Dread Broadcasting Corporation
1980s pirate radio station in West London
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Dread Broadcasting Corporation, also known as DBC, was a 1980s West London pirate radio station which is credited as Britain's first black music pirate radio station.[1]
History
It broadcast from the Neasden and Ladbroke Grove areas, and was founded by DJ Lepke (born Leroy Anderson)[2][3] in the autumn of 1980.[4][5][6] Originally broadcasting on AM, it moved to FM at the end of 1981.[7] DBC would play reggae, lovers rock, African, soul, and funk.
Ranking Miss P (sister of Lepke) would originally start out on DBC, eventually moving onto a long career at the BBC.[8] Guest shows would include the likes of Joe Strummer from the band The Clash, Neneh Cherry and author Lloyd Bradley.[9]
Miss P, commenting on the station at the time: "There's never been a station run like DBC. Our format allows us to play music that would otherwise never be heard publicly. We create movement within the industry."[10]
The station featured on the BBC's Oxford Road Show programme in January 1982,[11] and a 1982 episode of London Weekend Televisions The London Programme.
DBC would eventually cease broadcasting in autumn 1984.[4]
Discography
- Striving To Be Free / It's A Sign 12" (DBC, 1982)
- Dread Broadcasting Corporation 2xCD (Trojan Records, 2004)