About

In 2010, Mark Lamarr quietly stepped away from the BBC, bringing an end to his much-loved radio shows Shake, Rattle and Roll, Reggae, Alternative Sixties and God’s Jukebox. For fans of his deep-cut selections and encyclopaedic knowledge of music, his departure felt like the loss of one of the last true champions of the overlooked and under-appreciated.

Mark’s shows stood apart from the usual BBC Radio output. He wasn’t interested in following trends or catering to demographics—his focus was on the music itself. Whether it was rock & roll, soul, reggae, country, or obscure oddities from across the decades, he curated his playlists with a passion that was both infectious and uncompromising. His shows weren’t just about playing records; they were about telling stories, unearthing forgotten gems, and sharing music that otherwise wouldn’t get airplay.

His love for music extended far beyond the BBC. Before his radio career, he was known for championing alternative sounds on The Word and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, where he regularly called out music industry hype. On the radio, he had the freedom to dive even deeper, shining a light on records that had been ignored or forgotten. His playlists could move seamlessly from vintage rockabilly to deep soul, from roots reggae to left-field country, all delivered with an encyclopaedic knowledge and a dry sense of humour.

Since leaving the BBC, Mark has largely stepped away from broadcasting and public life, making only rare appearances. But for those who tuned in to his shows, his impact remains. He was more than just a DJ—he was a curator, an educator, and a true believer in the power of great music, no matter how obscure.

That’s why we’ve archived the shows, making them available for new listeners to discover and for long-time fans to revisit. Whether you’re hearing them for the first time or reliving them years later, they remain as vital, surprising, and full of life as when they first aired.