208 It was Great by Alan Bailey
Like most books, it came about by a set of certain circumstances. Working with various broadcasters, they urged me to tell them stories about my early career in broadcasting with Radio Luxembourg which they seemed to have found fascinating. They convinced me that I should commit to paper an account of those early days. I thought it was a good idea because I could do it for my children and future generations of my family, a sort of family history. I set to work with my trusty pen and paper, upon completion, various other members of the broadcasting profession voiced their approval and their opinion that I should seek a publisher.
So here, dear listener, is my account of a career with Radio Luxembourg ‘The Station of the Stars’ as seen through my eyes between 1958 and 1975 before I left to help launch a new radio station in the East Midlands. It’s an account of my good times, my bad times, my thoughts and people I crossed paths with on that exhilarating and exciting journey. A journey of which I will be eternally proud.
‘208It Was Great’ consists of a foreword by Jimmy Savile, quotes from Noel Edmonds, Dave Christian and Michael Palin, 39 pages of photos and 121pages of wordage in ten chapters.1.In the beginning. 2.The Early Days.3. K.E.Y.N.S.H.A.M. 4. Technical Stuff. 5. Swinging 60’s and Beyond.6.The Presenters. 7. Jimmy Savile. 8. Monty Python. 9. The Highlight of my Career. 10. The End is Nigh.THIS BOOK IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
THIS WEBSITE WILL REMAIN SO YOU CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE AUDIO AND PHOTOS.
Brill! Mine arrived today! The book looks great! Am looking forward to reading it ! …
Just a note to thank you for the book, which arrived in this morning’s post. It’s everything I hoped for – and more as this is such an interesting piece of nostalgia….
The postman just gave me your wonderful book. This is a very nice, clearly structured book about “208, it was great”….
First impression wonderful photos and now I’ve to read it….
Thanks for signing the book for my brother, I know he’ll enjoy reading it….
Absobloodylutely Brilliant!!!! Love it….
If you fancy a trip down a musical memory lane, this is essential reading. Famous names drop off every page, the anecdotes will make you chuckle….
The book is excellent have really enjoyed it and have mentioned it to a lot of my industry friends. …
I’ve just been reading your book: great stories, great atmosphere and a great station indeed. Very well done! …
I bought my copy and thoroughly enjoyed it….
Your book is great and I´m going to love it! I already do! …you have made a real great treasure for all us….
I am reading your book at the moment, really enjoying it! Well done! I liked the tech bits and photos in your book!…
It’s an interesting glimpse at the author’s career. Thirty-nine photos spread across ten chapters will keep readers glued to the pages. Thanks, Mr. Bailey, for a job well done!…
I must say how WONDERFUL your book is, and I just have to say thank you for taking me down Memory Lane. You were so lucky to have that job at such an exciting time in music history….
Just to say many thanks for the lovely book – As an ex-BBC Radio man and former Luxy listener it makes for great reading — wish I’d been there too!
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your book.
Wow the memories it brought back. Radio Luxembourg was so much a part of my life and reading your book has just reminded me of how great it was and how lucky we were growing up in the 50’s/60’s.
Many thanks for the Luxy book that arrived today. An essential part of European broadcasting history.
I have received your book and very impressed by the stories, pictures and general quality. Thank you so much.
A brilliant book promptly delivered. It brought back many memories of listening to RTL. The DJs, the jingles even the notorious fading of medium wave up in Scotland all made this station a joy to listen to.
The only thing missing was the backroom staff, now made up for with Alan Baileys book.
I am finding it fascinating and very easy to read – well done.
The book arrived on Saturday and just couldn’t put it down. 208 it was great and so too was your book. Thanks for a great read.
Have received your book & have read it. Thanks so much for your most informative & useful book. Great story & very good photo’s
Thanks again
Absolutely ‘loved’ your book! Devoured it rapidly with so many memories flooding back. I have recommended it to my buddy Roger Cook (David & Jonathan) who remembers you.
I´ve received my copy of your book – what a great and readable book!
A really terrific read. That is a great story about the Reich disc, just finished the book, which I loved.
Thanks for the book it was fantastic to go down memory lane with you, I met you in the sixties.
Just got THE book. Fantastic and I love the way it’s written, sort of like Alan is speaking to you. layout, pictures, adverts all look brilliant.
I love the book, thank you for taking the time to document those wonderful years for all to now enjoy. You should be very proud it’s absolutely brilliant. It brought back many memories and it has made me proud to say, Hey! I was there.
A really splendid book, thank you! It brought back many happy memories of the late great 208, and all those night-time teenage hours spent listening
How about a second book to follow up Alan, there must be a lot more you could tell us from your experiences?
I was given a copy of ‘208 It Was Great’ for Christmas two years ago, and was so enthralled that I read the whole book on Christmas Day. I just couldn’t put it down! Your book brought back so many memories, not only of my visits but also of many, many nights tuning in to my tranny.
Hi Al, (or should I call you Hans?) Finished the book and it is fab. Loads of stuff I didn’t know and yesterday in my lunch hour I went for a walk to Hertford Street to have a look and see if the essence of Luxy was still in the air. Thanks for a great read.
JOHN BOLTON. LONDON.
We’ve received the book and we all love it. You really did a great job ! Thanks for the splendid “208 it was great”.
Nicola Ferrauto (Vicenza) Italy