Paul Gambaccini joins Absolute Radio for new series Tribes of the 80s

It explores four music fan subcultures

Paul Gambaccini on Absolute Radio
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 26th Nov 2019
Last updated 26th Nov 2019

We’re extremely proud to announce that legendary broadcaster Paul Gambaccini is joining Absolute Radio to host a new four-part series called Tribes of the 80s.

Broadcast as part of the 10th birthday celebrations of Absolute 80s (we officially turn 10 on 4th December), the new series explores four music fan subcultures that helped shape the landscape of the decade, and how their seismic impact still resonates more than three decades on.

Tribes of the 80s will be broadcast at 7pm over four nights from next Monday (2nd December) until Thursday 5th December.

The series will see Paul taking a look at the musical icons of the era, and how their impact shaped the nation. How did the 80s look and sound like to them? What did they wear, what did they listen to, who did they look up to? Which Tribe did they belong to?

Paul Gambaccini says: "Many of the great stars of the 80s were good friends of mine. It will be an honour to pay tribute to them in this series of programmes."

Content Director for Absolute Radio, Paul Sylvester, adds: “Paul Gambaccini is one of the most respected broadcasters in the UK and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to host this Absolute 80s series. His knowledge is encyclopaedic and his voice is iconic, I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Listen to Absolute 80s.

Tribes of the 80s is one of a number of very special shows we have lined to mark the 10th birthday of Absolute 80s.

It all kicks off at 8pm on Sunday 1st December with Claire Sturgess in conversation with Wham!’s Andrew Ridgeley.

Starting on Monday 2nd December, Sarah Champion and Leona Graham will be counting down the Top 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s as voted for by YOU, our esteemed listeners. The countdown will culminate on Friday 6th December when Leona will reveal the winning song!

The Greatest Song of the 80s

Alongside the Andrew Ridgeley interview, Leona Graham will meet Simple Minds lynchpin Jim Kerr and Sarah Champion will meet Martin and Shirlie Kemp. Matthew Rudd will celebrate Absolute 80s tenth birthday with a Forgotten 80s special where he plays songs which peaked at No.10.

We’ll also be giving away our biggest ever cash prize when one lucky listener scoops a whopping £80,000 on Dave Berry’s Breakfast Show during the week.

Earlier this month we also announced that Andy Bush and Richie Firth will be hosting a very special 80s vs 90s night at Camden’s Dingwalls on Friday 13th December. Tickets to the 80s Versus 90s Christmas Party – LIVE are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets now.

Our upcoming shows are as follows:

Sunday 1st December:

  • 8pm, Claire Sturgess meets Andrew Ridgeley

Starting Monday 2nd December:

  • 10am, 10pm - Greatest Song of the 80s is revealed, with the Top Ten announced on Friday 6th
  • From 7pm – Paul Gambaccini’s Tribes of the 80s’

Wednesday 4th December:

  • 10pm, Sarah Champion speaks to Shirlie and Martin Kemp

Sunday 8th December:

  • From 8pm, Leona Graham meets Jim Kerr
  • From 9pm, Matthew Rudd presents a Forgotten 80s special

Monday 9th December

  • From 4pm, Hometime will be giving away tickets to the 80s v 90s night which happens on Friday 13th December

Listen to Absolute 80s online right here, and on your digital radio, in the FREE Absolute 80s app or on your smart-speaker.