Tag: Gerard Roe

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The Free Radio Campaign (FRC) show with Gerard Roe on Radio Annabel was a must for radio anoraks in Dublin in the mid-1980s. The weekly show shared news from the pirate radio scene at home and abroad, including recordings shared by listeners. This show from early 1985 begins as usual with news from the same period the previous year, including a new version of the long-promised local radio legislation, the jamming of Radio Nova on FM and the closure of Radio Dublin Channel 2, where Gerard Roe had previously presented his FRC. This show also contains a Sunshine Radio tribute to Radio Caroline on its 20^th anniversary and an interview with Chris Cary about Radio Nova. Nova is also reported to be audible on telephones in south Dublin, an issue causing annoyance to certain politicians. There are also promos for Anoraks UK and Anoraks Ireland and UK free radio news including the raids on Radio Jackie.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 92 FM on Sunday 17^th February 1985 from 1658-1828. Radio Annabel also broadcast on 1323 kHz (227 metres) and a recording of the FRC was relayed every week on shortwave pirate Westside Radio International.

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This recording of Gerard Roe’s Free Radio Campaign (FRC) show on Radio Annabel dates from spring 1985. As usual, the FRC kicks of with the news from the same week in the previous year, including RTÉ jamming of Radio Nova. There’s a feature about Irish pirate radio by a US station in 1982, including an interview with Sunshine Radio’s Robbie Robinson. Gerard complains about the crowded FM band in Dublin and criticises irresponsible behaviour and poor technical quality among some pirate operators. There’s also a 1981 recording of an RTÉ spoof on the pirates called ‘Grot Radio’ and recordings from the same year when the radio ship the MV Lieve was being kitted out in Dublin.

The programme was recorded from 1730-1812 on Sunday 3^rd February 1985 from 91.8 FM. There was a late start due to technical issues and signal quality is fair. Radio Annabel also broadcast on 1323 kHz, announcing 227 metres. This recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Tapes Collection, donated to us by Paul Davidson.

Listen here to Pirate.ie Podcast #10 featuring our interview with Gerard Roe about his memories of pirate radio.

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Radio Annabel began broadcasting in September 1983 and soon became the new home for Gerard Roe’s popular Free Radio Campaign (FRC) show. Facilities and coverage were better than at Radio Dublin Channel 2 and the FRC moved to a Sunday afternoon slot. In this recording from summer 1984, Gerard begins with a recap of news from the same week the previous year, which included the renowned £6,000 giveaway by Radio Nova. There’s also a recording of Andromeda Independent Radio from Manchester and a feature about the use of pirate radio for political reasons. Radio Sinn Féin is reported to be on air in advance of the European elections and Gerard notes previous radio activity by Republicans, including disruption to existing pirates. The show also covers the 20th anniversary of Manx Radio.

Our recording was made from 98.3 FM from 1405-1507 on Sunday, 10^th June 1984. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Tapes Collection, donated to us by Paul Davidson. Listen here to Pirate.ie Podcast #10 featuring our interview with Gerard Roe about his memories of pirate radio, including the move from Radio Dublin to Radio Annabel.