Today is a bittersweet day not just for URB or any publication, but for independent electronic music in general; as experimental music evangelist Mary Anne Hobbs is leaving her post at BBC Radio 1 after 14 years of audio duty. Ranging from hosting the Rock Show, to the Breezeblock and Experimental Show, she’s covered and fleshed out so many artists that to list them all would just be impossible. Here’s Mary Anne’s statement that she posted earlier today on her Myspace page:
“Yesterday I resigned from BBC Radio1, after an amazing multi-dimensional 14 year career.
The great freedoms the BBC have given in me as a broadcaster, have allowed me to help break so many confrontational artists as diverse as Slipknot and Skream, and of course, the whole genre of Dubstep in recent times.
My current Experimental show is in peak condition, it’s never been stronger. And although it’s a very emotional decision to leave the show that I love so much, it’s also an optimum moment to bow out, at the very top of my game.
My work for Radio1 on the Breezeblock, Rock Show, many fascinating documentaries about everything from David Bowie to Dubstep, on daytime, at festivals and award ceremonies, has been exceptionally rewarding. These have been glory days not just for me, but for all the artists who have shared my BBC platform, and of course, the listeners everywhere from Beijing to Berlin, Baltimore to Blackpool, who shared a great passion for future sound.
I will continue to DJ live, work in film, and curate at Sonar festival in Barcelona.
I have also accepted a new job mentoring and teaching students at the University of Sheffield’s Union Of Students radio station, TV station and the newspaper that operate out of their superb Forge Media Hub, which presents me with a really exciting new challenge.
My last show on BBC Radio1 will be broadcast:
September 8th>>9th … Wednesday night >> Thursday morning… 2-4am
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/maryannehobbs
Thank you so much for listening…”
There is no doubt that the impact Mary Anne with her voice, her show and her unbridled passion for music will live on in her future endeavours. We were lucky enough to be around her during her trip in NYC and we saw first-hand how genuine and impassioned she is about her work and the music that surrounds her. We thank her not only for her graciousness, but for everything she has done for us; every listener, every producer, everyone who has been inspired by what she has pushed out to the world.
Thank you and we already miss you…
Leave A Comment!