LWR-StationLogoLWR (London Weekend Radio) was first heard in 1983, broadcasting on 92.5 at weekends (obviously!).

In their early days they were more of a traditional rock and pop station, rather than the soul and dance station they became later on. Having said that, it was the first place you could hear Tim Westwood’s rap show. First on Wednesday nights, then 6 nights a week, the show became the bible for London B boys. Unlike the Mastermind show on Invicta which mixed in soul and funk, Westwood was 100% hip hop. He would also play in mix tapes from listeners. You were just a likely to hear Junior Gee from Hammersmith as Grandmaster Flash from New York!

The station expanded in 1985, becoming the real success story of that year. There was a slight name change to London Wide Radio as they became a 24/7 black music station, quickly gaining a large audience. They were able to fill the void left by the closure of stations like JFM, Horizon and Invicta, playing soul, funk, hip hop, R & B and reggae. They continued to be one of the major stations of the mid 80s, helped by the explosion of dance music and rave culture.

In 1988 the IBA announced that it was to offer some new licences for London. Any pirate could apply, providing they closed by the end of the year. At first LWR made no comment, but as their competitors such as Kiss FM announced they were to close on New Years Eve to apply for a licence, LWR announced the same. This was a surprise to many as LWR always seemed a bit more piratical than the others.

LWR did not get legalised, as the dance licence went to Kiss FM. There were many rumours of a return to pirate broadcasting, but it never happened.

There are promises of various streams soon on LWR’s website which can be found below, along with other sites featuring more information on LWR:

LWR Official Website
AM/FM Site
Mike Allen Site

Downloads

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Artwork & Paper Cuttings

Audio

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23 mins
61 mins
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46 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Martin James – 1/4/84
45 mins
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46 mins
36 mins
34 mins
43 mins
60 mins
96 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Ron Tom – 27/9/85
59 mins
3 mins
19 mins
57 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Clive Brady – Late Show – 3/7/86
55 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Maurice Greenaway – 6/7/86
31 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Clive Brady – Early Show – July 86
138 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Tim Westwood – 1986
60 mins
46 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Jazzy M – Clip – Jan 88
4 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Jazzy M – Clips – 27/1/88
9 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Donny Dee – Feb 88
4 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Unknown DJ – Clips – Feb 88
12 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – The Bust Up Crew – Poor Quality – 23/4/88
13 mins
LWR – 92.5 – London – Cliff Ringwood & Shabbs – 20/8/88
46 mins