Disc jockey’s have been instrumental in helping Elton progress as a musician over the years.

Tony Blackburn played Lady Samantha on then junior BBC Radio 1 in 1967 and Steve Wright went one better, helping secure Elton’s first-ever UK solo number one in 1990 with Sacrifice.

Sadly we lost Steve in February 2024. But we managed to track down his producer at BBC Radio 1 Steve Wright in the Afternoon who has just published a fabulous memoir that Steve had planned to pen himself, before he ran out of time.

Meet Jonathan Ruffle who was in the studio when Elton paid a visit to the radio show three days after Sacrifice claimed Number One. Jonathan tells us how the show was assembled and how he ended up singing backing vocals with Steve for Elton on the Radio 1 piano in the studio. Plus we learn a bit more about some lyrics the BBC would not have allowed to be broadcast!

George Matlock (L) and Jonathan Ruffle prepare for the radio interview in (M)Elton Mowbray

Join Jonathan and Wright fan George for this special and timely episode, recorded in (M)Elton Mowbray, that marks 36 years since the landmark interview with Elton took place. On 26 June 1990 the World Cup soccer tournament was on. And here we are again for the World Cup, this time hosted by a record three nations: USA, Canada and Mexico.

We also premiere Pinner’s latest song and enjoy Pinner’s latest offering Rocket Man on Radio One.

The Preview below will be available on 27 June 2026 from Rej Silver page from 1800 BST, as well as your favourite podcast player apps, and for premium Platinum subscribers. It costs just $5 a year to gain access to the entire library!

Available on free Silver channel on 4 July 2026.