Birmingham radio station BRMB to return to airwaves as Brummies share fond memories

Iconic Birmingham radio station BRMB is set to return to our airwaves.

Ofcom has approved the name change of Big City Radio to BRMB. It is set to broadcast on 89.1 FM and DAB in the West Midlands from September 4, with Big City Radio moving their service to online only.

Paul Ellery, the programme director at Wyvern in Worcester, has been tasked with bringing the radio station back to life. He will be joined by Andre Stewart Daniel, Mikey Faulkner, Phil Oldershaw and more to work on the programme.

Birmingham’s popular BRMB station, which initially launched in 1974 was rebranded in 2012 as Free Radio Birmingham. BRMB was just the fourth independent local commercial radio station to begin broadcasting in Britain after LBC, Capital London and Radio Clyde.

The late sports broadcaster Tony Butler also worked for BRMB in the 1970s before moving to the BBC. Many Brummies are delighted that the iconic station is returning to the city.

We asked BirminghamWorld’s readers on Facebook for their favourite memories of the radio show. Here are the responses we got.

Memories of Birmingham’s BRMB radio

Caroline McTaggart said: “Used to listen to Romantica on BRMB as a teenager. Also remember winning free tickets to see The Breakfast Club at the ABC cinema (where McDonalds is now) and the Simple Minds album! Loved BRMB.” Dawn Holnes wrote: “Eye in the Sky.... (radio game show) I won a place for 3 people with the pilot and Jimmy Franks.”

Mark Roberts, said: “Opening the windows on Sapphire Tower just enough so the sun would reflect in to the BRMB studios, then wait for one of the presenters to ask live on air to shut the windows.”

Bridget McGeoghegan wrote: “I loved listening to John Slater. He introduced me to so many local bands and I won many phone in competitions to gigs such as Big Country, Tears for Fears and 5 star!” Bernadette Andrea added: “Round the world calls.”

Mandy O’Toole replied: “Get out of Bed. Les Ross breakfast station. & the shout out for Birthdays. Oh & of course Tony Butler & his football commentary.” Johanna Street said: “Les Ross, Tomorrow Never Comes.”

Sheila Smither wrote: “It was a brilliant station. Les Ross breakfast show was my favourite.” Malcolm Allen said: “Phil Holden , who sadly passed away last year , always made me smile with his comments. On one occasion he sat in the studio while on air playing music and in between records he was munching on a bag of crisps and asking how peoples days had gone and discussing the meaning of life. Happy days indeed.”

Colin Jennings wrote: “Fiendish quiz with nick meanwell on a Friday was good. John Slater was excellent in the evening in the late 80s.” Dave Tango Hughes said: “Les Ross, Charlie and Ian danter. As well as Robin Valk and Tom Ross.”

Lesley Long said: “Find the phone box (radio game show) on Sunday mornings.... won a holiday to Greece amongst other things!.” Linda Clarke said: “Tony Butler was brillant. Lovely Brummie radio at its best for local people.” Ivan Clarke said: “Sunday nights with Graham Torrington. Terrific show.”

Sue Quarterman said: “Listening to Tony Butler one Saturday afternoon and he went live to the reporter at one of the grounds for an update and a random voice said ‘..... Tone he’s pi***d off....’ still cracks me up.”