6 Music drivetime stalwart Steve Lamacq is stepping down from his daily show after almost two decades at the mic.
Lamacq has hosted the slot since 2005, and his final broadcast for the weekday show will fall on Friday, October 20.
Lamacq will return in January 2024 with a new programme, Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session, which will air weekly on Mondays.
Lamacq, who began his career as a journalist at the NME, 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.
“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.”
Huw Stephens will replace Lamacq in the drivetime slot, and called the new slot “an honour.” He added: “Steve has been a music mentor to all of us, his recommendations, thoughts and guidance in music is a huge part of who I am today and to call him a friend as well as a colleague means a great deal.
“I look forward to spending time with the 6 Music listeners every day, sharing new music and celebrating the music we love. So to everyone who’s asked me over the years, ‘When are you getting your own show on 6?’, the answer is, ‘Soon!’ See you on the airwaves!”
Among other notable highlights of 6 Music’s Autumn schedule changes, Cillian Murphy begins a brand new 10-part series of Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition, airing weekly from Sunday, September 17 (10pm-12am).
The new series will see Murphy discuss some more of his favourite music, as he brings listeners a nocturnal playlist to end the weekend.
Murphy said: “It’s been a while, but I am thrilled to be back playing tunes on 6 Music, my favourite radio station in the world… the show will be a sound collage of new, old and limited edition tunes for your discerning ears… can’t wait.”
From Saturday, September 16, legendary DJ Don Letts will bring his Culture Clash Radio show to Saturday nights, 9pm-11pm. Letts currently presents on Sundays, 10pm-12am. The first hour of the new show will continue the weekend soundtrack, featuring a mix of upbeat music which takes in everything from dub and dance, punk and pop, to soul and hip hop. Then from 10pm, Don will flip the mixtape and slow the flow, getting deep with tracks from beyond the realms of the dancefloor.
Letts said: “I’m moving to a new time slot but the Rebel Dread remains the same. So get ready to move on up, get on down and occasionally slip sideways with a selection that’s wicked, wild and well versatile. This’ll be Culture Clash Radio in a different style.”
Each week, Don’s show will be followed by SHERELLE (11pm-1am), who will bring a mix of high tempo electronic music to listeners. She’ll also invite new and established DJs and artists to the show for conversation and guest mixes in the final 30 minutes of each show.
The Blessed Madonna, who currently presents on BBC Radio 6 Music on Saturdays, 9pm-12am will present her final show on Saturday, September 2.
