Interviews, specials and tributes

Roger was almost as well known for his interviews with musicians as he was for his radio shows, especially towards the end of his career. Many artists would often specifically ask for Roger to conduct interviews as they knew with his musical knowledge the questions would always be relevant and intuitive.

Playlist - Interviews Show
Number Title Date Length
1. Roger Scott interview with The Carpenters 1974 49:09
2. Roger Scott with Elton John live in the studio including 2 songs 1976 09:33
3. Roger Scott interview with The Bee Gees 1981 59:10
4. Roger Scott interview with Brian May (Queen) 25/07/1985 1:15:21
5. Roger Scott interview with John Deacon (Queen) 30/10/1985 21:58
6. Roger Scott interview with The Dream Academy 01/11/1985 42:24
7. Roger Scott interview with Brian May (Queen) 26/05/1986 37:10
8. Roger Scott and Annie Nightingale interview with U2 Oct 1988 1:04:12
9. Roger Scott interview with Dion DiMucci 1989 1:31:25
10. Roger Scott interview with the Allman Brothers 1989 28:50
11. Roger Scott interview with The Bee Gees for the Radio Academy 1989 54:57
12. Roger Scott interview with Pete Townshend 15/07/1989 32:07
13. Roger Scott interview with Don Henley part 1 26/08/1989 40:10
14. Roger Scott interview with Don Henley part 2 02/09/1989 43:17
15. Roger Scott interview with Daniel Lanois 30/09/1989 1:23:59
16. Roger Scott interview with Kate Bush 14/10/1989 1:06:10
17. Roger Scott interview with Dion DiMucci - 1:21:02
18. Roger Scott interview with Elton John and Bernie Taupin - 1:00:44
19. Roger Scott interview with Elvis Costello - 39:55:
20. Roger Scott interview with Jeff Lynne - 1:00:42
21. Roger Scott presents The Beach Boys - Keeping the Summer Alive - 44:30
22. Roger's US show for Westwood One featuring Max Weinberg, Terry Hall, Elvis Costello and Billy Idol - 47:53

Roger was a huge Beatles fan and he did numerous radio documentaries on the band for the American radio syndicate Westwood 1. This included the epic 9 part series ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1962-1970’ which Roger produced with Mark Lewisohn. Each part focused on an individual year and even today I think you’d struggle to find a more comprehensive account of the Beatles.

Playlist - The Beatles Show
Number Title Date Length
1. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1963 (1 of 9) 1984 51:49
2. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1964 (2 of 9) 1984 49:21
3. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1965 (3 of 9) 1984 50:55
4. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1965 (4 of 9) 1984 51:05
5. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1966 (5 of 9) 1984 48:49
6. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1967 (6 of 9) 1984 50:00
7. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1968 (7 of 9) 1984 50:57
8. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1969 (8 of 9) 1984 51:29
9. Roger Scott - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - A History of the Beatles Years 1970 (9 of 9) 1984 50:28
10. Roger Scott - Westwood 1 Beatles special - Sgt. Pepper July 1987 2:34:59
11. Roger Scott - Westwood 1 Beatles special - The Apple Years - 52:06
12. Roger Scott - Westwood 1 Beatles special - Twist and Shout - 2:34:42

When Roger passed away the following tribute went out that day on Capital Radio and they played ‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen at the top of every hour all day. The following week, Andy Peebles presented Roger’s usual Sunday evening Radio 1 slot and he played the songs Roger had chosen for his final ever show but was too unwell to broadcast. Andy did a great job getting all 65 tracks unedited into the 3 hours which was a fitting musical tribute to Roger.

In 2009 Bob Harris included this 1 hour tribute to mark the 20th anniversary of Roger’s death. Bob was a great friend and admirer of Roger and in Bob’s own words ‘for me, Roger Scott was the best DJ who ever walked the planet’. When Roger got ill he received sackfuls of mail from his listeners wishing him well and giving him support. I’ve included a letter below from Richard Simmonds which Richard read out at Roger’s memorial concert at Abbey Road. I think it perfectly sums up the relationship Roger had with his listeners. Shortly before Roger passed away he did an interview for Radio 1 about his career in the radio industry which provides the perfect book end for a life dedicated to great music.

Playlist - Tributes Show
Number Title Date Length
1. Capital Radio tribute to Roger Scott on the day he died 31/10/1989 07:07
2. Some of Roger's favourite songs selected for his final show he never got to record. Presented by Andy Peebles 05/11/1989 3:01:52
3. Bob Harris 20 year anniversary tribute to Roger Scott 2009 57:35
4. Richard Simmonds letter - 01:25
5. Interview Roger Scott did for Radio 1 about his career in radio 1989 1:30:02

On the 7th December 1989 there was a memorial concert held at Abbey Road studios in Roger’s honour presented by Alan Freeman. Artists who Roger had struck up friendships with throughout his career played musical tributes including Cliff Richard, Chris Rea, Mark Knopfler, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe and Mark Germino. Plus many of his friends and colleagues gave some truly heartfelt speeches in remembrance.