RIP Mike Smith.

One of the most adroit broadcasters this country ever produced has died, aged just 59. In the 1980s, Mike Smith was everywhere. Star Breakfast Show DJ at Capital Radio, quickly poached by Radio 1 where he went on to present their Breakfast Show too, plus a whole host of TV shows including Live Aid. In the 90s, he withdrew from the spotlight. I got to know him a little when judging the Sony Radio Awards and he told me he became disillusioned with the way radio had become so bland, automated and formulaic. Mike Smith was a very human broadcaster – he always came over as just an ordinary bloke but he was an extraordinary talent. This track reminds me of that era when he really did seem to rule the world.