Talk ’90s to me Radio 1's most chaotic decade – with Mark Radcliffe of 'Mark and Lard'
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Sep 29, 2025 Mark Radcliffe, veteran radio DJ and one half of the iconic duo Mark and Lard, reflects on his whirlwind tenure at Radio 1 in the '90s. He shares tales of surreal humor, tabloid scrutiny, and the challenges of filling Chris Evans' shoes. Diving into relationships with pop legends like Kylie Minogue and David Bowie, Mark unveils the creative chaos that characterized their Breakfast Show. He also discusses his later projects, including his light-hearted book about dogs, illustrating his enduring love for radio and music.
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How Major Reforms Opened New Radio Space
- Matthew Bannister's overhaul of Radio 1 in the early 1990s cleared space for new voices and formats.
- The shake-up was radical but opened opportunity for experimental shows like Mark and Lard's late-night slot.
Late-Night Show Was A Private Club
- Mark describes their graveyard show as a small team basically making themselves laugh for national radio.
- They treated it like an 'internet' of discovery before the web existed, with guests on books, films and cult topics.
How They Tried To Avoid Breakfast
- Mark and Lard tried to avoid doing the Radio 1 Breakfast show by asking for higher pay and to remain in Manchester.
- Their ploy failed and they found themselves stuck with the high-profile breakfast slot.
