From: Steve Bamford
Subject: 2SM Top !00
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2002

Debbie,

I've just visited your web page, well done! My prime teenage years were the early 70's and 2SM was the only station that existed as far as my friends and I were concerned.
I have some material that might be of interest, photocopys of the 2SM top 100 song lists from the posters for 1970, 1971, 1972, 1978 and one undated (riddled with Abba songs, 1976?)
These were obtained from Wayne Mac in Canberra.
He swapped me a recording of the program for all day 1st January 1974, playing the top 100 of 1973, commercials, news, celeb. guests which I have converted to mp3 format on a CD. There are also have recordings of songs I made off 2SM with an old reel to reel tape recorder in 1973-74 on CD in mp3 format which includes some commercials, DJs and station IDs when I forgot to stop the tape.
I was wondering if you would have any info on the 2SM top 100's for any other years for the late 60's or 70's? I can send a copy of the CDs if you want.

Steve Bamford

From: MCCARDELL,Wayne
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002
Subject: A Site to behold

Hi Debbie

About your remarkable Website.  Where do I start?

A bloke I know named Steve Bamford sent me your link. As you know he’s interested in 2SM charts and that’s why he contacted me in Canberra some years back. Me? I’m a radio historian. A kind of Glenn A Baker of Australian commercial radio, or so some people say. I grew up in Sydney and cut my radio teeth on 2SM and 2UW. In later years I became a jock and a PD.  Even worked at UW briefly in 1980/81.  Ron E was my boss.  Been out of the biz since 1989. Now an Audio/Visual Unit Manger in the Commonwealth Dept of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

But this note is not so much about me. I just wanted to thank you so much for the OUTSTANDING job you’ve done with the 2SM section of your Site. I’ve seen many radio station tributes all over the world but yours is a work of art. So clean, so detailed and so accurate. That last point is often overlooked by fan Sites. Through their excitement they get things wrong.

Very best regards and once again congrats Debbie for your excellent tribute to a truly ‘REMARKABLE’ radio station. What a pity 2SM exists today in such ruin.

Wayne Mac

P.S.  McCardell is my full name. Radio people only know me by my old DJ name of Wayne Mac.  2SM trivia questions. What is Ron E Sparx real Christian name? By what other ‘hyphenated’ surname would we know Alan Steele?

From: Chris McLenaghan
Subject: Hi Debbie.
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002

Hi Debbie.

My friend Wayne McCardell alerted me to your web page today. My God, I got goose bumps reading your tribute to what Wayne and I refer to as "The Sacred Station". We gave 2SM that handle in reference to its Catholic connection. I grew up in a Catholic family in the Sydney suburb of Allawah and 2SM was there for me from Day 1.

I was 43 yo in May this year, so I remember 2SM from it's days in the early 60's as "Top of the Dial, Radio 2SM", with the Beatlemania thing as my earliest 2SM memory. The '70's of course were the best period for SM, with 1978 the standout as you say.

Wayne has been researching the Top 40 era of Australian Radio for many years now, with 2SM a feature of this. I should let him go into the detail, but I understand that he has mentioned that he has been assisting Screensound Australia with some work with the 2SM tape library, for that's where all the "sacred" material is now, down here in Canberra. I helped Wayne a little with that, including some very nostalgic cataloguing of some promo's from the late 70's.

I look forward to hearing from you in future. Congratulations on a marvellous website. 2SM deserves to have this place in Aussie cyberspace !!!

Warm regards,
(Mr) Chris McLenaghan

From: Jim Forbes
Subject: 2sm pages
Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002

hi - i just stumbled across your 2sm shrine - thanks, and well done. while i was but a wee chap (having been born in 1975), i well remember the glory days - not in the least because the ever-silly Honourable Nick's my uncle. i can vaguely remember his bursting out of a cake at luna park (1979 i think) to celebrate something to do with the station - monocle and all... He's been running a removalist business for years now, imaginatively named 'Jones' Taxi Trucks'.

From: Sainner
Subject: Ballad of Lady Di
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2002

Hi.Congatulations on your site, it's very well done and easy to read.
Unfortunately, as I grew up in Melbourne, a lot of it was lost on me.(We had 3XY)
However I remembered the song " The Ballad of Lady Di".
The short clip on your site gave me a chuckle and brought back a few memories.

Thank you,
Bill K.

From: Graeme Stone
Subject: Love your 2SM Site
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002

Hi Deb

I too was a huge 2SM fan during this memorable period of the mid to late 70's. In fact it influenced my decision to join the radio ranks in 78 starting at 2GO gosford. In 81 Ron E Sparx asked me to join the team at 2UW where I hosted nights for 3 years.

Thanks again for all the great memories.

Graeme Stone

From: Mark Newstead
Subject: 2SM Web Site
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002

Dear Debbie,

Just received Wayne McCardell's  preview reference to your outstanding website. Congratulations, you have made a significant contribution to what was ubiquitous yet is ephemeral in our archives. Your passion, clear writing and organisation are a powerful tribute to our mutual time with 2SM.

I'm based in Melbourne, but also started listening to 2SM from the days of 1964 when I heard Mad Mel and Beatlemania whilst on holiday as a 14 y.o. with friends of the family in Dee Why. Like you listening to 2NX, 2HD used to relay 2SM late at night, and in those days it was the only way to listen to 2SM in Melbourne, 2SM's 1270 being blasted out by the signal from Melbourne's talk station 3AW at 1280. I was lucky enough to live in Sydney in the last 6 months of 1976, and although I was employed by 87 2GB, 2SM was unquestionably the benchmark which we didn't come close to challenging.

I've just skimmed through the extensive site: like opening a good bottle of wine or anticipating a good book I look forward l to savouring what looks like a luxurious indulgence of unique specialisation.

Thanks again for such a brilliant job of conservation and the chance to liberate the memories.

Mark Newstead

From: John Simmons
Subject: The 2SM Page
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie,

Wayne sent me your site and it looks great. Well done.

I was at SM in 68 in news for a year before getting back on air as a Jock in Canberra, then Newcastle and became the first Jock to go to air on  “More Music 3XY” following Trevor Smith who was APD.( I was on air as John Scott, Holger Brockman was Bill Drake etc etc)

SM/XY/IP it was a very exciting time and to some extent we didn’t realize it at the time but we were making history and didnt know it..

You mentioned Wayne has helped you and indeed he has helped me with some research on a book I have just finished on XY and the staff lineup at 2SM in those days. All I need now is a publisher!

Not sure how I can help unless its about the earlier days of TWOSM but the line up is a veritable whos who. Production with Rod Thomas Tony Poulsen Music/Programming with John Brennan, Garvin Rutherford (GM) Bill Stephenson (GM).

As you may know Ian MacRae is doing breakfast  for us at Radio 2 1611 AM and Hon Nick does a bit for us on a Saturday Morning.

Please email me if you think I can help with further info.

Regards
John Simmons

From: Sharon Donaldson
Subject: thank you
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie

Wayne Mac sent me your website to look at the 2SM history.
My husband, Brad, was a DJ on 2SM for a short while, and after reading through your website, it almost felt as though I was hearing him talk too....~! He loved that era and 2SM and it was his dream to work on 2SM and he did.

Thank you for putting together the history...it was great.

Take care
Sharon

From: Anne Smith
Subject: Your 2SM Web Page
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie:

Wayne Mac directed me to your web page and it is just magic. I don't know whether Wayne mentioned me to you but I have been liaising with him for the past couple of years since I tripped over him on the internet. I actually finally got to meet him a couple of weeks ago when he was in Sydney. We both went to dinner with one of my Sydney Uni Psychology Professors, who is a bit of a Radio buff and also an old 2SM-o-phile, who has been Bob Rogers' unofficial research assistant lately.

My Dad was Bill Stephenson who was the General Manager of 2SM in its earlier heyday in the 60s and the one who started the whole 2SM ball rolling, getting it up to No 1 against all odds, with such drawbacks as being owned by the Catholic Church, having an audience of 0 when he started, and being at the wrong end of the dial. He started his radio career at 2UE in the 40s after being with the Railways Department since he left school! He started at 2SM in the 50s and the rest is history! I did a paper entitled "Bill Stephenson - 2SM's Original Good Guy" for a Community History Cert Course I did at Uni NSW, which was at the time preparatory to writing a book on the History of 2SM. But its been on the backburner while I finished an MA in Public History at UTS, from which I will graduate next year. Out of this I now have a commission to write my old school history, and a paid research assistant job for another book, so Dad is still on the backburner, but I still keep gathering info. The years after he retired (which was in 1974) were all a bit daunting so it was wonderful to see the whole thing laid out so beautifully.

If you would like a copy of my paper for your records - please let me know. (I got a HD!) And on the strength of it the Department asked me to join them when they moved to UTS and to consider doing a PhD!! Someone in the US picked up on it via the internet and asked me to speak at a Cultural Heritage Conference at the Marriott in San Diego in the Radio History section. Scarily I went! It was a great experience but strange to be talking about 2SM over there! Dad had a lot to do with Radio Ratings and had even showed the yanks a thing or two as Radio in Oz was more advanced than in the US in his time. They had been devastated by the introduction of TV, but we had had time to learn from their mistakes. Dad got an OBE for his services to broadcasting but because he was "behind the scenes" was not so well known as the DJs. Just about anyone who is anyone in Radio now still fondly recall their dealings with Dad. A great lot of the the names you refer to all got their start because of Dad and his enthusiasm and encouragement in the early days!

When he retired the 'techos' put together a video of his life at 2SM with a theme of Farewell Uncle Bill You know we love you still (sung to the tune of Farewell Auntie Jack if you remember it?). There's lots of priceless footage and stills of the 'olden' days with some young photos of the early Good Guys including your hero Ian MacRae. Lovely fella isn't he? Screenscound now have a copy for posterity!

My paper covers the 40s, 50s and 60s and you seem to have picked up right were I began fizzling out...

Kind regards
Anne Smith

From: Ian MacRae
Subject: 2SM site.
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie.

I've just been pointed to your 2SM site by radio consultant David Rogerson who currently, would you believe, is in Barcelona.

Congratulations on a terrific job. It's obviously taken a lot of work and time.

Sorry Debbie. No Disco Chook. Like a lot of the stuff from that era it was never kept (as far as I know).

We didn't for a second believe at the time that our comedy stuff would still have a use all these years down the track so we'd usually just tape over it with new stuff. Heck, it was just a radio show!

By the way, if you'd like to subscribe to my free e-letter The Radio Wave which goes out to radio people world-wide every three weeks just send a blank email to: radiowave@allaboutradio.net.

You can see back issues at: www.allaboutradio.net and click on archives.

Once again...congratulations.

Regards,

Ian MacRae

From: Gregg Sinclair
Subject: TWOSOME
Date: Thur, 14 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie,

Congratulations on a fantastic site! My good mate Wayne Mac alerted me to your efforts some weeks ago, and, well I thought it about time to say 'well done'.

I, like you, have a great fondness (if that's the right word) for that once great icon of Australian broadcasting. In fact, I worked there briefly in '75 as a 'cart boy' and part time driver of the 'Denim Bugs' (remember them?). The status of 2SM in those days was such that you would get mobbed just driving these things around — I mean there was a great awareness of, and genuine passion for, the radio station.

I became a devotee during the 'Good Guy' era of the mid 60's. The station went a bit 'wobbly' towards the end of the decade by doing the 'King Radio' format, and, after a bit of 'talkback' for a while, good (programming) sense prevailed!

I remember vividly when 2SM changed to the 'More Music' format at the end of 1968. Now this was something else! Reverb, bags of 'compression', hype — totally different to anything we'd been accustomed to prior in Sydney radio.

And so into the 70's we went!

I, like every other radio 'wannabe', would front up to 257 Clarence Street during school holidays and stand transfixed watching the guys on air, just wishing one of them would invite me into the studio. These were the days when 'punters' were welcome, indeed, encouraged to watch the goings on — a time when there was something to watch, i.e. the guys cueing records on turntables, putting carts into cart decks, cueing up tape recorders, timing out - generally putting the show 'together'. Somehow, watching an announcer sit in front of a computer screen today doesn't hold the same fascination!

But, back to your site. I guess the temptation for a lot of people when they instigate a similar project is to 'set and forget'. I've seen numerous 'tribute' sites that, once they're up and running, never get updated. Yours seems to be an constant 'work in progress'. I think you've done a marvellous job and I commend you for taking the time to document this piece of broadcasting history.

Best regards,

Gregg Sinclair

From: Graham Hasler
Subject: 2SMemories
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2002

Hi Debbie,

Graham here ... fanx for the trip down memory lane ... I too was a great fan from the late 60's onwards ... when I first got listening to radio ... and the first time I ever visited a radio station was at 257 Clarence Street ...

I made many trips there ... and eventually ... thanks to the help of John Brennan, Rod Muir and John Burnley especially ... got my big break in the radio industry ... and ... even more surprising ... was actually offered a job there in 1976!!! (Steve Blanda had something to do with that part!) At the time I was at 2LF Young ... a network affiliate station ...

I stayed for 2 fabulous years ... as a "newshound" ... working with many of the guys you mentioned ... plus Laurie Oakes ... I ended up as Afternoon New Editor producing the network news for 10 provincial and country stations ... plus assisting John Tingle too (no he didn't talk guns to me either!)

Anyway, in 1978 after the move to Blues Point Road ... I was asked to move to 3XY to help do the same sorts of things with their news service too ... I'm still in Melbourne ... having later moved to FOX FM (which was part owned by SM ... so I was part of the family for many years ... more than a decade ... probably about 12 years ...) I was always intending to go back to SM ... but then its very sad demise ... and the fact I was having a ball in Melbourne ... meant I stayed here ...

anyway ... I still come back to Sydney town ... will be there for Christmas ... as my wife and I both have family there ...

you've obviously put a lot of effort into your web-page ... got most facts right ... and I'm sure you've helped to stimulate lots of great memories for lots of people ... both former staff and listeners ...

it's ironic to find your website right now ... I'm in the process of selling some of my accumulated memorabilia from 2SM ... who knows, maybe some of your readers could be interested ...

anyway ... better get back to work now ... good to talk to you ...

as they say in the classics, "fanx for the memories!"

bibi

Graham

From: McCrea-Steele
Subject: Hello
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002

Vanishing into obscurity. My former English teacher would have a field day with that one. I really think you have done a great job with your site, it has obviously taken a lot of work. I would like to add some info if you are interested.

Alan Steele xxx (you dag)

** Still waiting, Alan!

From: Ken Francis
Subject: The 70's
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003

Hi Debbie,

Wayne Mac put me in touch with your site. I wish i had more time but I don't so very quickly, for now............WOW. FANTASTIC!!!!!!! I grew up in Melbourne and 3XY was to me what 2SM was to you. Unfortunately I was a bit younger than yourself in that time (I'm about to turn 35 so I was still in single figures in those days!) so my memories are from a slightly more child like view but so much of what you say touches me! I went into 3XY, (with Dad), I loved all the jocks, Sherbet concerts were the best (with Mum), Daryl lives round the corner and is a great mate, I miss Shirley so much, recently ran off some old video memories for some of the Hooks and am about to do the same for the guys from Ol'55 who recently reformed for some killer shows down here!......I went on to do a community radio show based on the magic days of XY.......the jocks would visit or phone in.......they'd record I.D's..... I'd play the old jingles and even interviewed Daryl for what became the six hour long History Of Sherbet special, and even then we only got up to the Howzat! album before I quit the station. I love the way you have kept so much. I too have some of my old concert tickets. Sherbet at Festival Hall on the Photoplay tour with Dragon and Redhouse (on pink cardboard) is one of my most treasured items. As I say, I wish I had more time but..........I will keep checking your website. What memories, what great photos, what sensational travels, what a great life and if you don't mind me saying so........what a spunk!

Long live the 70's! Happy New Year......have a great 2003XY!!!!!!

Ken Francis

From: Jason Drummond
Subject: 2SM Website
Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2003

Hi Debbie,

Just thought I would send you a little note to say what a great job you did on your web site.

Even though I am 26, I too can remember the final "heydays" at 2SM. I have always wanted to be a radio DJ, but I am sure you know how the story goes.
I was lucky enough to do work experience at 2SM in 1991. Its funny how some of your dates remind me of how everything seemed to fall apart that year.
Early in 1991, my Mum won the "name the 5 songs" competition on Grant Goulbourn's afternoon program and the prize was a Yamaha CD player. (I still have it and it still works well). As I was in year 10 that year, we had to do 2 weeks of work experience. Naturally, I wanted to go to 2SM, and I was lucky enough to get in. The approval came through in Feburary, but my work experience time was not until October of that year.
By the time I got there, I was no longer listening to 2SM myself, the station just wasnt the same - I like yourself had moved to 2DAYFM.
I can not remember the names myself of all the people who were on air, but I do remember Gareth McGray (I think thats how you spell it) was doing breakfast and I did run into Tim Webster a few times while I was there. I really did want to meet Grant Goulbourn, but he had left by then.

The thing that did have me chuffed was that you needed a special keytag to gain access to the "DJ floor" other wise you would have to go through reception 1 floor below. (Was it levels 15 & 16?)
When you spoke of the Glass Tower, it made me smile - WHAT A VIEW FROM STUDIO 1!! There is nothing like sitting in the chair and pushing the buttons while the sun sets and the bridge and city starts to light up.

I share your feelings when you speak about the demise of 2SM. Its a shame that it has now become a "hub" for country station programming. Mind you, I have had a few friends who have managed to get their foot in the door of comercial radio thanks to the new 2SM, three of them still work there today.
Who knows, maybe on day 2SM will get an FM licence (like 102.7 - bit close to ABC but hey its the same numbers) and shine again.

Once again great work - I will spread the link around and check back every now and then to see whats happening.

Cheers

Jason Drummond

From: George Moore
Subject: 2SM history
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003

Hi Debbie

Just had a quick look at your 2SM history , and will have a more leisurely look over it later. Well done. One small date, I left 2SM in April 1983 ( I resigned on April Fools day ... a very sad day) , and started at 2DAY FM 18th April 1983.

Regards

George Moore

From: Ian Winter
Subject: Common Interest
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003

Dear Debbie,

I was doing some research when I came across your website, Its just wonderful to see so much interesting stuff about 2SM and Ian MacRae, I was one of the crazy people who used to ring him up and tell him jokes etc. My pseudonym was "Mister Park".

I got the "Good News Week" theme going when I rang him one morning complaining about all the bad news at newstime, I suggested using Hedgehoppers annonymous" It's Good News Week" and also suggested getting the listeners to ring in with good news stories.

I also did a deplorable impersonation of Molly Meldrum but my most famous trick was the invention of "Superchicken" You may not remember it because it only lasted for Nine episodes before I ran out of ideas, I would write the material the evening before and then ring it through early the next morning, he would then put the chicken noises etc over the top and replay it while I was driving to work, it was a lot of fun.

I have a record by the Rooty Hill R.S.L. band called Tower of Strength, Ian used to plug it a fair bit on his show. some of these great memories are talked about in a book I have just finished.

Another character I remember around that time was "Ken Tuckey" the real estate man, he was very funny as was the Hon Nick etc. I sent him a very clever card with Cartoon Characters in an Operating Theatre, I gave all of them names from his "Doctor Mack sketch and even included a bottle of Green Medicine, I hope he still has it somewhere, it was totally appropriate and every character fitted perfectly.

It's been a buzz sharing some memories with you Debbie

Yours Faithfully Ian Winter [ I.J. Winter]

From: Collette McGrath
Subject: I was a 2SM addict too!
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003

Hi Debbie, Ron E was kind enough to forward the link to your website to me after I emailed him with my requests from the 70's!!! What a brilliant effort!

I'm so jealous that you actually went in to the 2SM building and met the DJs! One of my friends from school had a huge crush on Alan Steele, she used to ring him when he was on night shift and talk to him for hours! She went in and met him once, she was underage though! Ron E was my favourite, I cut his picture out of the TV Times and stuck in on my school folder, along with pictures of Mi-Sex, Jimmy And The Boys, Graham Parker etc. Not sure what the nuns thought of it!

My friends and I used to go to ALL the free concerts 2SM put on, as well as the big New Years concert at the Opera House each year, the Death To Disco concert at Castle Hill (1979), and anything else that was going. The highlight of my teenage years was the Peter Frampton concert at the SCG, I've still got my ticket in an album. He's supposed to be coming out this April (Enmore Theatre) but nothing confirmed yet. I'll be there front and centre. I remember the night some idiot threw a can at the Opera House stage and knocked out Doc Neeson, and Molly coming out and announcing that there would be no more concerts because of it.

I used to listen to 2SM as much as possible, and long into the night, especially when Ron E was on night shift. After I read your web site I dug out an old cassette which I remembered might have a Hon Nick Jones song on it, it's "(Malcolm) Fraser I've Been Watching You", it's absolutely hilarious! I must have taped it off the radio one morning. Remember his other songs, like Wran's Our Man, he understands, what a gullible lot you are! And that other one to the tune of Living Next Door to Alice? I wish I could remember the words to that one. He and Ian Macrae were so funny. Do you remember listening to the Rocktober theme song and waiting for the name of your suburb to come up?

I even had a dark navy felt hat too, just like your black one!

Wasn't the 70's just the greatest vibe? I had the best time. Even now, when I go into a record shop I end up coming out with a best of some seventies act, like Steely Dan, or Chicago, or 10cc. I didn't have any money back then because I was in high school, so I'm making up for it now. We went and saw (Russell) Morris, (Jim) Keayes and (Daryl) Cotton last year, they were awesome, especially Russell of course. Occasionally you see JPY in the gig guide too, but I haven't seen him for years. I still love going to see live music, and luckily some of my friends have stayed the same too, so I've always got some company.

Just loved your website.

All the best,

Collette McGrath :)

From: Bert Geerdink
Subject: 2sm
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003

Hello

I came across the 2SM website by accident

I will always remember 2SM and Ian McRae.
In the seventies i worked for the NSW railways and provided train information for the morning radio programmes including Ian's 2sm.
In addition my car radio was always tuned to 1270.
I was a passenger on the train that came to grief at Granville in Jan 77 and was very much lucky to be alive.
The next day whilst on my way to work in my wife's car, Ian commented on how life should go on and played Maureen McGoverns "there' s got to be a morning after". I cried.
You don't hear the song too often anymore but when I do hear it I always remember that morning

Cheers

Bert Geerdink

From: John Carroll
Subject: to the days when I had hair!
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003

Hi Debbie

I have just had a look at your site and in particular the 2SM pages. I have to say I am still laughing at the photo you have of me (1978) ! Struth where did I get that hair!!!!!! FYI I am still in contact with Lee from Chicago and I believe they MIGHT be touring later this year.

Cheers

jc

From: Ian Wright
Subject: The once great 2SM
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003

Greetings from Victor Harbor South Australia, Debbie. my long time friend Wayne Mac steered me onto your excellent 2SM web site and you've done and continue to do a knockout job in the 1270 nostalgia arena. as I was saying to Wayne last week, isn't it ironical, you've got your project well and truly fired up and the current 2SM website has been "under construction" for years !!!

I've been in commercial radio for 32 years this year and my memories of 2SM in both the 70's and 60's ( "home of the Good Guys" ) are vivid and very gratifying. i really enjoyed your recent lengthy interview with Barry Chapman who I haven't seen in about 30 years...we both worked on-air at 3LK ( 3WM ) Horsham around 1973 and boarded at the same lodgings. ask Barry about the early morning 'phone calls to Newcastle , he had a mate who was doing 'mid-dawn' on 2NX when Barry was getting ready to do 'breakfast' on 3LK !

I could go on and on but won't, except to say as a young bloke growing up in sydney and later Port Macquarie, my many 2SM visits to both Clarence Street and Blues Point Road were truly a real radio experience.

All the best in 2003 Debbie and again well done with your very professional 'time warp' on the once great 2SM.

Ian wright, 5DN Adelaide.

From: Janine
Subject: 2SM gigs
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2003

Hi Deb, looking at youre site and it is so fantastic. I so wish I still had all my memorobilia. One thing though, I hate to do. But because everything you have done is so perfect in detail I will let you know. The gig with TMG, ACDC etc on the floating barge wasnt off the Opera House. The stage was actually in harbour near North Sydney Olympic Pool. I was there and thats where it was. I remember that Sherbet gig at Victoria Park when it was rained out the week previously. When Sherbet finally came onstage, a combination of excitement and heat stroke, I collapsed. And was in the St John ambulance tent the entire set.

Loved the Opera House one with Shirl, Stars and Finch. Remember when Shirl wouldn't play until some goose climbed down off one of the Opera House sails. Shirl was only wearing white stubbbies. Those were the days. Anyway Deb , might catch you on the Daryl Braithwaite site.

Janine (Bean)

From: Doug Garske
Subject: good memories
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003

Debbie

Just stumbled on your website. Totally by accident and via the 2SM page.

Thought I'd drop you a line...

I worked at 2SM 1983-86 with the likes of Ian Grace, Charlie Fox, Skins, Wolf, Peter Ryan, Phil Lentz, Johno and Dano, and Club Veg.

Tony Moltzen was the boss then - and then Peter Hill

I became the producer of the Johno & Dano Breaky show for a while...

Good memories.....

Doug

From: Andrew Bayley
Subject: 2SM Website
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003

Hi,

There was a link to your website via the aus.radio.broadcast newsgroup and I want to say congratulations on an outstanding effort on the 2SM and the other media history pages, I found it very interesting. I've never lived in Sydney but your memories of 2SM reminded me of my own teenage days listening to 3XY (although my XY days were a bit later into the 80s) . I've got somewhere a newspaper article from 1988 which signalled 2SM's change from 'rock' to 'lite n easy' (3XY followed the same path about 6 months later). You may already have this but if you're interested I can try and scan it for you.

Although not related to radio, I have my own website you may be interested in http://go.to/televisionau with the history of Australian TV.

Congrats once again on such a great website

Cheers
Andrew.

From: Steve
Subject: Halceyon days
Date: Wed, 7 May 2003
Hi,

My formative musical years were between 1975 and 1982 and 2SM, Countdown, Sounds,Nightmoves 2JJ etc were compulsory listening/viewing for me.
I too sat for my HSC in 1979 and was distracted many a time by these evil influences.
Your website is incredible and has evoked many memories, especially of some gigs from late 1979 to 82 when I was unleashed onto the pub rock scene. This was a truly magnificent era, one which surely can never be repeated again due to RBT, pokies, fire safety regulations...

As a fellow devotee of this era I must let you know of a radio program I stumbled across on Sunday nights.
It is on 2KY of all places and stars Donnie Sutherland reprising his Sounds program featuring all the hits from the 75 -87 as well as live and recorded interviews with stars of the day as well as contemporary artists without being blatantly nostalgic.

One again congratulations on your labour of love.

Steve

From: Rick March
Subject: 2SM
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003

Hi Debbie,

My name is Rick March, I live on the central coast but grew up in Sydney and listened to 2SM & 2UW from about 1971-1980.

Your page is fantastic. Are there any other audio clips available from that era,sure sounds good to hear those familiar voices again.

I had a lot on radio bits and jingles recorded on cassette tapes from 1971 on but they were stolen.

Anyway,thanks again for the memories and look forward to your reply.

Thanks

Rick

From: Geoff Field
Subject: hello
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003

Hi Debbie

Stumbled across your site by accident
Loved the stuff about 2SM..and all the info on things like Sounds,
Flashez, etc
I just had to let you know how good it is :)

I'm the afternoon newsreader at 2 DAYFM..I take over from the legendary
Whitey !!!
I'll show him your page tommorow..i'm sure he'll be stoked !!

Geoff

From: Dunan Kimball
Subject: 2SM
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003

Dear Debbie,

I just want to say that your 2SM page is a fantastic effort and an invaluable addition to the history of Australia’s popular culture in the 60s and 70s. There is precious little about Aussie radio on the Web and my hat is off to you (and the great Wayne Mac) for your pioneering efforts. Looks great, chock-a-block with fab snaps, tons of fascinating detail, and your affectionate perspective as a dyed-in-the-wool 2SM junkie gives it a wonderful personal touch. How the heck can you remember so much?? I’m impressed! You must have led a virtuous life!

BTW I was especially impressed by and interested in your interview with Barry Chapman. It’s refreshingly frank – the outrageous story of his sacking was a real eye-opener – and it’s an invaluable insider view by one of the genuine movers and shakers of Aussie radio –it could have been three times longer and I’d still want more!

Your site is doubly valuable to me, not only because I’m very interested in every aspect of the pop culture and social history of that era (and thanks for putting in a link to Milesago!) but also because of my own experiences.

I was brought up on the ABC (our parents forbade us to listen to commercial radio or even own pop records!) so I was a relative late-comer to pop music – my first ever concert was the Queen show in 1976 that you attended (I was 17). I still have the program and ticket!

I rarely heard 2SM and to be honest I tended to avoid the commercial stations completely, mainly because by the time I was getting into music, Double Jay had come into my life. I was a Jays baby from Day One on 19 Jan. 1975 and without question my attitudes and musical interests have been very much shaped by the ABC in general and Double Jay in particular.

Because of those personal factors I have, I confess, always looked down on commercial radio and to be frank I still find it impossible to listen to – I just can’t stand the inane chatter and the repetition and (ugh) the ads. But … as an historan it was really instructive for me to read about the life and times of this very important station, written by a dedicated fan and someone for whom 2SM obviously exerted a great influence in their life and career. It might not have changed my overall opinion of commercial radio as a medium, but it certainly made me realise that many of the people involved deserve more respect and recognition and that there is a great deal that went on behind the scenes that merits much more detailed study (and I sure hope Anne Smith finishes that book about her dad!)

Another thing your pages made me appreciate -- and I really congratulate you on this -- was what a solid supporter of local music 2SM was, especially in the late 70s under Barry Chapman. Your account of the free gigs, especially the Concert of the Decade, is superb. I have to say that, whatever people think of Barry, all Aussie music fans should bow down before him in gratitude for putting that show together *and* making sure it was recorded and filmed. And the lineup … well it makes Long Way To The Top look like a high-school talent night! I sincerely hope that this material has all survived intact and will someday emerge as a DVD package (now there’s a retirement project Barry could get his teeth into – maybe he could even get old Rod Muir to step down off his towering wallet and put some bucks into it for old times’ sake? (Just kidding .. sorta) “Historic” doesn’t even come close … I recently saw the clip of Stevie Wright doing “Evie” on MusicMax and it’s still a totally electrifying experience. Those WERE the days indeed …

Anyway, congrats on a top-notch effort -- I really hope it inspires others to record their own recollections of their own favourite stations around the country. It has certainly prompted me to get stuck into finishing a feature for Milesago about the first year of Double Jay!

All the best

Duncan Kimball

From: Graham Miles
Subject: 2SM
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003

Hi Debbie,

Found your website mentioned on the back of Jock's Journal, so had to click on. I am Production Manager of 2VM/NOW at Moree, and we,of course, are owned by 2SM.

I must congratulate you on a fantastic piece of work. It'll take me yonks to get through it all.

I worked with David White at 2LF Young back in the 1960's, and John Simmons (Scott) was there too. We all applied for jobs at 2SM, they made it {eventually}, but I didn't. Sent a tape to John Brennan, who was PD at the time, but didn't even get a reply. I met John at Wagga a few years later and mentioned this, he was most apologetic. One of nature's gentlemen is JB.

Incidentally, I started in radio in 1957 at the age of 16 as a panel operator at 3AW Melbourne, and one of my collegue panel operators was Ian MacRae! I started before him and when he came along I had to train him. He was a livewire and a ball of energy even then, we all knew he'd go far.

In 1974, I left Young to work at the Sunshine Coast Radio Station at Nambour Qld, so lost touch with what Sydney radio was doing, although I remember 4IP, after moving from Ipswich to Brisbane, was a clone of 2SM.

Your website will no doubt give me quite a few pleasant evenings remembering the "good old days" Well done.

Graham Miles
Moree NSW.

From: Guy Ashford
Subject: 2SM
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2003

Hi Debbie,

Being 41 year young just like every radio listener in Sydney I too was a 2SM (1270 not 1269!!!!) mad fan and always dreamed of one day being the guy who was sitting behind the glass window spinning the fantastic black plastic hoping to sound like Gordon O'Byrne or Ron.E. Sparx !!! (sorry Ron). I just want to thank you for sharing those fantastic memories of  2SM with us....by the way I actually made it onto the Googy O'Byrne request show on the very first day that 2SM moved into the new glass tower in Blues Point Rd... I requested Blue Suede "Hooked on a Feeling" it's something that i'll never forget. My childhood dream came true in 1980 when I became an announcer at 2LF Young..... and eventually at 2SM (in the glass tower) twice 1993/94 and 97/98.

Guy Ashford

From: Tracy Randall
Subject: Concert of The Decade - Any News?
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003

Hi Debbie

I was wondering if anyone has responded regarding a video copy of Concert of The Decade?

If you do hear of anything please, please, please let me know, I would love to have a copy. I have many clips of Sherbet that I would be more than happy to share with you if you don't already have them. I also was a huge fan. I am originally from Sydney and loved 2SM, moved to Melbourne and my radio dial was permanently glued to 3XY. I love reading your pages, they really take me back.

Thanks
Tracy Randall

From: Gavin Oughton
Subject: Your 2SM History
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003

Loved the History work you did re 2SM! Great work.
There must be a way of making that once great station great again. It's still great in it's own way.

Well done!
Gavin

From: Frank Calabrese
Subject: 2SM
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003

Hi Debbie,

Have been looking over your site and have been most impressed with your obsession with 2SM. Even though I'm in WA I'm glad that someone is prepared to document the "Golden Era" of Top 40 radio in this country - today's excuse for "Top 40" radio is a pale imitation of what 2SM (and 6PM here in Perth, another station programmed by Rod Muir) were.

I have in my collection a video of an ABC schools broadcast made on Ian Mcrae's breakfast show from 1980. It features the imfamous "2SM lays down More albums" TV ad and features heaps of behind the scene stuff and interviews with Barry Chapman, Steve Leibman, The Hon Nick Jones and Ian himself. It also shows a "programming meeting" in which Barry and his assistant Program /Manager, The Music Director and his sidekick listening to The Angels No Secrets and rocky Burnette's Tired of toeing the line - all excellent stuff. I'll try and get the video transferred to VCD format and would be most happy to burn you a copy of the resultant VCD :-)

Once again, congratulations on an excellent site and hope that you continue to update it.

Frank

From: Ed Doolan
Subject: Mad Mel
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003

Hi Debbie

Fascinating stuff. I was searching the web for a mention of 2SM's Mad Mel and discovered you.

I knew Mel when I used to assist (unpaid of course) on his show in the days of the big stars at the stadium. I used to do voices on his show (a non-pc Japanese midget called "Yoki" dominated - sending up the Yokahama Tyre ads). Had the pleasure of knowing Tony Withers, Mike Walsh, John Thompson.

I have been searching for Mel, as he fed my love of radio and a 33 year career - the last 21 years being with the BBC in Birmingham UK. I'm sure I owe him lunch.

Drop me a line -- I'll be doing three x three hour shows for the BBC out of Sydney and Perth in Jan-Feb and it would be great to chat with you.

With best wishes

Ed Doolan

From: Richard Dinnen
Subject: WOW!!!
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2003

Debbie:

I just discovered your site -- it's magic. I'm gonna spend all weekend enjoying it.

I grew up in Sydney and was hooked on 2SM from late 60s onwards. I ended up working in radio, these days doing drive for the ABC in Cairns, and a lot of what I heard on SM back then still inspires me now.

It's wonderful that you've taken the time to document all of this. One thing that has to be said about Australian media is that we're crap at documenting our own history. Good on you for doing this.

Best wishes

Richard Dinnen
ABC Radio Cairns

From: Ray Shoostovian
Subject: hi
Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2003

Hello deb how you doing …….came across the 2SM site it is just great.
It brought back a lot of memories for me …I use to work there…just a matter of interest did u work there at 2SM deb…..your face looks familiar.
If you are interested I have some SM memorabilia for u to utilize …great work deb.
Rock n roll ray da wookie and it was great to see those old faces n crew who some of them are still around ….all the best………..keep up the good work.
Ps pity I missed the SM reunion……….actually I was speaking to mike drayson the other day.

From: Mark Chapman Smith
Subject: 2SM
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2003

Hi Debbie
My good friend Peter Tate (Station X Web Station and ex community aspirant Gold Coast) sent me a link for you page regarding those amazing days at 2SM in the late seventies.
What a host of memories for my wife and self , scrolling through your site.
I have been operating my own narrowcast country music station Heartland FM on the Gold Coast in Tamworth and have 14 other licenses in Qld and NSW regional areas.
I left 2SM to do nights a 2WS for several years and returned to 2SM with Gracie as PD for a couple of years, hard to remember how long.
These were the most fantastic days for me in radio and thank you for creating your amazing site.
Keep up the great work.

Regards

Mark Chapman Smith
878FM Tamworth, Glen Innes, Gunnedah
95.9FM Roma 102.1 Mithchell.

From: Ian Grace
Subject: 2SM
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003

Debbie,

Wayne Mac directed me to your site… I notice that you state the demise of 2SM was in 1982… clearly you did not hear the station… or see the ratings… or have any knowledge of the “Rock of the 80’s”. Following a selection of Program Directors, who I won’t bother to name , whose only claim to fame, was that they could program a radio station with absolutely no competition and make it look good… faced with FM competition… they were completely and utterly out of their depth and proved it.

The rock of the 80’s completely reversed the fortunes of 2SM… constantly beat 2Day FM… a point you seem to have forgotten and from the beginning of 1983, went from a 6 share to a 10 share in mid 84, one single tenth of a point behind Triple M… pioneered new modern rock in Australia and set the trend for most of the FM formatics that prevailed today in this country.

I don’t mind reading all about 2SM… however, in 82 it did go down the drain… in 83/84 it consistently beat its FM competitor in 2Day FM and likewise shook Triple M out of its complacency as well… I don’t mind reading about history… I just don’t like seeing it being rewritten.

Ian Grace

From: Ray Arthur
Subject: 2SM
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003

Dear Debbie

Well done on the 2SM site. All those memories and all those names from the past. 2SM was the reason I got into radio and still enjoy a profession from something I would have done as a hobby.

I'm glad to see Ian Grace has set the record straight about 2SM in the 80's. I was there as a DJ along with Charlie Fox, Geoff Holland (Skinz), Phil Lentz, Club Veg, Dave Carlson, Juliette Brodski, etc. with the 'Rock of The 80's' and it was a happening station, not only on air but in the ratings.

It makes me sad to see its state now.

Ray Arthur
London

From: Arthur Stevens
Subject: the debsite
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2003

Fascinating!

Interesting catching up your spin on my old mate MacRae.....

Well done lady!

ah yes, those mid-70's in Sydney - I was the Videotape editor at the time for one Graham Webb and Sounds Unlimted. Ah you took me back!

Artie

From: Chris Tanner
Subject: Punkz
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003

Debbie,

The best I can remind you of "Punkz" is that they used to be called Cheetah, and before that Jasper. Their lead singer was a guy named Lee (Peter) Emmett who lived next to me in Balmain and used to renovate houses to make a buck as the band never really hit the heights. They were popular around the pubs, and I used to see them a bit at Chequers.

Love your 2SM website ... brought back a lot of memories.

Chris Tanner

From: David Radford
Subject: Your Site
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003

Hi Debbie,

Great site! I found the pieces on the early radio days especially enjoyable. I am in Victoria and I can remember hanging out after high school for it to get dark because that was the only time I could pick up 2SM. No digital tuning in those days! It was a matter of fiddling with the dial until the signal was reasonable.

I am seeking audio clips (jingles / interviews etc) on EON-FM which broadcast in Melbourne in the 80s. Any ideas where I can source some files? These are for my own personal collection and interest.

Regards,

David Radford

From: John Gambrill
Subject: A Decade of Australian Hits LP plus other memories.
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003

1. By chance found your website this evening. Had always been fascinated by 2SM right from the days of the Good Guys in 1963-4, the switch to talk-back in the middle 60s, then back to middle of the road in the later 60s (they would play the first half of "Hey Jude" and other 'slow tempo' chart hits), before a return to classic pop in '69.

2. Others may have discussed it earlier, but 2SM produced one of the earliest Australian artist pop music compilations around 1971 called "A Decade of Australian Hits 1960-1970". It included spoken intros from the artists (JOK, Col Joye, Seekers, Johhny Farnham etc) plus 2sm mini-jingles. You no doubt are aware of it, and presumably have a copy. I managed to transfer it to tape before donating it and other Australian artists vinyl material to Screensound. I have subsequently transferred it to CD. If you do NOT have a copy, but would like one (for research purposes only of course) let me know.

3. 2SM also produced a detailed audio history of Australian popular music in (I think) the very early 1970s, which was broadcast over a weekend.

4. "Keymania" was a great promotion around 1964 (I think repeated a couple of times later in the decade). A key was hidden in a public place (usually a park) and cryptic clues given to its location. I still remember clearly rushing round Anzac Park in West Ryde shining my torch in a totally useless fashion.

Kind regards

John Gambrill

From: Pete Brandtman
Subject: 2SM
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003

Hi Deb, found your page by accident, great stuff. I like you followed the radio scene in the 70's went to all the 2SM free concerts, i even had a scrap book remember the SM and UW top 40 charts photos of the jocks on the back i had them all !!!!!

Now lost.

I've been in radio 15 years now, money's lousy love the job though

Once again great site. Alan Steele yep loved that perm , but must admit Kobe was more my style

see ya

Pete Brandtman 2ST Nowra

From: Scott Adlington
Subject: 2sm flashbacks
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003

Debbie,

I really enjoyed reading your comprehensive history on 2SM. It brought back some fond memories.

Am I right in thinking though that Father Peter was on 2SM on Sunday nights? I used to enjoy laying back and listening to people calling in as I'd go to sleep on a Sunday after I'd either listened or been to watch the Balmain Tigers play. I remember once, a friend of mine's mother called in to him complaining about her family life. Very uncomfortable, even for an 11 year old.

Thanks again for the page though.

Scott

From: Paul Bryce
Subject: help wanted
Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003

Dear Debbie,

I am a visually impaired freelance broadcaster based here in the UK. Looking at your pages I have found them quite fascinating. The story of 2SM is similar to that of so many great radio stations of the time both in Australia and elsewhere, and I can honestly say that we will probably never see radio presented that way anywhere in the world.

I wonder if you can tell me where you got the clip of "the ballad of lady Di" from as I have been desperately looking for a copy for myself.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Sincerely

Paul Bryce.

From: Christopher S. Dunne
Subject: from USA
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2003
Hello Debbie,

Greetings from the U.S. I was referred to your page by the aus.radio.broadcast newsgroup.

2SM must have been interesting. 2SM mailed me a few Top 40 surveys in 1976/77....sorry, I don't have them anymore. They also sent me a poster (something about surfing, 2SM & Coca-Cola) in 1978...I don't have that either.

Just like there in Oz, FM has been eating up the music formats from AM (I guess it started here around 1980). AM has gone talk for the most part.

Hey...have you ever heard of <http://www.reelradio.com>http://www.reelradio.com ? They post on Real Audio clips from the heyday of Top 40 radio, mostly from the 60s, but some from other decades. There are no Australian station clips there yet, to my recollection.

BTW, I visited Sydney in 2002 for the Hillsong (Church) Conference. I had a great time there.

I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely
Christopher Dunne

From: Karen Lawler
Subject: Remembering Rocktober!
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003

Thankyou, thankyou...what a great website! Such memories!...those were the days. 2SM was the only thing that kept us going and gave us a bit of freedom. I listened to 2SM all night , every night and any other time I could get away with it.
I remember going to Victoria park and the Opera house (as well as the Showground several times for ACDC because of the bad weather). Got sent out of class several times for making travel arrangements to Roctober venues with friends.
I was Madly in love with Marc Hunter...blown away by Thin Lizzy and you wouldn't believe how that Wha Koo song has stuck in my mind all these years!!
Another thing that sticks in my mind was a girlfriend being punched in the face by some guy because she ashed her cigarette on him while singing hysterically...shortly before the Angels were pelted by beer bottles! Shit happens...but apart from that there was something special back then.
Thanks again for a great website,
Cheers
Karen(a 70's schoolie!)

From: James Glendenning
Subject: Charlie Fox & Andy Church
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003

Hi Debbie,

I have enjoyed looking at your website on the old days of 2SM,( Bring them back)

Charlie Fox & Andy Church are both working at The Basement.com.au , Charlie is the webmaster /Program director and Andy is the music Director.

Charlie knows about your site as i sent it to him some time ago and he was blown away by it, he said "This is Scary"

All The Best.

James Glendenning
www.hawkradio.org.au

From: Frank Maiuolo
Subject: Wow, well done....
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2004

Debbie,

At the risk of sound like a gushing fool, I would like to compliment you on the depth of your 2SM webpage and the success of your career. I too, was a starry eyed youngster in awe of 2SM. The difference being, that you went onto achieve all I would have liked to and the closest I got was doing work experience at 2SM in Year 9 (3rd form).

You're right, that in those days 2SM was more a way of life rather than just a radio station. Your summation captures that era beautifully. The days when you were loyal to either Holden of Ford, Sherbet or Skyhooks, 2SM or 2UW. It was also the days when the Australian media actively promoted and encouraged Australian talent (eg Concert of the Decade), as opposed to the modern day saturation of American crap on both radio and television.

I did work experience at the 'glass palace' in 1980. Amidst being allowed to experience a sample of numerous departments, I sat in with Mike Drayson on-air for a while. This was during their 1270 AM = Album Music phase. I was allowed to take a few photos around the station too!

Other promotions (you didn't mention) that ran around that time were Battle of the Sounds, Fantasic Plastic and (egotisical) Ian Grace's short lived attempt at the simultaneous TV broadcast, WROK. Then there was the identity shift over summer to 2SM - The Power (with accompanying jingle) and never forgetting Macca's daily ritual song ('Today's Monday, today's Monday, Monday is washing day is everbody 'appy? You betcha life we are'), his annual April Fool's pranks, including the introduction of Metric Time and song spoofs like Mulligan's Tyres 'the tread's on the inside' (Mull of Kintyre).

My remaining high school years were marked by the 2SM v 2UW war raging between my group of friends. Pencil cases and folders displayed to which station your alliegance lay and the battle was on between Macrae and Ian Melbourne. I also remember being shoked to learn that 2SM's frequency is actually 1269, when digital displays on radios came into existence.

Thank you for reawakening a 20 year old very fond memory.

Regards,

Frank Maiuolo

From: Jamie Sims
Subject: Your 2SM Web-Site
Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004

Thanks Debbie, I have spent more time on this web-site than any other. I too was a 2SM Junkie, it WAS my life I listened as much as I could.I sat in the bath for hours listening to Allan Steele, Graham Rogers etc. I went to most of the free concerts especially the concert of the decade,the floating stage at Kirribilli & VictoriaPark, with Hush etc. The only radio station I have ever visited is 2SM in Clarence street. A mates father owned Fosters Pub across the road & got all the jocks autographs for me. I religously collected the Top 40 charts EVERY WEEK & now kick myself that I have thrown them out. They had all the jocks pictures on them. There was no other radio station for me. I also rang & requested songs. It was the golden era of music in Australia. And when Countdown started the 2SM programmers wld often program something that was a hit-pick on Countdown, something like "Yesterdays Hero" by JPY. Radio these days is CRAP! Largely because only a few companies own all the music stations (Austereo & ARN) they stick to the same repetitious narrow band of music & I can't bring myself to listen to Ron.E Sparx on WSFM because the music is so bad (Eagle Rock, American Pie day after day). 2SM played much greater variety. I cld rave on more but won't.Thanks again for your FANTASTIC web site.
All The Best

Jamie Sims.

From: Geofm
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2004
Subject: 2SM where RU ?

Hey Debbie,
another great day on the planet.

For some strange reason on the drive home today, i was listening to 2SM. Trying to relive those days gone by perhaps. It didn't happen. Strange new voices, and still some funny old days music happening.

So here i am searching GOOGLE for 2SM ......

Now back to the past...
I remember on the school bus on the way to Ku Ring Gai High school, the windows open, Paper Lace "The Night Chicargo Died" blaring on the ''fab" AM radio mono
speakers. When i think of it, it stills feel like fingernails down a blackboard.
YEEEEEEEEEEEE !! ( Do schools still have blackboards ?) ( Do buses still have AM radio's ? )

I remember the days of the DENIM covered VW's. the 2SM logo key rings that Promotions sent out, that looked just liked the VW's keys except the 2SM logo was there instead, with the advantages of advertising om 2SM.

I remember the days of the ROCKTOBER promo's... still in my head ROLL OVER ROCKTOBER ... Onnnnnn... 2SMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ! oh well its sounds great in my head.

Live crosses to Bathurst.......

I remember the mornings on breakfast radio: macca, the jumbo under the bridge
and the chicken man series, oops that was 2UW wasn't it .

Father Jim, not Father Peter, and it was on 2UW wasn't ? (note: Scott Adlington, 26 Nov 2003, am i right ?)

oh oh !!!!! and too on the days that a priest/pope passed over, on the radio the drab Mourning music came on, no rock and roll to be heard !!!

Regards and thanx...
geofm
(Formally a broadcaster at NORTH FM 101.1 and HAWKESBURY RADIO FM 89.9 )

From: Bruce Boote
Subject: Radio
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004

Dear Debbie,

Hi I am Bruce, live in Ulverstone Tas, just finished reading some of yours on 2SM.
I used to listen to SM on a thursday night at 8PM when I lived in Strahan on the West Coast of Tas. Back about 1958, 2SM top 30 presented by John Brennan or Alan Lappan (LAP LAP laterof 3UZ ). The programme was moved to Sunday afternoon so we could no longer pick it up.
I knew Rod Muir when he worked on 7HT Hobart before his SM days.
Thanks and blessings
Bruce Boote

From: Ian MacRae
Subject: 2SM
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004

Hi Debbie.

I checked out the Barry Chapman interview. Very interesting. Especially the bit where he says I had nothing to do with the Jumbo under the Harbour Bridge. What?

The way it happened was we had regular "Brainstorming" meetings and everyone was throwing in ideas for a big stunt. We kept coming back to the Harbour and the Bridge which we could see out the window. Somebody suddenly said why not put an elephant under the bridge and promote it as a jumbo. It may well have been Barry and if it was I have no problem with that.

But from that point on it was up to me (with Nick Jones' help) to come up with fresh new concepts every day for two weeks to make people believe that it WAS going to be an aircraft. Initially for the first few days callers were saying that it obviously is going to be an elephant and so we had to give the whole thing credibility. Every day we planned the next step for the following day's broadcast. Such as phoning the Boeing factory, talking to the pilot, even to listeners who had entered the competition. This took a lot of planning (and editing). Without this carefully creative planning the stunt would not have worked.

Another bit that caught my attention was the launch of "AM- Album Music" which basically was a disaster. It was meant to be a big surprise for the about to be launched FM stations but, as it turned out, they couldn't give a stuff. It's not correct that it was music that we were already playing. I know because I can remember sitting there playing these long album cuts and thinking to myself "this is all wrong"

Having said the above I would add that I've always admired Barry for his flair for entertainment and doing things in a big way. I just felt the circumstances around these two events needed to be clarified.

Nice to meet you last night and once again congratulations on the site.

Ian MacRae

From: Warren
Subject: The good old days!
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004

Hi Debbie,

Wow, what a great site! I stumbled across it last year but have only just rediscovered... amazing! I'm an ex-Melbournian so I'm more up with 3XY than 2SM but know what an huge mark 2SM left on Australian broadcasting and how it shaped radio for many years!

I could go on and on about AM radio in the 80's... in fact leaving Melbourne aged 8 for country Vic I mised a lot of cap. city radio. In my teens, I was so radio mad, I'd flip through the AM dial and on a good night could pick up XY faintly but 2SM seemed to boom in (must be the frequency, XY was awful on 1422). Sadly, I soon discovered FM and 2-3 nights a week Eon FM used to boom in (200kms away!) as we were on a huge hill and 3XY and 2SM were forgotten.

If anyone has any old tv interviews/stories on the Radio industry from the 80's, I'd love to get copies! For the guy who emailed you about EON-FM jingles, I'm ya man. I did work experience there in 1985, later worked in Production there (when it changed to Triple M) and have copies of most of the EON jingles from around 1982/3 up until 1993. I also have a swag of 3XY stuff too, including the old Rocktober jingles (well, a few of them at least).

Debbie, well done on your tribute to 2SM. In fact any tribute to a bygone era of radio broadcasting should be commended. I think the younger generation (I'm 35, sounding like I am 60!) have missed out on one of the best eras in Australian radio.

Regards

Warren K.

P.S. I just read the Barry Chapman interview. While I can't vouch for the old 2SM days, I did work with Ron E. at Triple M Adelaide, when he came down to help with the transformation from KA-FM to Triple M. He was the most down to earth guy and great to work with, even if from a distance. I even recall him faxing us from Sydney when he decided to quit 2MMM and go to rival 2DAY FM (before Austereo/Village merger), profusely apologising for leaving us when he did and hoping we would not hold it against him. Not many people would do that and it spoke volumes about his character. I just thought I should email and say that from my time around Ron E., I found him to be a fantastic guy and someone that the whole team loved associating with.

From: Stehen
Subject: 2SM
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004

Hi,

Awesome web page on the best radio station of the 70's and 80's (sorry, I wasn't around in the 40's, 50's & 60's....but I am sure they were great!).

I am currently doing some research on the 2SM Top 40 charts with the intention of publishing a book on chart history (2SM were always more accurate than UW or UE).

If anyone has any old charts that I could borrow or buy, or knows where I could get hold of some, please e-mail me at raymond_aus@yahoo.com.au.

Thanks

Stephen