Malcolm Laycock dies (Merged) - Radio

Lee Morris · 29-04-2009, 15:36

Hi! All
I just wondered if there is anyone who knows what is the situation with Malcolm Laycock on BBC Radio 2?, is he unwell or just on holiday.

I know Radio 2 now has a new controllor and that changes and experiments can happen when new bosses do take over, but it just seems funny that Malcolm has not taken any time off since if I remember rightly he took over from Alan Dell.

If you are unwell Malcolm then get well soon!.

I look forward to answers.

Thanks in advance.

Mr Rigsby · 29-04-2009, 15:42

It does seem strange how Radio 2 has not said why Malcolm Laycock is off air for four weeks.

radiogirl · 29-04-2009, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Morris

Hi! All
I just wondered if there is anyone who knows what is the situation with Malcolm Laycock on BBC Radio 2?, is he unwell or just on holiday.

I know Radio 2 now has a new controllor and that changes and experiments can happen when new bosses do take over, but it just seems funny that Malcolm has not taken any time off since if I remember rightly he took over from Alan Dell.

If you are unwell Malcolm then get well soon!.

I look forward to answers.

Thanks in advance.

He is having a well earned holiday...... He will be back in a couple of weeks I believe.

Gildersleeve · 29-04-2009, 18:54

I thought Malcolm suggested he was on holiday as radio girl says but if he was ill he might not say for everyone to know.

radiogirl · 29-04-2009, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gildersleeve

I thought Malcolm suggested he was on holiday as radio girl says but if he was ill he might not say for everyone to know.

No, he is not ill....... As far as I know, he is having about three weeks off and should hopefully be back next week but he is not unwell.

Gildersleeve · 29-04-2009, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiogirl

No, he is not ill....... As far as I know, he is having about three weeks off and should hopefully be back next week but he is not unwell.

That's good to know and I did not think that he was but in this day and age where seemingly everything is known about those in the public eye...it must be nice to hold onto some privacy...

Mr Rigsby · 29-04-2009, 20:36

Malcolm Laycock should have had the decency to inform his listeners that he was taking a month off. Clearly, his absence has concerned some of his listeners.

radiogirl · 29-04-2009, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Rigsby

Malcolm Laycock should have had the decency to inform his listeners that he was taking a month off. Clearly, his absence has concerned some of his listeners.

Oh, he did! just some obviously weren't listening as hard as I was 2 weeks ago when he ended his show!

Mr Rigsby · 29-04-2009, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiogirl

Oh, he did! just some obviously weren't listening as hard as I was 2 weeks ago when he ended his show!

He must have whispered it in that case.

newsandmusic · 30-04-2009, 07:13

An innovative broadcaster for over 30 years who has worked in both speech and music formats and knows his music inside out be it anything from big bands to soul or rock....

One of our radio gems, and IMO under used.

Gildersleeve · 30-04-2009, 09:04

I thought that Malcolm was only on holiday myself...the original poster may've missed the broadast where Malcolm said he was off for a few weeks so only heard Clare where she says she is sitting in for him...

So I was listening

Otto Snel · 07-05-2009, 00:38

It seems to me that Malcolm and the programme's producer do not agree on the direction this programme is taking.

These programmes are usually pre-recorded in batches of three or six. So the recordings could have covered Malcolm's holiday period.

The last three programmes have been boring The last one in particular: Bands signature tunes, so predictable. And, unfortunately, are not helped by Clare, no doubt a big band lover, but not a presenter. She just reads the script probably written by the producer.

I thought the old British dance band items interesting when Roy Oakshott produced the programme. Not my cup of tea (I am a Stan Kenton fan) but the music gave a lot of pleasure and memories to quite a few of elderly listeners I know. Now the BBC does not cater for them at all and they have stopped listening to the programme.

But the real problem is the BBC policy to chase audience ratings, forgetting its remit is to be uncommercial! Radio 2 has become a junior version of Radio 1. Older listeners, quite a considerable part of the population, are just conveniently forgotten.

The BBC is also arrogant, telling us what we should like. Have you ever heard a James Last disc played? No. He is not on the play list, nevermind that he has sold millions and millions of albums and given millions of music lovers enormous pleasure.

Phil Ander · 26-07-2009, 22:56

And malcolm has just said the show dated 26 July was his last. He was very professional about it. Anybody know why?

Phil Ander · 26-07-2009, 22:57

Sorry the last question should have read anybody know why he has been finished?

Robbie01 · 26-07-2009, 23:13

I'd like to know too. I enjoyed his programme. I'd imagine the BBC have decided his programme no longer fits the profile they want for Radio 2.

John W · 27-07-2009, 00:00

I am appalled to hear Malcolm Laycock say that this Sunday night's show was his last.

The poor guy is in a straight-jacket. Since Dec 2008 he had no say in the content of his show. He and his listeners love the pre-WWII British dance bands but Malcolm was told to drop that from his playlist in Dec 2008.

So, I suspect Malcolm has just had enough of his new producer or what his producer has been told to do.

Roy Oakshott was the BBC producer in the hey-day of the British dance bands music revival on R2. OK, Roy continues to provide us with excellent playlists on Russell Davies' show but in 2009 we have no dedicated British music programme for pre -1940 music, the era when British dance music was regarded as the best.

John

Mapperley Ridge · 27-07-2009, 08:13

I suspect the decision was made way above producer level. Or, perhaps Scott Nelson's campaigning is starting to have an effect?!

Phil Ander · 27-07-2009, 11:37

There is now information available on the Radio 2 message board.

It was Malcolm's decision to leave quoting personal reasons.Clare Teal was due to sit in for him as he was due to take some leave. This arrangement will run for 5 weeks during which a decision will be made about his long trem replacement.

There are some good local radio presenters who play Big band Music and I hope one of them gets the chance.

In the meantime all the best to Malcolm.

GeorgeS · 27-07-2009, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Ander

There are some good local radio presenters who play Big band Music and I hope one of them gets the chance.

I would think the BBC prefer big celeb names only now, so I would be shocked if they use a local presenter.

Phil Ander · 27-07-2009, 11:44

Good point George but given this is a specialist show I am struggling to think of a celeb with this sort of knowledge. Jools Holland perhaps? Although having heard the disaster that was Cilla Black's love songs nothing suprises me.

Alex Morgan · 27-07-2009, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Ander

Good point George but given this is a specialist show I am struggling to think of a celeb with this sort of knowledge. Jools Holland perhaps? Although having heard the disaster that was Cilla Black's love songs nothing suprises me.

John Barrowman????? LETS HOPE NOT!!!! I wonder wether Sundays on R2 are fit to change?????

GeorgeS · 27-07-2009, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Morgan

I wonder wether Sundays on R2 are fit to change?????

To what? I dont see how they can drop their [already minimal] commitment to a music type that still has a significant following in the UK. Of course the following do not spend their time posting on internet forums or writing to media guardian, but they deserve to be have their music respected just as much as anyone else.

Alex Morgan · 27-07-2009, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeS

To what? .

More up to date programming.

GeorgeS · 27-07-2009, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Morgan

More up to date programming.

Laycock's programme was recorded only a few days before transmission. How much more up to date do you want?

occy · 27-07-2009, 14:55

Quote:

Malcolm Laycock is indeed leaving Radio 2 and the Sunday night big band weekly show (2200pm – 2300pm)

The decision to leave was Malcolm's - Malcolm decided to leave BBC Radio 2 for personal reasons and everyone at Radio 2 respects his wishes, he’ll be greatly missed.

His words as said on air on Sunday night:

"And from me Malcolm Laycock, with great regret, I have to say that this is my last ‘Sunday Night at 10’ programme. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to sit in this chair every week for the last 14 years. I’ve made many friends through the programme, and many of you have been kind enough to write to me and send me messages of encouragement. Thank you – I’m going to miss our weekly get-togethers. And I must thank, too, my original producer Roy Oakshott, and my current producer Caroline Snook. So, finally, I leave you with the band who’ll be playing at the Concorde Club on Wednesday, the ‘Back to Basie’ Orchestra, and another classic – Neal Hefti’s "Flight of the Foo Birds". So for the last time – take care!"

Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2 and 6 Music says:

'We are sad that Malcolm has chosen to leave Radio 2 after 14 years of outstanding service as a well respected and much loved presenter and producer. We wish him all the very best of luck in the future.'

Will this mean the end of big band music on Radio 2?

Big band music will continue to have a place in the Radio 2 schedule. 'Sunday Night at 10' continues as does Big Band Special on Monday nights. In addition to our regular output, there will also be a three part series on the golden age of dance bands in the 1930s later in the year.

Who will replace Malcolm Laycock?

Clare Teal was due to present the show from Sunday 2 August for 5 weeks as Malcolm was due to take some leave; Clare will continue to present these shows as previously planned. We will announce a replacement presenter in due course.

I hope this information is helpful.

______________

With respect to the statement I wouldn't read much into it.

29-04-2009, 15:36	#1
Lee Morris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: not sure Services: talk 21 and freeserve anytime Posts: 489	Malcolm Laycock dies (Merged) Hi! All I just wondered if there is anyone who knows what is the situation with Malcolm Laycock on BBC Radio 2?, is he unwell or just on holiday. I know Radio 2 now has a new controllor and that changes and experiments can happen when new bosses do take over, but it just seems funny that Malcolm has not taken any time off since if I remember rightly he took over from Alan Dell. If you are unwell Malcolm then get well soon!. I look forward to answers. Thanks in advance.

29-04-2009, 15:42	#2
Mr Rigsby Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kent Services: Sky HD, and BT Broadband Home Hub Posts: 2,317	It does seem strange how Radio 2 has not said why Malcolm Laycock is off air for four weeks.

29-04-2009, 18:54	#4
Gildersleeve Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North East England Posts: 526	I thought Malcolm suggested he was on holiday as radio girl says but if he was ill he might not say for everyone to know.

29-04-2009, 20:36	#7
Mr Rigsby Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kent Services: Sky HD, and BT Broadband Home Hub Posts: 2,317	Malcolm Laycock should have had the decency to inform his listeners that he was taking a month off. Clearly, his absence has concerned some of his listeners.

30-04-2009, 07:13	#10
newsandmusic Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 18	An innovative broadcaster for over 30 years who has worked in both speech and music formats and knows his music inside out be it anything from big bands to soul or rock.... One of our radio gems, and IMO under used.

30-04-2009, 09:04	#11
Gildersleeve Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North East England Posts: 526	I thought that Malcolm was only on holiday myself...the original poster may've missed the broadast where Malcolm said he was off for a few weeks so only heard Clare where she says she is sitting in for him... So I was listening

07-05-2009, 00:38	#12
Otto Snel Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2	It seems to me that Malcolm and the programme's producer do not agree on the direction this programme is taking. These programmes are usually pre-recorded in batches of three or six. So the recordings could have covered Malcolm's holiday period. The last three programmes have been boring The last one in particular: Bands signature tunes, so predictable. And, unfortunately, are not helped by Clare, no doubt a big band lover, but not a presenter. She just reads the script probably written by the producer. I thought the old British dance band items interesting when Roy Oakshott produced the programme. Not my cup of tea (I am a Stan Kenton fan) but the music gave a lot of pleasure and memories to quite a few of elderly listeners I know. Now the BBC does not cater for them at all and they have stopped listening to the programme. But the real problem is the BBC policy to chase audience ratings, forgetting its remit is to be uncommercial! Radio 2 has become a junior version of Radio 1. Older listeners, quite a considerable part of the population, are just conveniently forgotten. The BBC is also arrogant, telling us what we should like. Have you ever heard a James Last disc played? No. He is not on the play list, nevermind that he has sold millions and millions of albums and given millions of music lovers enormous pleasure.

26-07-2009, 22:56	#13
Phil Ander Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 416	And malcolm has just said the show dated 26 July was his last. He was very professional about it. Anybody know why?

26-07-2009, 22:57	#14
Phil Ander Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 416	Sorry the last question should have read anybody know why he has been finished?

26-07-2009, 23:13	#15
Robbie01 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wearside Services: Sky, BT Broadband, Freeview Posts: 592	I'd like to know too. I enjoyed his programme. I'd imagine the BBC have decided his programme no longer fits the profile they want for Radio 2.

27-07-2009, 00:00	#16
John W Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 334	I am appalled to hear Malcolm Laycock say that this Sunday night's show was his last. The poor guy is in a straight-jacket. Since Dec 2008 he had no say in the content of his show. He and his listeners love the pre-WWII British dance bands but Malcolm was told to drop that from his playlist in Dec 2008. So, I suspect Malcolm has just had enough of his new producer or what his producer has been told to do. Roy Oakshott was the BBC producer in the hey-day of the British dance bands music revival on R2. OK, Roy continues to provide us with excellent playlists on Russell Davies' show but in 2009 we have no dedicated British music programme for pre -1940 music, the era when British dance music was regarded as the best. John

27-07-2009, 08:13	#17
Mapperley Ridge Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,088	I suspect the decision was made way above producer level. Or, perhaps Scott Nelson's campaigning is starting to have an effect?!

27-07-2009, 11:37	#18
Phil Ander Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 416	There is now information available on the Radio 2 message board. It was Malcolm's decision to leave quoting personal reasons.Clare Teal was due to sit in for him as he was due to take some leave. This arrangement will run for 5 weeks during which a decision will be made about his long trem replacement. There are some good local radio presenters who play Big band Music and I hope one of them gets the chance. In the meantime all the best to Malcolm.

27-07-2009, 11:44	#20
Phil Ander Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 416	Good point George but given this is a specialist show I am struggling to think of a celeb with this sort of knowledge. Jools Holland perhaps? Although having heard the disaster that was Cilla Black's love songs nothing suprises me.