air, so I'll be including those too! Thank goodness I saw that ad in the Essex Chronicle!"
Alan Goldsmith's Music Promotion Tales from the 1960s Onwards
Radio Rock Bingo also features Alan Goldsmith, one of the last promoters from the 1960s music scene, who has frequently appeared on radio with Steve over the years. The pair are thrilled to collaborate on stage for this special event.
Alan entered the entertainment business at just 18 years old and quickly found himself working with legendary names like Elton John, The Who, Small Faces, and Dionne Warwick. He will reveal intriguing anecdotes, such as how much he paid Stevie Wonder for a local gig and his shock when the star arrived in a Ford Popular with only his tutor, no entourage.
"I'm not embarrassed to admit why I turned down Tom Jones and decided not to book The Rolling Stones," Alan stated. He will also discuss the challenges of staging events for mods and rockers, ensuring venues and artists suited each group. "I'm hoping people will love to hear about the fees I paid to the stars and the demands and tantrums I had to juggle to get the acts on stage! Was it really all sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll? You'll find out!"
With over 60 years in entertainment, Alan continues to promote gigs today. The afternoon will include rare film clips of death-defying arena stunts from events he organized in an era before modern health and safety regulations.
Event Details and Musical Bingo Fun
Alongside the captivating chat, the event will feature several rounds of fun musical bingo with great prizes to be won. Radio Rock Bingo takes place at the Champions Manor Hall in South Woodham Ferrers on Tuesday, April 14, at 2 PM. Tickets are priced at £15 and include a card to play the musical bingo games.
The show is also heading to New Windmill Hall in Upminster on Tuesday, April 28, at 2 PM, with tickets similarly priced at £15 including a bingo card. This unique afternoon promises entertainment, nostalgia, and lively interaction for all attendees.
