Brian May and the Save Planet Rock Campaign

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Brian May announced he was hoping to save the station, news that was most welcome to the listeners as yet another switch off deadline approached and there was still no news that the future of the station was secure.

Brian's sincerity and musical integrity was highly praised on the Planet Rock forums.

MRHECTIC summed up the general feeling well (04/06/08).

"Brian may does deserve a tribute and recognition for his support for planet rock! BRIAN MAY! WE LOVE YOU! THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS!"

Here's how events unfolded

The following was put on Brian May's website on 3rd May 2008..... (see here for original posting)

MISSION TO SAVE PLANET ROCK

In response to many of your kind enquiries .... yes, those few words on the Soapbox about Planet Rock DID lead to me getting involved in mounting a rescue operation to save the station. I can't tell you who I am 'in league' with, but I am part of a small group of people who have great hopes that we will succeed in taking over the station, and putting it on a firm footing, for the benefit of its growing audience.

I regard Planet Rock as rather more than just a radio station - it is a symbol of free radio ... radio which is not run by large corporate organisations for the purpose of making tons of money, and has a free choice of what it plays. I'm not going to run down any particular radio station - this country has some talented and dedicated people working in music radio ...

But I do feel that, for a healthy climate for music in this country, we need to allow small independent stations to exist alongside the huge FM giants. I listen to radio in my car, one of the few times I am 'in my own space' - and, for me, who grew up with Zeppelin, the Who, Hendrix, Traffic, AC/DC, Van Halen ... THE BEATLES ..... tell me, where can you hear music from these kinds of artists these days ? You'll have a hard job finding "Kashmir" flicking through the channels in the UK.

DAB Radio has had a brave start, and can provide freedom from domination by commercially minded programming, but it might, at this point, slip between the cracks. I believe this cause is worth supporting ... and will be doing my best to put my money and expertise) where my mouth is ! We hope to be able to make an announcement soon. In the meantime, of you agree with me ... Demand your Planet Rock !! Demand your DAB !!! !

Cheers
Bri

© brianmay.com

So there you have it......!

Let's keep our fingers crossed that Brian and his fellow investors can take over Planet Rock.

Brian May's Mission to Save Planet Rock

UPDATE: 14th May 2008
Brian May has updated his soapbox with the following Planet Rock related news:

PROGRESS IN SAVING PLANET ROCK ...."

Just a quiet update.

My partners and I, in the "Save Planet Rock" adventure, are getting close to an agreement with GCAP, and relations are cordial !!!

It has been a much bigger set of variables to sort out than any of us realised - and even now I can't tell you that it's certain there will be a deal struck ... but the will is there.

Thanks so much for your supportive messages ... I feel we may be about to enter the heart of a very passionate and thriving Rock Family. This is fascinating and challenging. Onwards !!

cheers
Bri
© brianmay.com


29th May 2008

News reaches us from the Brian May "SoapBox" that GCAP have SOLD Planet Rock to a third party - and NOT to the consortium lead by Brian May.

The full story will no doubt be made public, but Brian does not sound like a "happy bunny", having wasted time and effort to purchase the station, only to be told at the 11th hour that it has been sold to someone else....

Read what Brian has to say here

It looks like what would have been a "fairy-tale" ending for this story, now has a bizarre new "twist" to it....

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Published 06/06/08
Added: 06/06/08