When John Walters, my long term producer at Radio 1, took early retirement in 1991, he left big shoes to fill. Among the other producers, there were very few who I would want anywhere near my programmes. I was so relieved when it was decreed that Mike would be Walters's replacement. Mike, for goodness sakes, was a true music fan. How that reality had escaped the notice of Radio 1 management and, as a consequence, Mike had kept his job there for so long, beats me. For the next six years we worked together very, very happily and productively. Like me, he was first and foremost a fan. He was also a meticulous and hard working producer. We made outstanding programmes together and had huge fun doing that. Mike was a lovely bloke, one of the rare good guys at Radio 1, and a dear friend. You more than filled those shoes, old chap.

Good memories from our Radio 1 days working together. Playlist meetings were a treat when punk arrived and Mike got into gear! Our joint production trip to Moscow and Leningrad in Feb '88 with Peel was one to remember.... work hard and play hard, we gave the KGB a run for their money! I would occasionally bump into Mike in our local area after the Beeb and he was always busy with his antiques and books. His expertise was admirable. R.I.P. Mike.

I owe Mike big time, for then and for forever. He will never disappear from my thoughts. With eternal gratitude, Paul