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.