Steve Lamacq has made the decision to step down from hosting his famous Drivetime show on BBC Radio 6 Music, after having presented the show six days a week since 2005.
BBC Radio 6 Music announced on September 1st that Lamacq has decided to say goodbye to his 18 year long run on the Drivetime show in pursuit of a “well-deserved change to his broadcasting career”.
Steve Lamacq has decided to make a well-deserved change to his broadcasting career
He will begin a new weekly show on 6 Music, Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session, on Monday 8th January (4pm-7pm).
Steve will present his final daily weekday (4pm-7pm) show on Friday 20th October. pic.twitter.com/IfugRRFh50
— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) September 1, 2023
Lamacq’s last day as the Drivetime show host will be on Friday 20th October, and he will then take a short break from radio before returning in the new year with a brand new show. On Monday 8th January, Lamacq will begin hosting a weekly show on BBC Radio 6 Music titled “Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session”.
The Drivetime show will be taken over by fellow BBC Radio presenter Huw Stephens, who will host the show from 4-7pm Tuesday-Friday, with Lamacq’s new show claiming Monday’s 4-7pm slot.
In a BBC press release, Lamacq said “It’s been terrific doing six shows a week, but what with all the prep work for the programmes and the ever-increasing volume of new music to listen to, there’s not been nearly enough time left over for my family. And to be honest, after nearly 40 years at the coalface of new music, I think I need a bit of breather.”
Steve Lamacq is married to psychologist Dr Jen Wills, and the couple have a young daughter. The break from broadcasting and less intense schedule of “Steve Lemacq’s Teatime Session” will allow Lamacq to spend some quality time with his family.
Alongside this, Lamacq also said “But of course, my heart still lives for discovering and nurturing new bands, so I’m really pleased that these changes mean I can stay at 6 Music, while allowing more time to go searching for emerging artists, who I’ll be channelling into the new Monday show. There’ll be live sessions, interviews, some amazing archive and fingers crossed, at some point, the future of rock and roll.”
Many people were shocked by the news of Lamacq’s departure, and took to social media to show their appreciation.
So sad to hear @steve_lamacq is leaving his @BBC6Music show full time.
What a legend and hugely influential person he’s been to so many of us especially @IdlewildtheBand. I’ll be forever grateful to him for all his support and also friendship. All the best for the future!— Rod Jones (@RodJonesMusic) September 1, 2023
Legend is an often overly used word to describe someone.
But in this instance, it’s very much applicable!@steve_lamacq deserves honorary recognition for services to music!
We award him our Brudenell medal anyway! https://t.co/qw2kB0PjFv— Nath Brudenell (@Nath_Brudenell) September 1, 2023
You can still hear Steve Lamacq on the BBC Radio 6 Music Drivetime show until Friday 20th October.
