It’s the end of an era for Pete Price after a glittering 50 year career

Whether you know him from his legendary Radio City chat show, his devoted charity work, his love of panto or being at the helm of The Grapes sing-along on a Sunday, Pete Price is indeed a Liverpool icon.

After more than 38 years on the airwaves at the top of the tower with Radio City, Pete, now 71 has made some big decisions about his future. Having endured long night shifts, being constantly pranked by his former producer, our very own Jay Hynd, while live on air, and of course, Lizard Gate, Pete has decided its time to scale back his hectic schedule……but he’s showing no signs of stopping.

We sent our Kate, a newbie to the world of media, to have a chat with this veteran of broadcast, to find out why he’s slowing down and what lies in store for the future?

Have I done the right thing?

You can tell instantly that it’s not been easy for Pete to make this decision. Taking his show from 5 nights a week down to just one, on Sundays is a big change and he’s already heard that a number of listeners are very upset about it, he said: ” I don’t want to let people down, you know, night time is the loneliest time for a lot of people and suddenly not being there for loyal listeners makes me feel sad, I wondered if I’d done the right thing?”

“I’ve missed out and turned down an awful lot of opportunities over the years, such as TV and cruise work and to date I’ve never seen the end of a theatre show or performance as I’ve had to leg it over to the tower for the show.”

Over My Dead Body

Asked if there was a pivotal moment or incident that brought about the decision Pete explained that losing his dear friends Herbert and Phil Easton recently has led to him planning his own funeral in a series of programmes called ‘Over My Dead Body’, another topic that’s gotten listeners reaching for the phone with mixed emotions. Pete said: ” A lot of people have been put off listening to me talk about death in such a matter of fact way, but here’s the thing, Herbert had his send off in the Cathedral, how am I going to top that?

“I have no family. I have got wonderful friends, but why should they be put in a position to make my final arrangements? They should already be put in place, which takes away the stress and sadness for my friends.”

Time to Take Stock

With his ducks in a row, Pete is looking forward to going full circle and opening up the Sunday night phone lines, which is exactly where he started out all those years ago. With a strong work ethic Pete has always been a grafter, from his days as a comic he’d be playing the clubs until the small hours of the morning and so permanent nights seemed like a natural progression. Just maybe not 5 nights in a row…..for YEARS!

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

There have been many memorable stories, incidents and moments throughout his career, so many so that Pete found it too difficult to choose just 5 that stand out the most. Aside from the prank calls, the wind ups and the hilarious out-bursts, there have been some incredibly sad, difficult and emotional stories that have stayed with Pete throughout. In particular taking the call from troubled teen Michael. Threatening suicide, Pete left his show while on air to ensure caller Michael was out of harms way and safe with the authorities. Pete was also on air the day Croxteth school-boy Rhys Jones was murdered and took calls late into the night from members of the community as police hunted for his killer.

Infamous Outbursts

To say he knows this city and its people, like the back of his hand, is an understatement. He knows scousers, he gets people, and in return he’s given so much of his time, advice and warmth to them. He’s got a knock-out sense of humour, he can take a lot of stick, have a full on drama-filled outburst and then give it right back again in abundance like no one else we know.

Pete & Jay back together…..what could possibly go wrong!?

As Pete prepares to start a new chapter in his social life, he’s also looking forward to working with his good friend and former Radio City producer Jay and the team here at The Guide Liverpool. Just watch the video above to see why! Pure comedy gold.

Turn the light off will yer!

We’ve no doubt the Radio City lot will take some time to get used to Pete not being around so much, and he’s going out with a fitting tribute too. His last Thursday night show coincides with the ARIA Awards evening and Pete has been shortlisted for Best Speech Presenter (Non Breakfast) and we can’t think of a more deserving winner.

Asked about what he’ll miss most about his full-on career Pete replied: “Do you know what, after working night for so long I developed this thing for turning off the lights up the tower. I’d be sat in a city restaurant with friends looking up at St Johns Beacon thinking to myself ‘they’ve left them bloody lights on again’.

“I’ll definitely be dropping by to hit those switches, the leccy bill will be through the roof otherwise.”

We’d love to hear your tributes to Pete’s unrivalled career in local radio and charity. Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the best on our socials.