Radio Rewind - BBC Radio 1 People - Dave Lee Travis

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» Dave Lee Travis

A thoughtful Dave in 1968

A strange looking Dave in 1978

At the 1975 Radio 1 Production

Saloon Car Championship

DLT (centre) with Bob Harris (L)

and Nicky Campbell (R) Circa 1990

Literally, snooker on the radio...

Dave in 2000

Early Days

Born in Buxton, Derbyshire in 1945, Dave began his working career as a designer of shop interiors, photographer and club DJ in the Manchester area. In 1964 he toured America with Herman's Hermits and joined Radio Caroline South on his return to England. He hosted his own show there for two and a half years until the ship was blown aground in early 1965.

Radio 1

Following TV work on Germany's 'Beat Club' pop programme, in late 1967 Dave joined the BBC to host the Thursday lunchtime show 'Pop North' shortly after the launch of Radio 1. He presented the weekday lunchtime show (early 70's), teatime show 'It's DLT OK!' (from 1975) breakfast show (May 1978 to Dec 1980) and the weekend mid-morning show (83-93). He invented the unusual but highly popular feature 'snooker on the radio' on his weekend show.

Clubbing

Occasionally known for expressing his viewpoint on the air, Dave was almost taken off the air on one occasion when he expressed concerns live on air over seal clubbing, encouraging listeners to complete a protest form in the daily newspaper.

(Above) Dave enjoyed drag-racing at Santa Pod during the 1970's.

He published a book in the 1980's of celebrity photographs, called 'A Bit of a Star'. DLT's interests include photography and classic cars.

Dave's light hearted and relaxed presentation style brought him a loyal Radio 1 audience for over 25 years.

Bye Bye Beeb

Dave became unhappy with new policy changes at Radio 1 and he famously resigned on air in August 1993, (he was due to leave in ten weeks' time when his contract expired). He offered his services to Radio 2 Management who declined. However, he continued to present 'A Jolly Good Show' on the BBC World service until 2001. His weekend morning slot was replaced with Danny Baker.

It is interesting to note that the audience figures for the Saturday morning show formerly hosted by Dave fell from by 700,000 in less than a year. Dave was heard on local 'Classic Gold' radio stations in the UK until 9th Mar 2002.

Dave currently lives with his wife in Buckinghamshire.

Since March 9th 2003 Dave Lee Travis has presented a Sunday morning 9-12 am show for BBC Three Counties Radio (DLT's own local BBC station!).

EL TRAVIS

It was announced in March 2005 that Spain's largest English language station - Spectrum FM, signed DLT for the Saturday morning 9am - 12pm show. Ed Stewart already presents the weekday afternoon show on the station.

That's Magic

He joined Newcastle's Magic AM 1152 in the UK during July 2006 to present a Saturday Morning Show 10am - 1pm.

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Audio© BBC

DLT Ident by Keith Skues 1969

Blue Mink Live 1969

Play an Old Timer Trail 1969

Tired due to moon landing (1969)

The following clips are taken from a Dave Lee Travis mid- morning show 4th October 1970

Start of Show - Fast Moving Radio (1.5 mins)

Remembers Miming on TOTP (1.5 mins)

Introducing Julie Felix (0.5 mins)

Complaint from a Listener in Cardiff (2.5 mins)

Big Load of... 1970

'Alien Idiot' Trail 1970