Gary Davies

Gary Davies is still pinching himself. His childhood dream to work for BBC Radio not only came true, but it teed up a 40-year career in music. That career came full circle in 2018 after an amazing audience response to him sitting in for both Sara Cox and Steve Wright on Radio 2. In May of that year, he was asked to take the helm of BBC Radio 2’s coveted Sounds Of The 80s Show full time. It had been 23 years since he left his Radio 1 show, but his passion and knowledge remained undimmed.

The perfect choice to host Sounds of the 80s, Davies’ star was at its peak in those heady days when he discovered and championed many of the acts that he now plays on the show. He was one of the first to offer mainstream support to the likes of U2, Chris Rea, Deacon Blue, Tears For Fears and Simple Minds. Gary Davies and his show in some ways defined the sounds of the 80s as he constantly sought out new music. As well as playing the huge hits, he also found space for more unusual acts; discovering the Gypsy Kings whilst on holiday in Ibiza and playing them on his radio show which led to them getting a UK record deal.