Geoff was a keen sportsman and a lover of fine food, wine and travel but when an early knee injury put paid to any sporting career, he was able to pursue his other passion – music.
The 60’s were a wonderful time for music and Geoff loved it. He was the first DJ at the Twisted Wheel Club and was very much a part of the Manchester music scene. He managed and sang in various bands including The Wailers who eventually became Herman’s Hermits. His musical tastes have always been eclectic he loved seeing Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson and was delighted to meet Rock ‘n Roll hero Gene Vincent at the Oasis Club.
He made several records, one of which was Yakety Yak, before heading to Norway where he was very successful with the Norwegian group The Vanguards. On returning to London he again became involved with various groups before starting work with Billboard Magazine, a section of his life that he really enjoyed.
From there he eventually found his way to the BBC where he produced an array of stars from Terry Wogan and Kenny Everett to Anne Robinson and Michael Aspel and a particular favourite – Wally Whyton and Country Club. This allowed him to indulge his love of all things American and from his early visits to Nashville, he went on to explore all corners of the country with his loving wife, Lesley.
He was headhunted to Melody Radio where he brought David Hamilton on board and renewed their working friendship before being headhunted back to Radio 2 where he ended his career as Head of Music Policy. His love of music continued and he enjoyed researching the music of the 20’s and 30’s, the music playlist on his iPod is amazing.
A Marlborough resident of many years, Geoff has written a memoir which will be published this year which includes all the amazing things he has done along with meeting some amazing people.
The last musical hurrah was to lay down a track on a Gene Vincent tribute album by Rollercoaster Records – She She Little Sheila – the wrinkly rocker lives on!
Pewsey stabbing update – second man arrested
