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Phantom Memories

  • 15-03-2014 11:42am
    #1
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 11,382 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    A thread for people to say thanks etc.

    Driving generally really late at night to or from my girlfriend at the times house and texting in Derek on the lounge/Album Archive and having the craic. There's something about the quietness of dark, car headlight brightened-roads and good music that always seemed to be on that made that trek enjoyable.

    (I loved a particular chat we had about Blues Run the Game and hearing the crazy story of Jackson C Frank.)

    Being stuck in a college lab with 2/3 of my oldest friends playing Risk on a crappy windows pc and listening to Blotooth or NPB or Super Furries.

    And recently Nadine O'Regan's show for giving a place to all things culture going on in Dublin an getting interviews with some of the absolute best authors/writers/interesting people out there.

    Truly good times.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 939 ✭✭✭Ciaran


    Listening to Steve Conway on the breakfast show when I was getting the bus into college jumps out. The show after George Harrison died sticks out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭catch--22


    lordgoat wrote: »
    A thread for people to say thanks etc.

    Driving generally really late at night to or from my girlfriend at the times house and texting in Derek on the lounge/Album Archive and having the craic. There's something about the quietness of dark, car headlight brightened-roads and good music that always seemed to be on that made that trek enjoyable.

    (I loved a particular chat we had about Blues Run the Game and hearing the crazy story of Jackson C Frank.)

    Cheers for all the texts boss! Was always good to hear from ya!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,564 ✭✭✭✭whiskeyman


    Sinister Pete in the morning was fantastic, and Charlotte, Michelle and Ritchie McC also restored my faith in morning radio.

    The big memory though?
    That can be seen from my music collection.
    Prior to phantom, I was fairly mainstream to what I'd listen to.
    Through the fab talent of the DJs thru the years, I've been gifted with a great love for so many new and old artists. Friends and family have always asked me 'heard anything good recently?' As they knew my music taste was something different.
    Thank you to all the Phantom crew for daring to be different.
    You've made a difference.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,383 ✭✭✭✭Birneybau


    I was seeing a girl for a while, we were walking by the opposite side of Wexford St. from Whelans. She said, Phantom is based above there, proceeded to send a text, something along the lines of "We know where you are". After a second, someone threw their head out the window. We scarpered.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,040 ✭✭✭paulbok


    A couple of memories stand out.

    Two songs always remind me of the pirate days,





    Ritchie Mc going mental playing 'lucy is Here' 2 times in a row.

    All the festival/concert reports. EP won't be the same without the Phantom Van there.

    Farewell Phantom and thank you.


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  • Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 11,382 Mod ✭✭✭✭lordgoat


    Feeding frenzy and Dayjob by blotooth.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭Ultimate Ultan


    "Sunday Mornings, Coming Down" and "Stadium Rock" for me.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 95 ✭✭RichieMc




  • Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 11,382 Mod ✭✭✭✭lordgoat


    RichieMc wrote: »

    That's a great read Richie. Cheers for sharing.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 901 ✭✭✭ChunkyLover_53


    Been the soundtrack to my daily life for about 16 years.

    I remember listening when it was pirate station & I can remember religiously checking the frequency when it was off air before it got its license.

    It has been always on in the background whenever I was near a radio.

    Old walkmans on the bus on the way to work (now my car everyday), in the office, in the gaff, in the garden...christ knows what I'll listen to now.

    The day MCA from the Beastie Boys died they played non stop Beastie Boys...I'll listened all evening.
    I spent the whole Christmas listening to the Phantom Icons & the year before that the Songs
    I spent dozens of Wednesday Nights/Thursday mornings in Phantasm in Whelans back in the late 90s early 2000s
    I'm taking stock of all that and realise Phantom is/was a major part of my daily life.

    I'm gutted for the staff & DJs I hope they move on to greater things as their knowledge but above all passion for their chosen field is outstanding.

    Cheers to all the staff & DJs for their hard work. This old indie kid is greatful for everything.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,359 ✭✭✭Declan A Walsh


    RichieMc wrote: »

    Very informative and entertaining article. Thanks Richie.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,663 ✭✭✭BaronVon


    I remember working part time in Kilmainham in 96/97, and coming across Spectrum on the radio in the shop. It was class, never heard radio like it. I used to like the way they prided themselves on their cheapness, like picking competition winners from the 'Spectrum Plastic Bag'!

    Unfortunately, the signal wasn't strong enough to get it at home, so I could only listen to it in work. I used to love work back then!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71 ✭✭Innisfallen


    I worked behind the scenes for the last 5 years, and pulled together a batch of photos, if anyone is interested.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 391 ✭✭Realtine


    I love Richie Ryan and always listened no matter what time of the day he was shifted to, but my favourite Phantom moments were Sunday mornings with Pearl, I was and still am up first in my house of a Sunday morning and this show was just sublime, hangover or not, used to just relish reading the sunday papers in the kitchen with the radio on before the rest of the gang surfaced. Was amazed it finished when it did, last year was it? But the writing was probably on the wall back then.

    Its sad listening to the last shows of some of the presenters this week. Hope they all find somewhere to go. Wont' be tuning in tomorrow, much as I like John Caddell, Phantom is gone and TXFM won't be taking over in this house.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,376 ✭✭✭The_Captain


    I first heard of Phantom back in 1999/2000 from hanging around the central bank on Saturdays and going to that thing in the music centre.
    I gave it a shot and they were playing actual metal tunes! I never thought it would happen on Irish radio.

    I used to love the show when Steve Conway (I think) would get demos from bands and open them on-air and start talking about the artwork and packaging, play the tune and then start discussing it. The tunes themselves were usually dire but it was just so different to everything else on radio that it was completely fascinating.

    It was absolutely essential during my college years when it was on. Played savage tunes, and you could genuinely say it was one of the best music stations in the world based on its playlist. It was just standard-issue college alt stuff, you'd get quality alternative hip-hop tunes, industrial and genres you never knew existed. The guys working there seemed to genuinely care about the music they played.

    The station fell to pieces when Richie Mc left the breakfast slot, they axed Pearl and Denis O'Brien took over.
    It was always a lot more mainstream when it went legit, but Jesus Christ the playlists were awful, esp in the mornings.
    I'm guessing Communicorp got a payoff to promote particular bands and forced it onto the DJs, but I really don't need to hear Kodaline seven times an hour, or at all really.

    Anyway, I don't want to be too negative about it, but the station has always been great and it's a huge loss. Hopefully some good will come of it, maybe we'll end up with a new generation out there broadcasting in a shed.

    To finish on a weird stalker note, I saw pictures of Richie McCormack for the first time on news articles recently and realised he's a guy I've seen knocking around the Blanch for years


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 305 ✭✭Twizzler


    Read this earlier and realised he's from around my neck of the woods ("Richie from Clonsilla") http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/phantom-column-richie-1364836-Mar2014/
    I'm still listening here - only 4 mins left. :-(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68 ✭✭LedZeppelin


    I first heard Phantom in 2007. I was 14 and starting to really get into music. I remember flicking past certain national radio stations and eventually stumbling upon God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols. I ran into my kitchen and excitedly told my dad "Da, Sex Pistols are on the radio, that's deadly!". I left it on and listened to what I then discovered to be Phantom for the rest of the day. I rarely changed the frequency of that stereo since.

    I'm 21 next month and can safely say I wouldnt have discovered a lot of music if it wasnt for Phantom. Every morning going off to school, then college, then work.. I would tune in to the various morning shows. Ray McGowan's Metal Notes show on Monday nights was definitely the only place I would ever hear some of my favourites. But every show Phantom had offered me something great. I used to keep a sticky note beside the radio to jot down new bands or songs I heard, so that I could look them up again later.
    Granted, I wasn't aware of Phantom as long as some people, but I will always associate it with my teenage years, growing up and discovering music.

    Cheers Phantom, for the tunes, the signed CDs, the gig tickets, the Phantom merch.. but most importantly the influence you've had on my music taste.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,607 ✭✭✭toastedpickles


    I came across these guys by pure chance in 2011 when i got my first car, each morning i'd wake up to pure morning and it started from there, each journey i've had has always had phantom blasting out, they actually had interesting people talking about interesting things not this crap of "omg beyonce is a woman omgggg like dis if you like breathe and stuff" sly dig at spin and the like :pac:

    but anyways, you guys were heros and because of that station I've a greater appreciation of all kinds of music so thank you for eveything :)

    In the words of fr ted "ah jaysis ted! they always take the good ones!!"


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 95 ✭✭RichieMc




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,272 ✭✭✭Barna77


    I guy about four years told me about the station and I gave it a go. Hooked. Liked the music, the djs, the laugh, the banter.

    Had the radio on at work and had fights if anyone dard to change the dial into some other crap chart.

    But at least I have a little phantom wagon squeeze thingy that I stole off Claire Beck in the Workmans some months ago :D

    What now....


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Beastie Girl


    Anyone remember:

    Dave the Headbanger at the Phantasm Thursdays in Whelans
    Donal - Paul Field (now RR)'s "lovely" assistant? I know RR & Donal had a fallout but heard nothing since.

    Having a hilarious Monday working from home (cough) in England - I left Dublin in 2006 - listening to Wilt, Brando, Throat (Sonny's Hired Killer!!!), Sack, Fixed Stars, Bawl, so, so many others.

    Makes me feel 19 again. What a wake I'm having for Phantom!! Would be a great idea if someone ex-Phantom could create a Spotify playlist - would that be possible?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 426 ✭✭Dubwat


    Pearl's 'Sunday morning, coming down' & the Irish-language DJ on the 9-10 slot before her.

    Never registered the names but always listened Sat and Sun afternoons.

    I was never into the 'cult of DJ' as you can see from the lack of names above. But when they're gone, you really notice it...


  • Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 11,382 Mod ✭✭✭✭lordgoat


    Dubwat wrote: »
    Pearl's 'Sunday morning, coming down' & the Irish-language DJ on the 9-10 slot before her.

    Never registered the names but always listened Sat and Sun afternoons.

    I was never into the 'cult of DJ' as you can see from the lack of names above. But when they're gone, you really notice it...

    Sinead Ni... great little show alright!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,223 ✭✭✭Michael D Not Higgins


    I used to do my homework and study for the leaving cert listening to phantom when it was still pirate.

    Years later it was always my first choice radio station, even streaming it recently on my commute to work in the UK.

    I also won a couple of CDs in a text in competition in 2001.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 344 ✭✭room_149


    Anyone know of a place where old playlists for the station are archived?
    They only go as far as 2012 on the website


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 87 ✭✭wattlendaub


    What I wouldn't give for another episode of the Two Petes Talk Rubbish... Phantom's golden years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Beastie Girl


    1000 Helicopters by NPB
    Music Non Stop by Kent
    Laughter Lines by Sack
    Day Job by Blotooth
    7th October by Brando
    Maniacal Mechanical by Brando
    Open Arms by Wilt
    The Frames' entire output
    Cosmik Debris by Frank Zappa
    Cat Power's entire output (thanks to Pearl for that one)
    Song for Sharon by Joni Mitchell
    Laura Loves by Asterix

    just a small smattering of the gems in my music collection that I have gained thanks to Fat Bum FM ;)


  • Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 11,382 Mod ✭✭✭✭lordgoat


    1000 Helicopters by NPB
    Music Non Stop by Kent
    Laughter Lines by Sack
    Day Job by Blotooth
    7th October by Bran'do
    Maniacal Mechanical by Bran'do
    Open Arms by Wilt
    The Frames' entire output
    Cosmik Debris by Frank Zappa
    Cat Power's entire output (thanks to Pearl for that one)
    Song for Sharon by Joni Mitchell
    Laura Loves by Asterix

    just a small smattering of the gems in my music collection that I have gained thanks to Fat Bum FM ;)

    '

    great songs!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Beastie Girl


    Another one that came into my head today and I think this is a great lost classic of Irish punk pop......

    The Punk Rockers Ombudsman by the Keds.

    If anybody at all has a link to that anywhere, I will pay you one meeeelion Irish Punts*

    *Terms & Conditions apply ;)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,359 ✭✭✭Declan A Walsh


    One of my memories is Jack Hyland playing "Glass Onion" by The Beatles on Saturday late afternoons during the pirate era, and probably the same during the two temporary licensed runs , except it would be slightly later.

    I have great memories of listening to John Jettson early Saturday afternoons when Phantom was a pirate. He played The Marbles quite a bit. He was a great loss to the station when le left.

    Both John and Jack played a great song from David Gray - Late Night Radio. This was a pre-White Ladder song from the album "Sell Sell Sell".

    Another name I remember very well from the pirate era is Al Graham. He went right back to Coast FM with Simon Maher and others. The last year or so that I heard him on Phantom, he had a classic rock show. It would have been closer to Radio Nova musically than John Caddell's Powerhouse.

    There was The Anorak Hour hosted by Ger Rowe throughout its pirate era, its temporary license runs ("Media Beacon") and the early days of the full license. Fantastically informative show.

    One of my personal favourite music shows from the licensed era was the nighttime show Bedrock, hosted by John Caddell. This show included the first references to "The Trip to Kip".

    I used to enjoy listening to Sinister Pete hosting Pure Morning on weekdays. Anyone remember his speaking clock?

    I also have some good memories of The Album Archive (depending on the album!) - first presented by John and then by Derek Byrne.

    I also remember around 2007 and 2008 one Cecil Nolan recreating the music of the Grove Disco (legendary northside rock disco) after Christmas.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Zohan


    I'm devastated. My shazam list is entirely made up of songs I've heard on Phantom. And EP will be lost without it!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭catch--22



    I also remember around 2007 and 2008 one Cecil Nolan recreating the music of the Grove Disco (legendary northside rock disco) after Christmas.

    Cecil did two shows for us around that time. I was the lucky one who got to desk the show while he introduced the tracks and told stories about long-time regulars to the Grove. His son Andy came in too and gave a hand playing the records.

    The reaction we got to those two shows was amazing. Cecil is held in very high regard by a lot of music fans in Dublin.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,040 ✭✭✭paulbok


    I used to enjoy listening to Sinister Pete hosting Pure Morning on weekdays. Anyone remember his speaking clock?


    And the weather bike!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭cjt156


    Always stuck the dial on Phantom from the pirate days to the end. Playlist was getting very watery of late and I guess the writing was on the wall. Morning commutes with Richie and Charlotte, the two Richies, Sunday mornings; all made a boring old dad feel like he was still an indie kid.
    You'll be missed guys, good luck wherever the future takes you.
    'We are Phantom'


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,467 ✭✭✭Oasis_Dublin


    I really enjoyed Stadium Rock with Richie Ryan. He just sounds completely natural on radio, and the fact that he always had a vested interest (West Ham) made it that bit more.... real, if that's the right word. Like he was a mate talking to you, rather than a presenter (ala a certain other afternoon football show on a Dublin station on Saturdays).

    I like how he always dedicated a certain amount of time to Irish League football also, even if he was absolutely merciless (!) when it came to UCD. I'm not sure we'll ever forgive him for dubbing UCD's home stadium the "UCD Breakfast Bowl!!!"

    I enjoyed Nadine O'Regan's Saturday morning show, even if she did repeat her name far too many times. I particularly enjoyed the shows where they reviewed anything Oasis/NGHFB/Beady Eye because neither of the Gallagher Brothers ever stood a chance! Her interviews with people like Eamon Dunphy and Alan McGee (who managed Bobby Jillespie!), amongst many others, were really enjoyable.

    I liked listening to John Cadell because he, although a bit grumpy from time to time, did have a personality. My favourite moment of his was the time a song by the XX came on, and after about twenty seconds he interrupted it and said something along the lines of, "I'm not listening to that moany crap today." You really wouldn't get that on any other station in Dublin, let alone Ireland.

    In general, I liked the fact that the station was interactive and yet still musically orientated. It was playlisted to a point only, and would still actually play random songs out of the blue if you texted in. And that includes during the day time.

    What we're left with in Dublin is crap, except certain parts of Nova and Dublin City FM. Hopefully the boy Ryan finds his home on another Dublin/Irish station.

    Also, nearly forgot, although Phantom's signal stopped fairly soon once you got out of Dublin southbound, it ran pretty much all the way to Stradbally. Texting in on the way down and the presenter excitedly reading a shout out for "x in Laois, nearly at Stradbally" became a sort of narcissistic EP tradition for me and my mates.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,855 ✭✭✭The Wild Bunch


    Always loved the gigs Phantom used to promote back in the old TBMC

    Some good times, great memories and the soundtrack to my mis-spent youth


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 majesticben


    James Byrne's Saturday night show is my favourite radio show of all time, Phantom or otherwise. Eclectic isn't a strong enough word to describe his playlists. From Outkast to Hank Williams, from the newest Irish indie to Mission of Burma... and that's just the first half-hour.

    Although I grew up in the country music-infused Appalachian foothills of North Carolina, James even managed to introduce me to an amazing Dolly Parton classic from the 60s – I Wasted My Tears.

    What makes it even sweeter is that I was a fan of James' show long before I had a clue that he was in Villagers or that he headed up his own record label. He never mentioned such things on his show, nor did his bio on the Phantom website make mention of it.

    I was also a fan and regular listener of many other Phantom shows, and I even had the pleasure of sharing pints with several of Phantom's alumni on my vacations to Ireland in 2011 and 2013. If you were a regular listener, you are more than likely to have heard mention of Benjamin in Vegas. I even managed to get a mention from James once, and that's no small accomplishment!

    I envy those of you who had been listening to or working with the station since its early years. I understand that there was some really special programming before I stumbled upon the station in early 2010. I immediately sensed it was something special when I finally did though. There's nothing else like it. The collective passion for music, and the family vibe amongst the presenters and listeners is unmatched in the world.

    Ireland and discerning radio listeners beyond have really lost something special.

    As my final Cheers to Phantom, I have posted all of the final shows from the last week of Phantom over on my blog. Shows that ended back in 2012 are still posted there as well.

    You can download all of them in mp3 format from the page at SONGbiscuit.com/phantom.

    Cheers,
    Benjamin in Vegas


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 95 ✭✭RichieMc


    James Byrne's Saturday night show is my favourite radio show of all time, Phantom or otherwise. Eclectic isn't a strong enough word to describe his playlists. From Outkast to Hank Williams, from the newest Irish indie to Mission of Burma... and that's just the first half-hour.

    Although I grew up in the country music-infused Appalachian foothills of North Carolina, James even managed to introduce me to an amazing Dolly Parton classic from the 60s – I Wasted My Tears.

    What makes it even sweeter is that I was a fan of James' show long before I had a clue that he was in Villagers or that he headed up his own record label. He never mentioned such things on his show, nor did his bio on the Phantom website make mention of it.

    I was also a fan and regular listener of many other Phantom shows, and I even had the pleasure of sharing pints with several of Phantom's alumni on my vacations to Ireland in 2011 and 2013. If you were a regular listener, you are more than likely to have heard mention of Benjamin in Vegas. I even managed to get a mention from James once, and that's no small accomplishment!

    I envy those of you who had been listening to or working with the station since its early years. I understand that there was some really special programming before I stumbled upon the station in early 2010. I immediately sensed it was something special when I finally did though. There's nothing else like it. The collective passion for music, and the family vibe amongst the presenters and listeners is unmatched in the world.

    Ireland and discerning radio listeners beyond have really lost something special.

    As my final Cheers to Phantom, I have posted all of the final shows from the last week of Phantom over on my blog. Shows that ended back in 2012 are still posted there as well.

    You can download all of them in mp3 format from the page at SONGbiscuit.com/phantom.

    Cheers,
    Benjamin in Vegas

    You beat me to it by 60 seconds! Thank you, Ben for your long distance and long-standing support of Phantom.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭abceire


    Phantom has been with me when I lived in Finland and Canada, I still remember finding it on the radio in work when it was no live much, I'd barely get it in on the radio in work as I drove around Foxrock Golf Course cutting grass.
    Richies your show in recent times helped motivate me to keep pedalling home from college on the dark nights.
    All the best for future.
    Sad we've no indie station.
    But better to have loved and lost then never loved at all.
    Maybe we'll get to love again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,359 ✭✭✭Declan A Walsh


    abceire wrote: »
    Phantom has been with me when I lived in Finland and Canada, I still remember finding it on the radio in work when it was no live much, I'd barely get it in on the radio in work as I drove around Foxrock Golf Course cutting grass.
    Richies your show in recent times helped motivate me to keep pedalling home from college on the dark nights.
    All the best for future.
    Sad we've no indie station.
    But better to have loved and lost then never loved at all.
    Maybe we'll get to love again.

    Officially at least, we still have an indie station as such. It is no longer called Phantom. It is going through a bizarre transition period as 105.2 with a couple of presenters new to the station, ahead of its relaunch as TX FM. During the day, there is a lot of music with the odd link, and at night a lot of automated music. What has happened is that the brand Phantom, which started life as a pirate back in 1997, is gone, as are most of the staff. So you could say the spirit of Phantom is gone for sure.

    Another memory: October 31st, 2006 - The day Phantom commenced broadcasting with its full license. It was very exciting for us listeners, who could not believe it had finally managed to make that journey from pirate to permanently licensed legal radio, and an alternative rock license at that. It was even more exciting for the folks at Phantom! They were like giddy schoolchildren who had been given carte blanche to do what they wanted! I actually went out to my car from work to specifically hear the station launch at noon. That was special, or I was a sado!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭abceire


    TX FM, what type of music will it play?
    My fav show was Kelly Anne Byrne's on Saturday nights. She is going to be on Today Fm so I'll at least still have her show, guess I better tune in Today Fm on music player and in car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Beastie Girl


    Officially at least, we still have an indie station as such. It is no longer called Phantom. It is going through a bizarre transition period as 105.2 with a couple of presenters new to the station, ahead of its relaunch as TX FM. During the day, there is a lot of music with the odd link, and at night a lot of automated music. What has happened is that the brand Phantom, which started life as a pirate back in 1997, is gone, as are most of the staff. So you could say the spirit of Phantom is gone for sure.

    Another memory: October 31st, 2006 - The day Phantom commenced broadcasting with its full license. It was very exciting for us listeners, who could not believe it had finally managed to make that journey from pirate to permanently licensed legal radio, and an alternative rock license at that. It was even more exciting for the folks at Phantom! They were like giddy schoolchildren who had been given carte blanche to do what they wanted! I actually went out to my car from work to specifically hear the station launch at noon. That was special, or I was a sado!

    Not in the slightest Declan. Even though I left Dublin for England in early 2006 I was still rooting for Phantom, loved listening to it when I came home on my visits. Not looking forward to going back to Dublin in late May and no longer hearing Phantom FM or the familiar voices (although SP and Simon leaving paved the way for the end I think).

    All good things come to an end, but at least there's always 8Radio. But try as I might I really don't think this new station will have a patch on Phantom FM. Anyone know if Phantasm still continues on Thursdays - forgive me for being out of touch, I live 300 miles away and haven't been to Whelans since 2005 (where Sinister Pete was throwing ice cubes at me!!)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭abceire


    I was in there 2 weeks ago, people sure like the booze in there, but no hassle from them which was nice, so I must have listened pre licence days which was pre 2006 times?
    I loved the Northern Soul night.
    I remember going into buy hiking boots and over hearing a gal talking, me thinking do I know here, it was Claire Beck, it was weird, knowing a voice but not the face, she seems nice.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭abceire


    Is *radio only online? I'm smart phone less and my old laptop is soundless.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,359 ✭✭✭Declan A Walsh


    abceire wrote: »
    TX FM, what type of music will it play?

    Presumably indie music will feature largely as it is still the same license. I think all those specialist shows will be gone through.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 139 ✭✭Air_Bass


    I really enjoyed Stadium Rock with Richie Ryan. He just sounds completely natural on radio, and the fact that he always had a vested interest (West Ham) made it that bit more.... real, if that's the right word. Like he was a mate talking to you, rather than a presenter (ala a certain other afternoon football show on a Dublin station on Saturdays).

    I like how he always dedicated a certain amount of time to Irish League football also, even if he was absolutely merciless (!) when it came to UCD. I'm not sure we'll ever forgive him for dubbing UCD's home stadium the "UCD Breakfast Bowl!!!"

    I enjoyed Nadine O'Regan's Saturday morning show, even if she did repeat her name far too many times. I particularly enjoyed the shows where they reviewed anything Oasis/NGHFB/Beady Eye because neither of the Gallagher Brothers ever stood a chance! Her interviews with people like Eamon Dunphy and Alan McGee (who managed Bobby Jillespie!), amongst many others, were really enjoyable.

    I liked listening to John Cadell because he, although a bit grumpy from time to time, did have a personality. My favourite moment of his was the time a song by the XX came on, and after about twenty seconds he interrupted it and said something along the lines of, "I'm not listening to that moany crap today." You really wouldn't get that on any other station in Dublin, let alone Ireland.

    In general, I liked the fact that the station was interactive and yet still musically orientated. It was playlisted to a point only, and would still actually play random songs out of the blue if you texted in. And that includes during the day time.

    What we're left with in Dublin is crap, except certain parts of Nova and Dublin City FM. Hopefully the boy Ryan finds his home on another Dublin/Irish station.

    Also, nearly forgot, although Phantom's signal stopped fairly soon once you got out of Dublin southbound, it ran pretty much all the way to Stradbally. Texting in on the way down and the presenter excitedly reading a shout out for "x in Laois, nearly at Stradbally" became a sort of narcissistic EP tradition for me and my mates.

    I recall a very similar event when Mr. Cadell played a song by the band "The 1990's" and similarly, after around 20 seconds he announced "no sorry, that's just 5h1te" and played another song instead.
    The man had my unwavering respect from that point onwards.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Beastie Girl


    Back in the 90s one of the weeknight DJs used to have a "Bunch Of Arse" corner, deliberately playing one song that was naff beyond belief. Anyone remember who it was - might have been Alan K?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,276 ✭✭✭readyletsgo


    God I miss Phantom now, might as well just listen to a general Indie CD or something.

    Who is that chick standing in for the morning slot from 7 to 10, very general chat. I'd say she hates it.

    Ah well....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,539 ✭✭✭ghostdancer


    Claire O'Dowd, she presents "Indie Disco" on Spin 103.8 on Friday nights.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 344 ✭✭room_149


    Nialler 9 has just posted this on his blog-

    txfmschedlue-703x505.png
    Looks promising enough..
    Shame they couldn't keep the 2 Richies on there somewhere.
    Joe Donnelly remains though...


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