Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette
As it’s my first column of 2023 I thought I would ask our presenters to look back at their favourite Phoenix FM moments of 2022. And we got some great answers!
Steve Robertson: My highlight of the year was Standon Calling. Having attended in 2021, which was one of the government COVID test events, the 2022 event seemed more like getting back to normal. It was great to see big acts such as Gabrielle and Madness, and to interview great singers like Olivia Dean and Azure Ryder after seeing them play on the main stage.
Gareth Williams: 2022 marked my 6th year as a Phoenix presenter, and it has been another great year. From interviewing people from big bands like Embrace, to chatting to up and coming bands and also charities at festivals like Latitude, alongside my two weekly shows, it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of the station, and hopefully the listeners enjoy my shows as much as I do!
Patrick Sherring: Many of my regular weekly guests are involved with local charities working to make life better for people in need. These included Graham from Christians Against Poverty and people from CHESS, Sanctus and Cool to be Kind, all serving homeless people; Lisa and Cheryl from Daily Bread who work with over 100 families in Hutton, and Katherine from Kids Inspire who talked about developing talents in others.
Bob Simpson: Without a doubt it was the live session with The George Harrison Project. One of the best sessions I’ve ever had in the studio. As a massive Beatles fan I’m biased of course, but both the musicianship and great humour of these guys were excellent. Looking forward to seeing them live on stage in the near future.
Mike Porter: I found the interviews with the Nuffield Brentwood Hospital specialists the most interesting. The interviews cover a wide range of ailments and how easy they are to diagnose and treat, as long as you catch them quickly enough.
Michelle Ward: I have had many great guests and live performances although my favourite was with punk icon Helen McCookerybook. I also enjoyed my regular interviews with Thurrock and Brentwood MIND, talking about the stigma revolving around mental health.
All of these interviews can be found on our website at www.phoenixfm.com – and there will be many more in the new year too!
