Galaxy International - a galaxy of 90's shortwave favourites

Recordings of Galaxy International, a collective of free radio operators from the 1990's transmitting quite literally out in the field, have been aired over the bank holiday on 6925 KHz. Is this a precursor to the station's re-emergence? We'll have to see.

I am loathed to attempt to encapsulate what true free radio spirit consisted of, but here goes. Broadcasting live from cars from remote countryside locations within Central England, Galaxy presenters would often authenticate the experience for listeners by commenting on strong-smelling manure, and curious hikers marvelling at aerials strung between neighbouring trees. Redolent of Weekend Music Radio's golden years, telephone calls were taken live to air without filter or predictability of what might be said.

Consisting of Radio Blackbeard's Dave Norris, Paul Stuart from the mysterious Station Sierra Sierra and Mark Perry who was better known in FM circles, Galaxy would also number fellow free radio legend Bill Lewis as an occasionally visitor behind the mic. 

Originally on air in the late-90's, Galaxy rarely if ever put out a strong signal but with a limit of perhaps 60 watts, nor would they be expected to. The technical limitations of broadcasting remotely are manifold, with getting on air at all being a feat in itself. It is ironic that this weekend's recordings of live programmes from at least 25 years ago benefited from a far stronger signal, more reminiscent of Live Wire Radio than Station Sierra Sierra.

Being fond of their dance music, the Galaxy trio would often favour tracks from Capella, David Morales, and Pete Heller, who I will always synonymously link to the station. For Station Sierra Sierra, Kim Appleby's Don't Worry was the station's calling card.  

I couldn't say for certain when the only iteration to date of Galaxy International finished broadcasting; my uneducated guess would suggest the early 2000's, although I did step away from listening during 2002 until at least 2015. Could there be a reboot? Archive recordings put out there would suggest to be a precursor to new beginnings, or maybe it is pure mischief making. 

Either way, it certainly adds welcome intrigue to the UK shortwave free radio scene, and takes those of us who 'were there' back in time as if it was merely yesterday. 

For clarity, Galaxy International are unconnected to Radio Galaxy International from the late 1980's and early 1990's, a station operated by Paul Watt that morphed into the well-known Radio Merlin. 

Bittersweet free radio memories of April Fool's Day & Easter

Well, it is that time of year again when April Fools Day (almost) coincides with Eastertime, which back in the day represented some interesting listening times for those of us who enjoyed shortwave free radio from the UK.

Some of the more elusive and ephemeral stations operating during the late 1980s until the latter part of the 90s would also be intriguingly named. Who could forget Voice of the Leek, Groovy Granny, Wee Guy Radio, and Voice of the Gout Sufferers?

Some of the above were synonymous with the 1st of April, whilst others would pop up seemingly on a whim. For example, Wee Guy would materialise on April Fool's Day, I believe on one occasion 'mysteriously' hijacking the multi-frequency transmitters of Radio Fax. Those that know, know. 

The allegedly Welsh-leaning Voice of the Leek was sadly jut a little before my time, although the recordings I've since heard bring into question whether broadcasts actually emanated from the principality. However, so what? A dose of harmless levity does us all good. 

Groovy Granny ran during the latter stages of the 1990s until I believe the very early years of the millennium. As ever, I'm happy to be corrected by those with greater knowledge than mine. The broadcasts were not particularly my cup of Darjeeling, but I say well done for trying something different, however niche. 

As with Wee Guy Radio, Voice of the Gout Sufferers had an alter ego, the venerable Alan Hayes of Scotland's Radio Gloria International which itself was always a good listen. However, I was probably in my mid-teenage years when I last heard Alan on 48 metres. VOGS would generally pop up to QSO with Weekend Music Radio, whose live broadcasts had that special something that is sadly lacking from pre-recorded material, although Jack Russel is the consummate creator of loop programming. 

Eastertime obviously brings a four-day weekend, and subject to conditions ample opportunities to hear free radio favourites. Live Wire Radio, Radio Confusion(latterly Subterranean Sounds), Britain Radio International, Ozone Radio(Eire), Radio Orion, and West & North Kent Radio are the names that instantly spring to mind of stations who could almost be relied upon to be there on demand at some point over Easter. 

Were they great days? Well, then I was in my teens but now am in my late forties, so what sounded new, exciting, and edgy back in the day might not do to a cynical adult now staring down the barrel of becoming 50. However, in the moment, listening to UK-based free radio stations on shortwave and as with the 1989-1992 rave scene will always be something I fondly remember. Yes, I was an early starter. 

Fast forward to today and whilst I haven't tuned in at all during 2026 and am now unlikely to do so again, I wonder what became of the operators of those short-lived but fun stations, as well as the operators behind stations analogous with my heyday of listening, periods of time I would narrow down to be 1990-1992 and 1994-1997. 

Has free radio really changed much in the last 30 years? Insomuch that the ideals behind unlicensed broadcasting remain the same I would assume not so much, but technology has changed us all, as well as the way radio programmes are put together, broadcast, and listened to. 

I would also suggest that the average age of operators is much higher than it was in the early 1990s, with some of those who were then active and indeed 'around' during the 1980s still going strong, but it no longer seems to be a hobby that a younger person would enter into. In that sense the future of free radio is uncertain but who knows, all it might take is for a broadcast to go viral on TikTok for a new generation to become aware of the scene. Moving with the times is not a phrase I care for, but doing so might just give shortwave free radio a shot in the arm.

My best wishes to those still out there in free radio land. As ever, memories and links to recordings & QSL cards from the 1990s are welcome in the comment section.

Supermarket Soundtrack 2026: More Reasons to Shop at Morrison's?

Post-Christmas gloom is never more evident than in the supermarket. The realisation that festive shopping won't stretch any further than the first few days of January ensures a reluctant return to the emporia we'd quite happily never visit again.

Paranoid overbuying by supermarkets means there are bargain to be had in the first week of January - whether anyone wants them or not! Really, though, there are only so many tubs of Celebrations and Pringles one can bear to look at, even at low low January prices, but represent an early threat to any New Year's Resolutions.

So, back to Morrison's we went, for what would be a drawn out 'big shop'. However, despite my reservations about choosing what is obviously a fading supermarket over the nearby behemoth Tesco and notwithstanding a butcher with very vocal Tourette's Syndrome, Morrison's 'Radio' is usually a good listen. And so it proved.

For those with an ear for these things, all supermarkets as well as the likes of Superdrug and Home Bargains play tracks that should you stay for a certain length of time are almost guaranteed to be heard on every visit. Whilst some gems were heard in Morrison's, some 'old favourites' were never far away:

Future Islands - A Dream of You and Me

The Box Tops - The Letter

Sam Sparro - Black and Gold

The Clash - Rock the Casbah

Take That - Pray

George Harrison -My Sweet Lord

Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity

Tina Turner - What's Love Got to do With It

Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart

Toni Basil - Hey Mickey

Cher - Shoop Shoop Song (It's in his Kiss)

Olly Murs - Wrapped Up

I was somewhat reluctant to include some of the more egregious of the above but as ever, remain steadfast in reporting 'the warts and all' of supermarket muzak. 

Of the aforementioned I would say that Hey Mickey is my guilty pleasure, whilst anything by Olly Murs and Take That should come with a health warning. By the way - Toni Basil is now 82!

In conclusion, I would give Morrisons' a better-than-average 8 out of 10 for who/whatever chooses its aural entertainment. As always, other supermarkets are available.