Key Highlights
- Brian Hayes, a prominent figure in British radio, has passed away at the age of 87.
- Hayes helped to revolutionize radio phone-in formats during his career spanning five decades.
- The influential presenter was known for his conversational and sometimes confrontational interviewing style.
- Brian Hayes is remembered by colleagues for his impact on broadcasting and for treating callers with respect.
Legacy of a Radio Legend: Brian Hayes Passes Away at 87
BBC radio and LBC presenter Brian Hayes has died at the age of 87, leaving behind an enduring legacy in British broadcasting. Known for his pioneering work in phone-in formats and his distinctive interviewing style, Hayes transformed how listeners engaged with their favorite stations.
The Man Behind the Microphone: A Career in Conversation
Brian Hayes’ journey into radio began in Australia, where he honed his craft before moving to the UK in the early 1970s. His career took off when he joined Capital Radio in 1973 as a producer and then moved on air, marking the beginning of what would become a hallmark of British broadcasting.
Hayes is best remembered for his role at LBC from 1976 onwards, where he hosted the influential morning interview and phone-in show. His approach was unapologetically direct, often challenging callers who approached the microphone with less than polished arguments.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2003, Hayes reflected on his methods:
“In my years at the station I interviewed many heroes and villains, including political, trade union and business movers and shakers, the greatest writers, musicians, performers and, of course, the informed, loveable and infuriating Londoners who flooded the phone lines ready to tell the rest of us how the world should be organised. And they were even prepared for me to argue them into a corner.”
A Legend in His Own Time: Tributes and Reflections
Colleagues like Steve Allen and Jonathan Perry paid tribute to Hayes, describing him as a “legend” and recalling his impact on the radio landscape. Allen broke the news of his passing on X, stating:
“Brian Hayes has passed away, what a legend RIP.”
Perry added his sentiments, noting that Hayes had been battling increasing frailty for several years but was still active until recently:
“Very sad to hear the news that my friend and former LBC radio colleague Brian Hayes passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday morning. Brian had been battling with increasing frailty for several years now, but up until this year was still able to get out and about with a bit of help and a taxi. RIP Brian.”
From Phones to Programs: Hayes’ Broad Impact
Beyond LBC, Hayes moved on to BBC Radio 2 in the 1990s where he presented “Good Morning UK!” and later “Hayes over Britain,” both highly successful phone-in programs. His influence extended into other platforms as well, including BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 4. Hayes returned to LBC for Sunday night slots, continuing his influential presence in the broadcasting world.
As a testament to his impact on modern day broadcasters, talkTV’s Mark Dolan highlighted Hayes’ lasting legacy:
“Ruthlessly impatient with his callers, he treated them as equals to the prime minister.” Dave Pearce, a dance DJ, also commended Hayes for his LBC show, noting its “must-listen” status.
BBC Radio 2’s head of programming, Helen Thomas, echoed these sentiments:
We were saddened to hear of the passing of the former Radio 2 presenter Brian Hayes.
He was much loved by our listeners. We send our condolences to his family at this sad time.
Brian Hayes’ career spanned five decades and saw him transform radio phone-in formats, leaving an indelible mark on British broadcasting. His approach to journalism and interaction with callers has influenced generations of broadcasters who continue to learn from his methods.
