Gary Davies’s birthday
Gary Davies joined Scott for a special early edition of the Birthday Game.
The 1984 Radio 1 calendar photograph that Scott had placed in pubs and sent into Back to the Future: The Musical was waiting in the studio.
Gary revealed that he had never liked the picture because the collar of his shirt had not been pulled properly over his jumper.
The small styling error had irritated him for decades, only for Scott to return the photograph to public attention.
Gary joked that Scott had become his head of public relations.
A birthday without fuss
Gary said he preferred a quiet birthday involving dinner with friends and good wine rather than a large celebration.
He shared 13 December with Taylor Swift, Sara Cox, Jamie Foxx, Dick Van Dyke and Blink-182’s Tom DeLonge.
Gary also promoted the touring live version of Sounds of the 80s, describing the radio and stage shows as Saturday-night parties built around the decade’s music.
The Birthday Game
Scott selected number-one records from Gary’s birthdays over the years.
The feature allowed Gary to approach the wheel with the knowledge of somebody who had spent his career introducing chart music.
The special also celebrated his continuing role on Radio 2 and his renewed cult status through Scott’s vintage-picture campaign.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter joined Scott to discuss his album Black Mona Lisa.
The singer, actor and Broadway star brought a highly theatrical energy to the studio.
Scott asked Billy for performance advice ahead of appearing in pantomime.
Billy demonstrated sounds and techniques designed to help him project and command the stage.
Scott delighted in being able to tell the rest of the cast that his notes had come directly from Billy Porter.
Billy discussed approaching music with the same dramatic commitment he brought to theatre and screen.
Listeners said his expressive noises and laughter had transformed difficult afternoons.
Retail workers at Christmas
Scott also began collecting messages celebrating people working in shops and supermarkets during the busiest and most stressful part of the year.
The idea had been inspired by Deacon Sue’s work supporting retail staff.
Handover
Scott handed over to birthday girl Sara Cox after celebrating both her and Gary Davies.
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