Dead Air: station only plays songs by deceased

Tupac Shakur poses for a portrait at his home in Atlanta on May 5, 1993. (Photo by Chi Modu/diverseimages/Getty Images)

AS the world mourns the recent passing of music stars such as David Bowie, Keith Emerson, Glenn Frey, and Maurice White a new 24-hour radio station has hit the airwaves playing hits from dead musicians only.

The internet radio station, Radio Dead, plays songs from across the decades with the one proviso, the lead singer, or one of the group, must no longer be with us.

The station was the idea of former Capital and Virgin Radio DJ, Steve Penk.

“The immediate perception of this radio station, before listening to it, might be that it’s in bad taste, but the reality is a joyous radio station celebrating the music of so many brilliant artists who are sadly no longer with us,” he told Sky News.

“I want listeners to enjoy and remember the incredible music these artists have left behind, it’s a great, positive listen.”
Penk says the idea came to him earlier this year after a succession of talented music stars died.

He saw a gap in the market after listening to radio stations play the dead singer’s classic songs, before quickly returning to current hits.

“When I sat down to put the radio station together I was amazed at the list I was slowly building of dead music stars, and so many of them never get played on the radio anymore, how sad, what a tragedy,” said Penk.
The DJ, who also owns a radio station playing just windup phone calls, insists Radio Dead is not one of his famous pranks.

In an industry where ‘dead air’ is the last thing bosses want, he spent a long time considering the name.

“I could have called it something sugary and predictable, but then thought Radio Dead is a great name, it cuts through, it is what it is.”
“There is nothing negative or depressing about Radio Dead, it’s a positive, joyous celebration of amazing artists who’ve all left behind wonderful music, let’s not forget the great music they gave us.” SkyNews