Steve was a powerful presence on the microphone that demanded attention.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Steve Wright’s passing. I was once a part of the team responsible for creating comedic jingles for his radio show on both Radio 1 and Radio 2. It was an honor to be known as “Mr. Food” and perform songs like “And That’s Before Me Tea” on his show. Steve Wright’s presence on the microphone was truly powerful and unstoppable. Beyond his on-air interviews with celebrities, I found him to be a genuine, caring, and down-to-earth person. One of the jingles I sang on his show had the lyrics, “Steve Wright in the Afternoon, always there but over too soon, makes you feel over the moon, Stevie in the afternoon.” It’s heartbreaking to think about those words now. David Sanderson, 57, from Devon.
What a refreshing change!
In the 1980s, I began listening to Steve, just like everyone else I knew at the time. His unique style and distinct voice kept me entertained for many years. His characters were a refreshing addition to the radio. Mr. Angry and Sid the Manager were particularly popular and often imitated – truly hilarious. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve multiple times when I worked as a DJ at a club in Bradford. He would often make personal appearances and was always kind and humble. I was fortunate enough to receive a jingle from him on a cassette tape, where he introduced himself as “Steve Wright” and myself as “Richard Daniels” (my stage name). I used it for many years, but sadly, it has been lost now. Richard Wood, 61, celebrant, Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
He assisted us in managing the challenges of our high-pressure work.
I am saddened by the news of Steve Wright’s passing. My previous coworker and I used to listen to Steve’s radio show every Friday afternoon in the office to help us manage the stress of our demanding nursing jobs. I remember my coworker taking off her work shoes at 4:15pm and dancing along to Steve’s lively music! Angela Baksh, 57, retired specialist nurse at NHS, Whitley Bay.
I have had a persistent idea for the last four decades.
I am grieving the loss of a dear friend. We were both the same age and our lives intertwined for 40 years. I used to always tune in to his radio show while driving, and the characters and posse felt like old friends. Ever since his final show, I haven’t been able to listen to Radio 2. It feels like losing a lifelong companion. He will be greatly missed by many, including myself. Lynne, who is now 67 years old, retired and living in Yorkshire.
Enable full screen mode to view the image in a larger size.
In the afternoon, he offered my housemate advice on how to present on the radio.
Steve was the morning DJ for Radio 210 during my time in Reading. Whenever he played Sultans of Swing, it was a sign for me to quickly finish brushing my teeth or risk being late for work. On Valentine’s Day, Steve asked for a volunteer to join him in surprising lucky listeners with a serenade. My housemate stepped up with her violin and performed My Love is Like a Red Red Rose. After a busy morning in Reading, they returned to the studio where my housemate expressed her desire to become a radio announcer. Steve spent the rest of the afternoon giving her tips on presenting and explaining the workings of broadcasting. My only regret? I missed out on the opportunity because I overslept. Judith Barton, retired, Surrey
‘Steve was highly entertaining and had us laughing.’
In 1976, Steve visited our primary school to broadcast for Thames Valley radio. Many children were gathered around the van, but I wasn’t interested as I didn’t pay attention to local radio. Later on, our school formed a road safety quiz team and I was chosen as the captain. Steve’s producer contacted us for an evening discussion about kids and road safety. Our head teacher wanted us to participate, so my teacher and I went with a team member. We sat across from Steve at his large desk with numerous buttons and levers. He was friendly and made us feel comfortable by joking and making us laugh. Although he was likely young at the time, I didn’t realize it. To me, he was a responsible adult in charge of everything. Helen Zisul, now 58 and retired, recalls her experience at Normandy, France.
View the image in full screen mode.
‘One of the best to ever grace radio’
Steve has been a consistent presence throughout my life, as I have fond memories of listening to him with my father. His afternoon show would always be playing in the car as I returned home from school, and later on in college and at work. On Sundays, his Love Songs program provided the perfect soundtrack for relaxing in my late grandmother’s living room. Steve’s joyful spirit and genuine care made him feel like a dear friend, and his passing feels like a great loss. As one of the greatest radio personalities, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of his daily world. Paige, 26, from Durham.
He presented with appropriate seriousness after the events of 9/11.
While driving on the M5, I was tuned in to Radio 2 as I usually do. Suddenly, during the Steve Wright in the Afternoon show, the 9/11 attack occurred and was reported live. It began with one plane crashing into a tower, followed by another a few minutes later. Throughout the show, Steve interjected reflective comments with an appropriate level of seriousness. I can still recall that moment clearly and was impressed by how well he handled the show after receiving the news. Paul Reynolds, a 73-year-old lace maker from Devon.
Steve was among the final group of DJs who prioritized being a DJ above all else.
As a child, I often had to come home to an empty house because my parents were both working and we lived far away from my friends. To keep me company, I had six “parents” – my actual parents and the hosts of my favorite radio shows: Mum, Dad, Simon Mayo, Simon Bates, Gary Davies, and Steve Wright. During school breaks, I would listen to Radio 1 from breakfast until dinner, whether I was outside trying to get a tan, playing soccer, mowing the lawn, or playing Wonder Boy on my Sega. The music was the main draw, but I also enjoyed picking up tidbits of news or jokes from the radio to impress my friends. Steve and his colleagues were like my summer school teachers, and they were some of the last DJs who prioritized being DJs above all else. Antony Train, age 48 and from Tamworth, now works as an Event Manager in Staffordshire.
My mother and I would often burst into laughter while listening to his show.
I am the sole offspring of a solo mother and our shared cultural moments during my childhood in 1980s and 1990s Britain hold a special place in my heart. One memory that stands out is when we would burst into laughter as my mother drove us to the shops while listening to Steve Wright’s radio show in the afternoon. As a father myself, I understand the joy of being in sync with your children, and when you harmonize together, it truly feels like magic. This is a sentiment shared by Brett, a 50-year-old living in Dubai, UAE.
Source: theguardian.com
