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Piccadilly Radio 261: The Home of Manchester’s Iconic Radio Legacy The sound of Manchester — done our way.
The Local Legends
The Voices That Were Piccadilly Radio
While some went on to national fame, these presenters were the soul of Piccadilly Radio. They woke Manchester up, drove us home, and kept us company through decades. These are the voices we remember.
More Than Just Presenters
These were not celebrities passing through. These were Manchester's voices - people who understood the city, loved the city, and served the community with passion and dedication.
From breakfast shows to late-night sessions, from news to music, these legends were Piccadilly Radio to millions of listeners across the North West.
Roger Day
April 2, 1974 • 6:00 AM
"Good morning, Manchester. This is Piccadilly Radio."
Roger Day spoke the very first words ever broadcast on Piccadilly Radio. At 6:00 AM on April 2, 1974, he made history. He was not just a presenter - he was the voice that launched a legend.
For years, Roger Day was the sound of Manchester mornings. Professional, warm, reliable - he set the standard that every presenter who followed would aspire to match.
Mike Sweeney
1980s - 2000s
Breakfast Show Legend
The voice of Manchester mornings for over two decades. Mike Sweeney was not just a breakfast presenter - he was part of the family. His warm, conversational style made millions of listeners feel like they were chatting with a friend over their morning coffee.
Why He Mattered: Mike understood Manchester. He celebrated the city's triumphs, mourned its tragedies, and always, always made you smile. His longevity on breakfast radio is testament to how much the city loved him.
Susie Mathis
1980s - 1990s
Daytime & Drivetime
A trailblazer for women in radio. Susie Mathis brought intelligence, warmth, and impeccable music taste to Piccadilly Radio. In an era when radio was male-dominated, she proved that talent knows no gender.
Why She Mattered: Susie connected with listeners on a personal level. Her shows were not just about music - they were about life, relationships, and the shared experience of being human. She made radio feel intimate.
James Stannage
1990s - 2000s
"The Shock Jock"
Controversial. Outspoken. Unmissable. James Stannage brought edge and attitude to Piccadilly Radio. Known as "The Shock Jock," he was never afraid to say what others were thinking. You might not always agree with him, but you always listened.
Why He Mattered: James made radio unpredictable. You never knew what he would say next, and that made his shows compulsive listening. He pushed boundaries and made people think - even when they disagreed.
Stu Allan
1980s - 2000s
Friday Night Dance Anthems
The godfather of Manchester dance music. Stu Allan's Friday night shows were legendary. From acid house to rave, from the Hacienda era to the superclub explosion, Stu was the soundtrack to Manchester's nightlife.
Why He Mattered: Stu championed dance music when mainstream radio ignored it. He gave a platform to DJs, producers, and a whole generation of ravers. His influence on Manchester's music scene cannot be overstated.
Dave Ward
1980s - 2000s
News & Current Affairs
The voice of authority. Dave Ward brought credibility and professionalism to Piccadilly Radio's news coverage. His delivery was calm, measured, and trustworthy - exactly what you want when the news matters.
Why He Mattered: In an era of sensationalism, Dave kept it real. He reported the news with integrity and respect for the audience. Manchester trusted him to tell the truth.
Phil Wood
1990s - 2000s
Breakfast & Drivetime
Energy, enthusiasm, and entertainment. Phil Wood brought a youthful energy to Piccadilly Radio. Whether it was breakfast or drivetime, Phil made sure you started or ended your day with a smile.
Why He Mattered: Phil understood that radio should be fun. He brought games, competitions, and genuine joy to his shows. He made the commute bearable and the mornings brighter.
Mike Shaft
1970s - 1980s
Rock & Album Shows
The rock specialist. Mike Shaft brought credibility and passion to Piccadilly Radio's rock coverage. His knowledge was encyclopedic, his taste impeccable. If Mike played it, you knew it was worth hearing.
Why He Mattered: Mike championed album tracks and deep cuts when others played only singles. He educated listeners and expanded musical horizons. He was a true music lover sharing his passion.
Pete Baker
1980s - 1990s
Late Night Shows
The voice in the darkness. Pete Baker owned the late-night slot. His shows were intimate, thoughtful, and perfect for night owls, shift workers, and insomniacs. He was the companion when the world was asleep.
Why He Mattered: Pete understood that late-night radio is different. It is more personal, more reflective. He created a space where listeners felt heard and understood, no matter what time it was.
Becky Want
2000s - 2010s
Breakfast & Daytime
The modern voice of Manchester. Becky Want represented a new generation of Piccadilly Radio presenters. Smart, engaging, and relatable, she brought fresh energy while respecting the station's heritage.
Why She Mattered: Becky proved that Piccadilly Radio could evolve without losing its soul. She connected with younger listeners while maintaining the warmth and community focus that made the station special.
James H. Reeve
1990s - 2000s
Weekend & Specialist Shows
The music obsessive. James H. Reeve brought deep musical knowledge and genuine passion to Piccadilly Radio. His specialist shows were essential listening for anyone who cared about music beyond the charts.
Why He Mattered: James championed new music and underground sounds. He gave airtime to artists who deserved to be heard. He was a tastemaker and a champion of musical diversity.
These Were Our Voices
Eleven legends. Decades of service. Millions of memories.
While the national stars got the headlines, these presenters were the ones who truly made Piccadilly Radio what it was. They were there every day, serving the community, celebrating Manchester, and making radio that mattered.
The Local Legacy
These presenters were not just passing through on their way to bigger things. They chose to stay. They chose Manchester. They chose community over celebrity.
From Roger Day's first words in 1974 to the modern era, these voices defined what Piccadilly Radio meant to the North West. They were our presenters, and we loved them for it.
This is the legacy we honor. This is the tradition we continue.
Remember These Voices?
Did Mike Sweeney wake you up? Did Stu Allan soundtrack your Friday nights? Did Roger Day make history with you listening?
Share your memories. Tell us about the presenters who mattered to you. Help us preserve their legacy.
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