Internet Radio Station Broadcasting 24/7 Also on your smart speakers Alexa “play Harvest Moon Radio” for others add “on TuneIn”
The Captain
Made my first broadcast way back at the start of the 90s, followed by spells with a number of community radio stations, I decided in 2017 it was time to start my own internet radio station.
Harvest Moon Radio has been successfully running now since 2017 bringing to our loyal listeners a blend of the best music from Scottish artists and bands during the week, and time traveling back to the 60s & 70s to remember the golden days of the pirate radio ships, with Radio North Sea International being my favourite.
Latest Mixcloud Shows
Pirate Radio Nostalgia as we head back to the 60s & 70s
Pirate Radio is a rocking show that takes you on a musical journey through the golden age of rock and roll. The show lasts one hour, and you’ll hear classic hits from the 60s followed by more classics from the 70s, all handpicked by the Captain himself. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just want to groove to some timeless tunes, tune in to Pirate Radio on Harvest Moon Radio and let the good times roll!
Scottish Pirate Radio show – get your kilts on
Welcome to the “Scottish Pirate Show,” a thrilling and melodious voyage across the captivating world of Scottish music! In this exceptional edition, we present to you a two-hour extravaganza dedicated solely to the enchanting sounds of Scotland. Hoist the anchor and set sail with us as we delve into the rich tapestry of melodies, rhythms, and lyrical prowess from talented Scottish artists and bands.
BANDCAMP – HARVEST MOON’S MOTLEY CREW
This Week’s “Live” Show
Live Shows:
Saturday Live from 10am UK Time : Pirate Radio Show Sunday Live from 10am UK Time : Scottish Pirate Show Listen via website, Mixcloud page or on your smart speakers
Live 24/7 Stream:
Monday to Friday : All Day & Night – Scottish Artists and Bands Saturday/Sunday am : Pirate Radio Nostalgia 60s & 70s Sunday pm : Mega 60s & 70s Rotation / Classic 80s Listen via website or smart speakers
The 1960s were a transformative decade for music and culture in the UK, and at the heart of this change was the rise of pirate radio ships. These floating broadcasters defied government regulations, bringing unlicensed radio stations to the airwaves and changing the way the British public listened to music. Here’s a look at their fascinating history and lasting impact.
The Birth of Pirate Radio
In the early 1960s, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) dominated radio in the UK, offering limited music programming. Much of its output was focused on light entertainment and classical music, with pop music receiving minimal airtime. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, American radio was alive with rock ‘n’ roll and vibrant DJs who connected deeply with their audiences. British teens craved similar programming.
Enter the pirate radio ships. These stations were set up on vessels anchored in international waters, beyond the reach of UK broadcasting laws. This bold move allowed them to sidestep government restrictions and broadcast popular music directly to the British public. The first pirate station to make waves (literally) was Radio Caroline, which launched on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1964.
The Rise of the Floating Rebels
Radio Caroline’s success inspired others to follow suit, leading to a boom in offshore broadcasting. Ships like the MV Mi Amigo, MV Galaxy, and MV Fredericia became legendary platforms for stations such as:
Radio London (Big L): Known for its slick American-style production and catchy jingles.
Radio 390: Famous for its easy listening and middle-of-the-road programming.
Radio Scotland: Broadcasting from the MV Comet, it catered to Scottish listeners.
Radio City: Located on the abandoned WWII fort Shivering Sands, technically not a ship but equally iconic.
These stations were staffed by passionate DJs and engineers who worked in cramped, often dangerous conditions. They lived and worked aboard the ships for weeks at a time, enduring storms and isolation. Yet, their broadcasts reached millions of listeners, introducing new artists and playing a pivotal role in the rise of bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
The Battle with the Authorities
The UK government saw pirate radio as a threat to its monopoly over the airwaves and a challenge to national regulations. Although broadcasting from international waters was technically legal, these stations were accused of interfering with licensed broadcasts and operating without permission.
The government responded with the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act of 1967, which made it illegal for British citizens to support or work for pirate stations. This legislation effectively cut off their supply chains and forced most stations to shut down. By August 1967, Radio London and many others ceased operations.
However, Radio Caroline defied the odds and continued broadcasting intermittently into the 1970s and beyond, cementing its place in pirate radio history.
Radio Northsea International (RNI) was a prominent offshore pirate radio station, broadcasting from the ship Mebo II, anchored off the coast of the Netherlands. It was launched in 1970 by Swiss entrepreneurs Edwin Bollier and Erwin Meister, who initially invested heavily to create a luxurious and advanced broadcasting ship. Their aim was to offer international programming, utilizing shortwave, medium wave, and FM bands, which made it one of the first offshore stations to target global audiences
Initially, the broadcasts were in German and English, featuring a professional team of presenters. RNI quickly gained popularity in the UK, despite being anchored near the Netherlands, as it catered to British audiences with a playlist closely aligned with UK charts. It also championed specific hits, such as Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky
The station faced numerous challenges, including legal threats, interference from established broadcasters, and even physical attempts to disrupt operations. Notably, it endured dramatic incidents like an unauthorized raid in which individuals tried to seize the ship. RNI’s team resisted using creative methods, such as blocking access to key areas of the ship, while continuing to broadcast updates to listeners
RNI briefly changed its name to Radio Caroline International in 1970 as part of its support for the Conservative Party in the UK general election, a move that sparked controversy. Afterward, it reverted to its original name and continued to broadcast until its closure in 1974. The ship Mebo II was eventually sold and repurposed, marking the end of one of the most ambitious and adventurous pirate radio projects
The Legacy of Pirate Radio
The end of the pirate era didn’t mean the end of their influence. The enormous popularity of these stations forced the BBC to adapt. In 1967, the BBC launched Radio 1, a pop music station directly inspired by pirate radio. Many former pirate DJs, including John Peel and Tony Blackburn, became household names on the new BBC network.
The pirate radio ships of the 1960s had a profound and lasting impact on British culture. They:
Revolutionized radio broadcasting, making it more dynamic, youth-focused, and music-driven.
Broke down barriers between listeners and broadcasters, introducing a more informal and engaging style of DJing.
Gave a platform to emerging artists, helping to fuel the British music explosion of the 1960s.
Inspired generations of broadcasters and music fans.
Today, the pirate radio era is remembered with nostalgia and reverence. Museums, documentaries, and even feature films like The Boat That Rocked (2009) pay homage to the daring individuals who brought rock ‘n’ roll to the airwaves against all odds.
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