40 Facts About Radio X

The Birth and Evolution of Radio X

Radio X, formerly known as Xfm, has been a cornerstone of the UK's music scene since its inception. Let's dive into its fascinating journey.

1. Launch and Evolution: Radio X started as a pirate radio station named Q102 in 1989. It was renamed Xfm in 1992 and became a legally licensed London-wide station in 1997.

2. Ownership: Global, a major player in the UK's commercial radio industry, owns Radio X. This ownership has significantly influenced the station's content and reach.

3. Format: The station focuses on alternative music, especially indie rock. This format has been a constant since the early days of Xfm.

Influential Presenters and Key Moments

Over the years, Radio X has had numerous notable presenters and pivotal moments that shaped its identity.

4. Presenters: The station has featured various notable presenters, including Jacob, Adrian Gibson, Donald Johnson, Steve Lamacq, and Bob Matthews (Bob Mower). Jacob was particularly influential in shaping the station's early sound.

5. Indie Rock Influence: By 1990, Xfm had shifted its format to play only indie rock music. This move was crucial in promoting emerging bands and artists in the UK.

6. The Cure's Involvement: In late 1990, Fiction Records founder Chris Parry, who managed The Cure, became involved with the station. The Cure's singer Robert Smith used Xfm to promote their music, including the release of a Cure remix album titled Mixed Up.

7. XFM Great Expectations: In 1992, Xfm hosted XFM Great Expectations, a live event at Finsbury Park featuring The Cure as the headlining act. This event was covered by the media, including TV channels, boosting the station's profile.

Expansion and Technological Advancements

Radio X has expanded its reach and embraced technological advancements to stay relevant in the ever-changing media landscape.

8. London-Wide License: In 1994, Xfm applied for a full-time London-wide FM license but was unsuccessful. However, two years later, the station was awarded the final London-wide FM license and began broadcasting permanently on September 1, 1997.

9. Studio Location: During its early years, Xfm played music from its studios in 97 Charlotte Street. This location was pivotal in the station's development and growth.

10. Presenter Lineup: By 2012, John Kennedy was the only member of the presenter lineup who had been with the station since its inception. His show, X-Posure, is credited with giving radio play to artists like Adele, Florence and the Machine, Razorlight, and Mumford & Sons.

11. X-Posure Show: X-Posure is the longest-running show on Radio X. It has been instrumental in discovering new talent and providing a platform for emerging artists.

12. Expansion of the Xfm Network: Xfm held 28-day Restricted Service Licence FM broadcasts in several British cities, including Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Glasgow. This expansion helped the station reach a broader audience.

13. DAB Multiplexes: In 2000, Xfm London was added to various DAB multiplexes around the country. By January 2006, it replaced The Storm on several local multiplexes, enhancing its national coverage.

14. Local Content Drop-ins: Initially, there were plans for the national version of Xfm London (Xfm UK) to include local content drop-ins such as news and travel updates. However, this feature never materialized.

15. DAB Coverage: Most DAB coverage of Xfm carried the London version of the station. However, some multiplexes in the north of England received a feed of Xfm Manchester for a time.

Celebrity Influence and Modern Changes

Radio X has seen its fair share of celebrity involvement and modern changes that have kept it fresh and relevant.

16. Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant: In 2001, Xfm rehired Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant to run the Saturday afternoon show. This move was part of the station's efforts to attract a wider audience.

17. DAB+ Transition: In October 2019, Radio X's DAB station switched to DAB+ using a more efficient 40 kbps AAC+ stream. This change enabled the station to broadcast nationally in stereo on DAB for the first time, replacing the less efficient MP2 coding used previously.

18. Classic Rock Addition: On February 16, 2023, Global launched Radio X Classic Rock to play classic rock music via DAB and online. This addition marked a new direction for the station, catering to fans of classic rock.

Historical Tidbits and Fun Facts

Radio X's history is filled with interesting tidbits and fun facts that highlight its unique journey.

19. Dark Side of the Moon Connection: While not directly related to Radio X, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is an iconic album that shares a connection with the station's focus on alternative and indie music. The album was released in March 1973 and has become one of the best-selling albums of all time in the UK.

20. Pink Floyd's Recording Process: Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. The band's unique recording process included performing songs live before recording them in the studio. This approach allowed for a cohesive and polished final product.

21. Paul and Linda McCartney's Involvement: Paul and Linda McCartney were initially set to appear on Dark Side of the Moon, but they were left off the album. Henry McCulloch, Wings' guitarist, did contribute to the album, providing vocals for the track "Money".

22. EMS Synthesizers: Pink Floyd used British-made synthesizers like the VCS-3 and EMS Synthi A during the recording of Dark Side of the Moon. These instruments added unique sounds to tracks like "On The Run".

23. Monty Python Influence: During their recording sessions, Pink Floyd would often stop to watch Monty Python episodes. This influence is often cited as part of the band's creative process and discipline.

24. Dark Side of the Moon Sales: Dark Side of the Moon is the seventh best-selling album of all time in the UK, with over 4.47 million copies sold. It ranks alongside other iconic albums like Queen's Greatest Hits and The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Radio X's Musical Memories and Legacy

The history of Radio X is deeply intertwined with the evolution of alternative and indie music in the UK. The station has played a crucial role in promoting emerging artists and providing a platform for them to reach a wider audience.

25. George "Buzz" Young's Involvement: George "Buzz" Young, who studied broadcasting at Northern Michigan University (NMU), was instrumental in shaping the campus radio station WBKX, which later became known as Radio X. His involvement dates back to 1972, when he joined the station as a DJ.

26. Campus Radio Station: WBKX, the precursor to Radio X, was initially a campus radio station broadcasting via carrier current transmission. This limited the station's reach to the NMU campus. However, with the switch to FM radio in 1993, the station's reach expanded significantly.

27. FCC Regulations: The station was subject to FCC regulations, which prohibited it from using profanity or airing explicit content. This has led to a more family-friendly atmosphere on the station.

28. Digital Streaming: Today, Radio X relies heavily on digital streaming. This shift has allowed the station to reach a broader audience and adapt to changing technological standards.

29. Programming Variety: The station maintains a strong focus on music but also includes a variety of non-musical programs. DJs are free to discuss almost anything, from poetry to politics, making the station a vibrant community hub.

30. Faculty Contributions: Faculty members are welcome to contribute to the station's programming. For example, Professor Joshua Ewalt hosts a program where he interviews other faculty members about their research and projects.

31. DJ Shows: Some staff members, including Senior Station Manager Joe Raasch and Assistant Station Manager Julia Emery, host their own shows. Raasch's show, Raasch n Roll, features jazz, alternative, and indie music, while Emery's show, The Carnival of Chaos, offers a diverse mix of genres.

32. Student Control: During its early days, WBKX had almost complete control over its programming. The station's staff would decide which music to play, often disagreeing on the best choices. This led to some interesting anecdotes, such as an engineer ruining Frank Zappa records with a soldering iron.

33. Historical Significance: The campus radio station has a rich history, dating back to 1970 when it was first established. The station's call letters were initially WBKX, chosen to mimic a popular Detroit radio station, WABX.

34. FCC License: In 1993, NMU's student radio station applied for a license from the FCC and began broadcasting at 91.5 FM. However, the FCC forbade them from identifying as WBKX, leading to the adoption of the current call letters, WUPX.

35. Wider Reach: With the switch to FM radio, the station's reach expanded beyond the NMU campus. The station began streaming online, allowing anyone with an internet connection to tune in.

36. Technological Advancements: Over the last half-century, the station has seen significant technological advancements. From carrier current transmission to digital streaming, the station has adapted to new technologies while maintaining its core mission.

37. Simple Goals: The station's first manager, Mike Kinosian, had simple goals when he was appointed by the university's radio board. He aimed to provide quality programming and engage the community through music and other content.

38. Community Engagement: The station's goals have remained largely unchanged despite technological advancements. It continues to focus on community engagement, providing a platform for students and faculty to express themselves through various programs.

39. Legacy and Impact: Radio X's legacy extends beyond its own programming. It has played a significant role in shaping the UK's music industry by promoting alternative and indie music. The station's influence can be seen in the many artists who have been discovered and supported by its shows over the years.

40. Radio X's Musical Memories: The history of Radio X is deeply intertwined with the evolution of alternative and indie music in the UK. The station has played a crucial role in promoting emerging artists and providing a platform for them to reach a wider audience.

Radio X: A Legacy of Indie and Alternative Music

Radio X, formerly Xfm, has been a cornerstone of the UK's music scene since 1989. From its pirate radio beginnings to becoming a national commercial station, it has consistently championed indie and alternative music. Owned by Global, the station has featured influential presenters like Jacob and Steve Lamacq, and iconic bands such as The Cure. The station's X-Posure show has been pivotal in launching careers of artists like Adele and Florence and the Machine. With its expansion through DAB and the addition of Radio X Classic Rock, the station continues to evolve. Its commitment to promoting new talent and engaging the community remains unwavering. Radio X's rich history and ongoing influence make it a vital part of the UK's cultural landscape, ensuring that indie and alternative music thrive for years to come.