James May - Champion of Radio 3

[Carmen]

Who'd've thunk it? In answer to Sarah Walker's silly question as to how Radio 3 could get Top Gear fans to listen to classical music, James May has just said that R3 shouldn't change in order to try and get new listeners. In fact, he echoed French Frank's very words, that if you turn on R3 and don't want to listen to what's on at the time, just listen to something else. How it should be.

[mercia]

James May has just said that R3 shouldn't change in order to try and get new listeners

I wasn't listening, but do you think he meant change from what it is now or from what it used to be ?

[french frank]

I wasn't listening, but do you think he meant change from what it is now or from what it used to be ?

I'll write and ask him

Sarah Walker's silly question as to how Radio 3 could get Top Gear fans to listen to classical music

Surely, the answer is blindingly obvious: play classical music on Top Gear which is what they listen to (RW is coordinator for classical music across the BBC - so he could push for it!).

[Caliban]

I'll write and ask him

It would be fun if he were already on here. I think he would be a bracing Forum member. Maybe suggest it, FF. I'm sure he has much to contribute.

[salymap]

Yes he would be an asset to the Forum. I was making toast and not listening properly but I revised my opinion of the Top Gear lads, or one of them. He sounds a good all-round sort of person, lots of opinions, lots of fun to listen to.

It says on Monday's RT page that he is a keen flautist and keyboard player and likes early music.

[Caliban]

Yes he would be an asset to the Forum. I was making toast and not listening properly but I revised my opinion of the Top Gear lads, or one of them. He sounds a good all-round sort of person, lots of opinions, lots of fun to listen to.

I already knew he was an all-rounder with a music degree and a penchant for early music and amateur pianism. His comments about playing Scott Joplin rags in his early teens such that they are still in his 'muscle-memory', car enthusiasms etc make me feel that he's somewhat of a soul-mate.

[Old Grumpy]

It says on Monday's RT page that he is a keen flautist and keyboard player and likes early music.

Though from what he said on the programme it sounds like his flautist days have been over for a while.

[amateur51]

I'll write and ask him

Surely, the answer is blindingly obvious: play classical music on Top Gear which is what they listen to (RW is coordinator for classical music across the BBC - so he could push for it!).

Steady as she goes, french frank - we may get Roger Wright doing his fastest lap in his lycra and their reasonably priced car - Mr Pee would be thrilled

[french frank]

Steady as she goes, french frank - we may get Roger Wright doing his fastest lap in his lycra and their reasonably priced car - Mr Pee would be thrilled

That might well be the answer to Dr W: that Top Gear fans already do listen to Radio 3 ...

[PJPJ]

That might well be the answer to Dr W: that Top Gear fans already do listen to Radio 3 ...

We do indeed.

no, too old for that, so

PS While I applaud his view on R3, I can't stand these chatty morning programmes.