Remembering Steve Wright
Scott presented the programme following the death of Steve Wright.
He described Steve as a broadcasting titan who made radio sound effortless while working harder than anybody.
Steve had created the blueprint for large, energetic radio that listeners did not want to switch off.
Scott said it would always be an honour to occupy the afternoon slot Steve had defined for so many years.
He acknowledged that everyone at Radio 2 had been floored by the news but said Steve would have wanted them to produce a good programme without fuss.
Listeners’ memories
Messages came from people who had listened to Steve at work, in cars and during difficult moments for decades.
A district nurse remembered returning to her car after sad visits and relying on Steve to make everything feel manageable again.
Other listeners described feeling they had lost a friend despite never meeting him.
Scott said that reaction demonstrated the power of what Steve had achieved on the radio.
Elton John’s tribute
Elton John revealed that Steve had helped secure his first UK number one.
Sacrifice had originally been issued alongside Healing Hands, but Steve championed it and encouraged the sides to be switched.
Elton credited that support with changing the single’s fortunes.
The Non-Stop Oldies
At three o’clock, Scott brought back Steve’s Non-Stop Oldies.
The half-hour featured songs associated with Steve and music he had loved.
Listeners remembered having their own selections played during earlier editions and thanked the programme for reviving the feature.
The BBC Concert Orchestra had also performed Steve’s theme during the Piano Room earlier in the day.
The Birthday Game: Gemma
Gemma turned 40 while hiking along the ridge of a volcanic crater in Gran Canaria.
She wanted 2000s rock, 1990s dance anthems or a power ballad.
Her first spin was Kenny Rogers’ Coward of the County. Gemma rejected it as insufficiently upbeat.
The second was Céline Dion’s Think Twice.
Scott reminded her that she had requested a power ballad, and Gemma chose to stop.
Her unused third song was Lily Allen’s The Fear.
Gemma remained happy with Céline and celebrated from the volcano.
Scott remembered first hearing Think Twice on American radio and recording it onto cassette, just as Steve used to record stations while travelling.
Handover
Scott handed over after the Non-Stop Oldies and a programme devoted to Steve Wright’s influence, humour and connection with listeners.
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