DJ who laid down the beat for music radio

THE name Alan Freeman means nothing to the present generation of music fans either here or in the UK.

In the era of the CD, MP3 and the like, he is just a name. But to countless millions of vinyl music lovers from the 1960s and ‘70s, he was an icon.

The Melbourne-born radio legend, who passed away recently at 79, established the style of music radio presentation that we know today.

But his punchy, unique and exciting voice on the radio will never be equalled. He was as much a part of pop music as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and so many other giants in the business at that time.

Freeman’s great love for people and for music made him a natural on the airwaves and his support for up-and-coming performers, including those from Ireland, was well known.

I corresponded with Freeman occasionally in the 1970s and ‘80s and was honoured to meet my idol in person at the Capitol Radio studios in London in 1980. He was a friendly, kind and sincere man who loved his work as a disc jockey. He has left a rich and fulfilling legacy to the world of radio and his memory will live on as one of the medium’s all-time greats.

Stay bright, Alan, and thanks for the memories.

Eugene Cosgrove

Fair Street

Mallow

Co Cork