Rochdale Cowboy rides into sunset after sacking

Published on 18/10/2012 00:12

Radio 2 presenter Mike 
Harding has been axed by the station after 15 years as the voice of folk music.

Harding, 67, known for his own music career including unlikely chart hit The Rochdale Cowboy before joining the 
station, hosts a weekly show and fronts the annual folk awards.

He will be replaced by 
presenter Mark Radcliffe on the show, which is broadcast at 7pm each Wednesday.

Harding said yesterday he was “not leaving the show of my own volition”.

He added that he would 
continue to “present the music I love” until December 26.

Radio 2 controller Bob 
Shennan said: “I’d like to thank Mike Harding, who has spent 15 years at the top of his game, 
delighting fans with his expertise and rooting out the very best folk music.

“On his watch, folk has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity and Mike has been key in supporting the genre and introducing Radio 2 listeners to a broad range of new artists. We very much hope to work with him again in the future.”

Radcliffe said: “I can’t say how thrilled and honoured I am to be doing this. Anyone who knows me, or has seen one of my gigs, knows how steeped in folk I am, and it is a joy to be able to 
combine work and pleasure.”