Rock Legend Cooper To Hit Virgin Radio Tonight
Virgin Radio’s digital spin-off station, Virgin Radio Classic Rock, begins broadcasting live programming today, with rock megastar Alice Cooper among the station’s first presenters of live content.
The station’s live programming is designed to broaden its appeal and create a more tangible brand identity. The addition of Cooper to its lineup will see the iconic rocker bring his own style and personality to the station every weeknight from 6pm until 10pm.
Cooper’s new show will mix the greatest songs from the biggest bands with his first-hand knowledge of the rock industry. Amongst those on his playlist are Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, The Who and the Rolling Stones.
“Virgin Radio Classic Rock has a great vibe and I can’t wait to get started,” the rock legend said. “It’s a real buzz to be one of the first ever DJs on this station – I’m looking forward to getting the joint rocking!”
Paul Jackson, acting chief executive at Virgin Radio added: “Bringing Alice Cooper to UK airwaves is an absolute honour – this guy is a living rock legend and completes a phenomenal line-up for Virgin Radio Classic Rock. His stage presence will transfer well to radio, and will make this show unmissable. The next staff party is going to be wild!”
Cooper will follow Gordon Loncaster’s afternoon slot on Classic Rock, running from 2pm to 6pm. Loncaster is another of the station’s new additions, joining from an established rock background as a DJ in the Midlands.
Virgin announced the launch of live programming on the station earlier this month (see Virgin To Boost Rock Station With Live Output). The station has seen its weekly reach slip slightly in the three months to March, however, losing 3% period on period compared to the last three months of 2004.
The station now commands a weekly reach of 160,000, but has seen its average hours per listener increase by 26.1%, with listeners proving loyal to the station and listening for longer to notch up an average of 5.8 hours per week each.
Virgin Radio: 020 7434 1215 www.virginradio.co.uk