FEATURE:
The View from the Afternoon
IN THIS PHOTO: Shaun Keaveny (right) with Matt Everitt (photo taken pre-social distancing)/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
Looking Ahead to Shaun Keaveny’s Five-Hundredth BBC Radio 6 Music Afternoon Show
___________
I think this applies to other presenters…
After 11 years, 4 months and 3 days, time's up for @ShaunwKeaveny's alarm clock. 🕰🔨
— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) December 14, 2018
Grab a handkerchief and listen again to @BBC6Breakfast's #BreakfastExit on @BBCSounds https://t.co/pEIvinqAtg pic.twitter.com/C2pbRvrQVB
on BBC Radio 6 Music like Chris Hawkins, Lauren Laverne and Mary Anne Hobbs. Because, when one listens to Shaun Keaveny’s show between one and four every weekday afternoon there is the episode number, I know that his five-hundredth episode is fast-approaching. As there was a line-up change from the start of 2019, a few presenters will be marking their five-hundredth show shortly. I might give a nod to Laverne and other broadcasters who have reached that big number in a new slot. It doesn’t feel that long ago when there was a schedule change at BBC Radio 6 Music. I remember going to Shaun Keaveny’s last breakfast show in 2018. It was held at Maida Vale Studios with a selected audience. Then, there was no idea how the new shows would take hold and what the new line-up sounds like. I start my mornings with Chris Hawkins, before staying tuned for Lauren Laverne and then Mary Anne Hobbs. I then listen to Keaveny until four, and I then sort of tune in and out for the rest of the afternoon. One reason why I wanted to specifically highlight Shaun Keaveny – apart from the fact we can tell the exact date he broadcasts his five-hundredth show in the afternoon (22nd March) – is that he has recently battled Coronavirus. I think that his stamina is amazing and, like everyone at the station, there is clear dedication and passion for the job! He would be the first to point out that he has not been present to record all five-hundred shows. Between illness and days off, he has a little way to go until he can mark five-hundred shows himself.
IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Laverne (who broadcasts between 7:30 and 10:30 every weekday morning) with actor, musician and activist, Riz Ahmed (photo taken pre-social distancing)/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
I listen every afternoon because, whilst things are so hard and unsure, he is providing a lot of laughs and entertainment. I love the fact Chris Hawkins plays awesome music and lifts us in the early part of the morning. Lauren Laverne then raises the energy and is an infectious and hugely popular broadcaster. Mary Anne Hobbs keeps things eclectic and fascinating before things hand to Shaun Keaveny – there he hands the clammy baton to Steve Lamacq at four. I remember seeing Keaveny talking to audience members after he closed his final breakfast show at Maida Vale. He was emotional and tired, and I think it was the right time to move slots. I know that he has been grateful to have more sleep and time with his family. I am thinking of doing a salute to Lauren Laverne and BBC Radio 6 Music as a whole, as I think each broadcaster marking five-hundred shows should mark it with something special – whether that is with a cool playlist or something celebratory. It is a shame that guests cannot come to the studio to record episodes, though I am sure a lot of people online will give their thanks and messages to each presenter. On Monday, 22nd March, it might not seem like a big deal to Keaveny himself…but he and his team have delivered an incredible afternoon show over the past two-and-a-bit years! I think everyone at the station has had to adapt to a very tough situation regarding the pandemic. They have turned up and delivered these shows that have helped us all and brought us together.
IN THIS PHOTO: Mary Anne Hobbs hosts her show between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. every weekday/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
It would be great for everyone to give themselves a pat on their back on their five-hundredth show. Apart from Keaveny himself, there is the music news with Matt Everitt (check out his excellent, The First Time with… series). He is broadcasting from his home whilst there are restrictions. His daily dose of music news is always important and interesting! Seeing how many corners of the industry have struggled over the past year, there has been less positivity than usual. Whilst Everitt has not done face-to-face interviews and would, I am sure, prefer to meet musicians in the flesh, he has done a sterling job! When Everitt is away, Georgie Rogers presents the music news (sometimes Siobhán McAndrew delivers the news. She is also excellent and someone who deserves more time on the station). I hope that she gets more time on the station, as I really like her style. The entire time, whilst divided, have provided this sense of togetherness and family. With some old features – such as the listener-involving Small Claims Court – joining together with newer ones (the Gold Soundz half-hour goes from one to half-one), the show is always changing and strengthening….though it is the sense of familiarity that keeps so many tuned in. Whether it is Keaveny’s deliberate (or sometimes accidental) dead air and impressions, or the bond between him and Matt Everitt, there are many more years ahead! A larger congratulations to Chris Hawkins, Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs and anyone else at BBC Radio 6 Music who is looking ahead to their five-hundredth show. Big applause to Keaveny ahead of a milestone. The entire station has been a real lifeline to us all during the pandemic. Listeners around the world are so grateful for…
IN THIS PHOTO: Georgie Rogers and Shaun Keaveny sharing a touching moment at Maida Value Studios on 14th December, 2018 after Keaveny’s final breakfast show/PHOTO CREDIT: @GeorgieRogers
SO much energy, warmth and positive company.