Mary Ann Hobbs to leave Radio 1
#salutemaryann was trending on Twitter over the weekend as Dubstep’s chief drum beater announced she was leaving her ‘experimental’ early Thursday morning slot on Radio 1. Mary Ann Hobbs came to Radio 1 to present the ‘Rock Show’ 14 years ago, but her real contribution to national life was as an electronic DJ, whose notable achievements include the spreading of the Dubstep word, thanks to a series of documentaries and the famous two-hour Dubstep special in 2006.
Her myspace blog reads: “yesterday i resigned from BBC Radio1, after an amazing multi-dimensional 14 year career. The great freedoms the BBC have given in me as a broadcaster, have allowed me to help break so many confrontational artists as diverse as Slipknot and Skream, and of course, the whole genre of Dubstep in recent times. My current Experimental show is in peak condition, it’s never been stronger. And although it’s a very emotional decision to leave the show that I love so much, it’s also an optimum moment to bow out, at the very top of my game.
“My work for Radio1 on the Breezeblock, Rock Show, many fascinating documentaries about everything from David Bowie to Dubstep, on daytime, at festivals and award ceremonies, has been exceptionally rewarding. These have been glory days not just for me, but for all the artists who have shared my BBC platform, and of course, the listeners everywhere from Beijing to Berlin, Baltimore to Blackpool, who shared a great passion for future sound.
“I will continue to DJ live, work in film, and curate at Sonar festival in Barcelona. I have also accepted a new job mentoring and teaching students at Sheffield University’s radio station, TV station and the newspaper that operate out of their superb Forge Media Hub, which presents me with a really exciting new challenge.”
Her last show on BBC Radio1 will be broadcast on 9th September from 2am – 4am. Listen to her latest show here
