Tony Allan - In Loving Memory

Tony Allan died Friday 9th July 2004, aged 54.

He lost his battle with cancer and passed away in the hospice he was being cared for in Hampstead, North London.

He was an iconic personality and figure known mainly to those who love and appreciate radio the way it was meant to be.

His voice stood out, as did his production and presentation ability.

He meant so much to those who remembered the offshore radio years of the 70s and the Irish pirate hay-days during the 80s.

Even if generations to come don't realise it, Tony will always live on as part of the fabric of real radio, radio with a heart, warmth and individuality. He is in the foundations and the soul of radio in Europe. And always will be.

Tony Allan, R.I.P.
22nd September 1949 – 9th July 2004

Tony Allan, R.I.P – from Peter Moore
Tony 1950 – 2004.

In the early seventies, listening to Caroline in my bedsit, I began to wonder who was this remarkably voiced and brilliant man who captivated me with his vast and varied musical appreciation.

A few months later I drew up alongside the Mi Amigo off the Dutch coast to be welcomed by Bob Noakes, Andy Archer and Tony Allan.

After a while of being shown around, the crew suggested that I ought to get ashore in advance of a coming storm, but in truth I think I had outstayed my welcome with too many foolish questions.

Years later I met Tony on an evil night in Ramsgate, on a fishing boat that could not leave for the Mi Amigo because of engine trouble. Tony was drunk and terrifying. He wondered if by our all holding hands, L.A. may not fix the engine. I felt that it would take only one wrong word for him to attack me and so I slunk away.

Then I met him again towards the end of the life of the old ship. I had arrived on a motor barge delivering diesel oil and we were in some trouble ourselves. Tony was again the gentleman I had met in the first instance and could not have been more concerned and caring.

I cannot comment on his distinguished career in Ireland, I am sure that a better person such as Chris Cary can do that and indeed I had all but forgotten about him until Ross Revenge came to London in 1995. The crew noticed a forlorn figure sitting on a bench near the ship and it was Tony. He was immediately invited on board and put on air.

Again he disappeared and I heard no more until 2001, when out of the blue he called. Surprisingly, since he was such a private man, he wanted all his old friends to have his number.

Being an opportunist I asked him at once if he would create some new voice overs for us. He said that it may be as well to do this soon since he had in his words ' a bit of cancer '.

I could not think of a more cruel thing for a man blessed with such a voice to contract throat cancer. However he never complained even though the medical profession built him up and knocked him down many times. He always said that there were many people in worse situations than his own.

At one stage he was buoyed up by the promise of an operation, albeit a major one, that would restore him to health. When this possibility was taken from him at the last moment he went out and got spectacularly drunk.

When he finally regained lucidity the next day, he told my good friend Bob ( Buzby )Lawrence ' bloody hell Buzz, not only am I going to die, I've got a bloody hangover as well '.

However, the tough old bird did not die. Each time when we went to his ' last ' birthday party, a year passed and we went to his next last birthday party.

Many of us began to think that he was indestructible and each time the illness pushed him to the brink he bounced back again. I last saw him at Easter, looking dapper in a fabulous suit and a Ben Sherman shirt. We planned his return on air.

The last of our family to see Tony were Dave Foster and Rob Ashard who visited him on Thursday. Tony was chuckling about the huge credit card bills that he never would have to pay but he was concerned to see his beloved cat once again and to allocate all his possessions to the right people and to ensure that we would mark his passing in the way he specified. He also planned his last, last programme but sadly time defeated him.

Tony slipped in to a coma this morning and died around 11am with his brother by his side and his lovely companion Eliyah who has been looking after him for three years.

The best final comment comes from Tony himself.

' What the hell, I've had a wonderful life '

Peter Moore,
Radio Caroline.
July 9th.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Peter Moore on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:37 PM.

Goodbye and God Bless Tony Allan

A copy of a posting from Chris Cary:

Shortly after 11.15am today, Tony Allan passed away peacefully, with a Marie Curie nurse at his side in the Hospice in Hampstead. He was in a deep sleep .
A truly talented and versatile broadcaster and dear,dear friend. I miss him deeply.

Friends and family have been with him all week, and I understand that Elija was with him for most of yesterday.

Be at peace Tony.

With Love.

Chris and Sybil, Nick and Will

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Chris Cary on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:41 PM.

From Frankee:

Too bad for Tony, I hope he will not be forgotten, as has happened to so many great people. Tony was one of those people who simply did what they had to do... and he did it well, with all his energy and his heart...

Frank

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Frankee on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:50 PM.

From Richard:

Sadly Tony passed away today, A gentleman who will be missed by many.

I never met him, But who can forget him on offshore Caroline.

God bless.

R.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Richard on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:51 PM.

From Mike Thomas:

What a truly grim week it has been.

What a terrible coincidence that two great broadcasters Tony Allan and Jimmy Mack both served on the same station and succomed to the same terrible disease.

Rest in peace.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Mike Thomas on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:53 PM.

From Lloyd Atkins:

In my humble opinion Tony was the finest broadcaster I have ever heard. His programmes from the Mi Amigo in the 70's were communication at its finest.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Lloyd Atkins on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:55 PM.

From Paul Kendall:

I would just like to record my sadness on hearing about Tony.

He was one of the professional radio presenters of my younger days – even though he was only a little older than me. I should add that I am not, nor ever have been, a part of the radio industry, and I write merely as a listener.

I find it particularly distressing that I hadn't heard Tony broadcast for years, and would have loved to listen to that voice again before he passed away.

If and when any of Tony's family and friends read these messages, I hope they are comforted to know that he was held in such high regard by both his fellow broadcasters and his listeners alike.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Paul Kendall on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:57 PM.

From John Barry:

Tony Allan played such an important part in shaping UK & Irish Radio, He was an influence to many, He gave everything to Radio and what a True Gift he had to share and He enjoyed himself.

Tony (Doris) will be sadly missed – but never forgottten!

Rest In Peace Tony.

John B

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) John Barry on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:58 PM.

From MicCoren:

We will all miss that great DJ/Personality and warm human being Tony Allan. I always enyoyed his shows on the offshore Caroline and his shows from Maidstone. He always made you feel welcome on his programmes and put a lot of LA and warmth into his shows. Starting in radio at the age of 16 when his first offshore venture was Radio Scotland.He built a great radio career and will greatly missed. Also Jimmy Mack also of Radio Scotland and B.B.C. fame has just died. I'm sure our thoughts go out to them both and their families.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) MicCoren on Friday 9 July 2004 at 7:59 PM.

From Andrew Pearce:

I cannot add any more than has already been said. A truly sad day.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Andrew Pearce on Friday 9 July 2004 at 8:01 PM.

From John E:

A great loss of a very gifted person. As a listener, Tony always made me feel as if he were speaking to me personally and his programmes many times cheered me up when I was down!

John

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) John E on Friday 9 July 2004 at 8:02 PM.

From Eric Wiltsher, Tesug:

I've just remembered what RTD said along the lines of not being sad and Tony himself wanting to be remembered. So let's all remember him in the way he would want memories to be written. Happy, fun and most definitely not towing the company line.

And I can't help thinking is there is a 'hell' then it's actually in heaven. Can you imagine being given the task of the Radio Regulator in heaven – now that would be hell with people like Tony and Howard Rose to contend with. I bet they're enjoying it right now.

Eric

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Eric Wiltsher, TESUG on Friday 9 July 2004 at 8:03 PM.

6th May 1979, Dutch programmes by day, a solitary hour of Caroline from 5.00pm. How else would you open up a transmission...

http://www.radiogeronimo.org/hello_girls_its_us.mp3 (26 seconds)

Priceless, inimitable.

The end of the same programme is also magical...

http://www.radiogeronimo.org/we_love_you.mp3 (21 seconds)

We love you.

Posted by Chris Bent on Friday 9 July 2004 at 9:05 PM.

From Sybil, posted originally on the Chris Cary Message Board:

I first met Tony more than 20 years ago. Making and the song 'Ooh..It's Good to be a Queen' (anyone got a copy I need to hear it now..) he was different from anyone else.. Sent to fetch him from the bar in Leeson Street he could spot me coming in one door and down a chaser and a pint before I caught up with him. He had a production skill that was uncanny (faster with a blade through tape than a knife through butter)..Sometimes he'd spends hours/all night making a commerciall (the Nova T-Shirts to name but one..). I learnt from him that innate talent was a special gift. The sharpest/pithiest/wittiest messages on this NoticeBoard have always been Tony's.

Almost four years ago I went to his 'last' Birthday Party – he was the life and soul of the party – I remember him wandering round with a paper napkin writing down everyones last orders.. He had changed, matured – he was at peace with himself.

Less than two years ago I remember a fantastic weekend we all had when he came to stay with us in Surrey and we 'did' Windsor – in a horse drawn carriage because the walk would have been too much for him.

Then there was the Sunday with Ryan at the studios in Maidstone when he and I recorded the 'What Next' links – less than a year ago. At least he was heard all over Western Australia if only for the day... He was as good then as ever...

Then the Radio Caroline reunion, but a few weeks ago, in London.

Then seeing him in the Hospice on Sunday.. When he joked with the Nurses as Chris explained that Tony had been the Guinness Voice and he said now this was his 'Morphine Voice'.

Elija in particular is one person to whom I feel a debt of gratitude for she surely cared for him: there were many others – but only Elija do I know...

To the end Tony looked forward, explaining at the weekend that he was about to try a new drug as the chemotherapy had stopped working.

I have never, ever, heard Tony complain or express self pity throughout his ordeal. Even when he had to put the phone down when paroxysms of coughing overtook him, even last week when he strove to catch every breath he never once complained. The last time I saw him he was sitting up wearing his Radio Caroline T-Shirt.

I know I'm rambling.. But I feel I owe it to you to talk to you directly.

Tony you embodied talent, humanity, honesty and courage.

I shall miss you terribly Tony. Sleep well my dear friend. xxxxx from my children and Chris and I

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Sybil on Friday 9 July 2004 at 9:34 PM.

on behalve of Andy Archer

TONY ALLAN Friday 9th July 2004

Of all of the people I met and worked with during my "pirate" radio years, Tony Allan was the most extraordinary. He was charming, erudite – and wickedly witty. Like many talented people – and Tony was VERY talented – he could have his temperamental moments and throw the odd "wobbly". These were largely as a result of his own professionalism which would not allow him to suffer amateurs gladly. For reasons that have always eluded me, he did not class me in that category, and we never ended up kicking the shit out of each other.

It is well known that Tony did not know the meaning of the word "abstemious", and it was during a shore leave from Radio Caroline that he and Graeme Gill visited me at a well-known hotel in Amsterdam. I had been given a room with a very large private bar, stocked with every drink imaginable. During the course of what should have been a highly memorable evening (I wish I COULD remember it) we drank late into the night. It was only when I woke in the morning (late) that I realised the impact we had made on the stock of brandy, whisky, vodka, gin etc. As the remaining contents of the bar were due to be measured, and the amount missing added to my bill, I had no choice but to top the bottles back up again ... the vodka and gin from the bathroom tap .. and the other spirits with various strengths of diluted coffee and tea. When I told Tony afterwards, his only reaction was: "Thank fuck I wasn't the next guest in THAT room!"

Sadly Tony and I lost touch for the better part of 20 years but, thanks to our mutual friend Elija van den Berg, we recently met up again and remained in close contact for the last couple of months of his life. We three spent a joyous afternoon together in London which, despite his frailty, was an event marked not by sadness but by laughter. Lots and lots of it. Andy Archer

And in Dutch:
Van alle mensen waarmee ik gedurende mijn piraten tijd heb gewerkt, Tony Allen was de meest ongewone man. Hij was uitermate charmant, intelligent, en scherp. Zoals de meeste getalenteerde mensen, en Tony bezat VEEL talent, hij had zijn onstuimige buien en kon zo hier en daar opvliegen. Dit kwam mede door zijn professionalisme waardoor zijn omgang met amateurs moeilijk verliep. Door redenen die mij altijd onduidelijk zijn geweest, heeft hij mij nooit in deze laatste categorie ingedeeld en hebben we nooit een veldslag met elkaar gehad.

Het is bekend dat Tony moeite had om zich iets te weigeren en het was tijdens de Caroline periode tijdens een verblijf aan land dat hij en Graeme Gill mij een bezoek brachten in mijn Hotel kamer op het Rembrandsplein in Amsterdam. Ik had een kamer gekregen met een bijzonder grote privé bar, met elke drank denkbaar. Gedurende wat een speciale avond had moeten worden (daar weet ik zelf NIETS meer van) dronken wij tot in de vroege uren. Toen ik later op de dag wakker werd realiseerde ik de aanslag op de hele voorraad drank. De rekening zou worden opgemaakt uit de overgebleven hoeveelheid drank, dus de wodka en jenever werd aangevuld uit de kraan, en de andere dranken met diverse maten van verdunde koffie en thee. Toen ik Tony naderhand vertelde wat ik had moeten doen reageerde hij:”Fuck, het is maar goed dat ik de volgende gast in deze suite niet ben”.

De afgelopen 20 jaar zijn Tony en ik elkaar helaas uit het oog verloren, maar dankzij onze gemeenschappelijke vriendin Elija van den Berg, kwamen we de laatste maanden van zijn leven, weer met elkaar in kontact. Wij drieën hebben een heerlijke middag in Londen gehad, ondanks zijn inmiddels zwakke gezondheid vol met plezier en gelag doorgebracht, heel veel gelag! Andy Archer

Posted by Ad Roberts (on behalf of) Andy Archer on Friday 9 July 2004 at 11:04 PM.

From Vrij Vogel:

Radio has just lost a broadcaster of spectacular ability. I am too young at 29 to remember Tony's legendary programmes from the Mi Amigo, but I have 'heard' enough that has echoed through time (>24 years)to know we have suffered a great loss. Not just those Airchecks, but my friends passionately telling the stories which always begin 'on the boat' – the ones concerning Tony were always more animated, and more enthusiastically told, he was obviously a greatly valued friend. I almost feel I knew him – or perhaps wished it so.

My condolences to all his family, and his friends.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Vrij Vogel on Saturday 10 July 2004 at 2:01 AM.

Tony was a massive influence on offshore radio from the sixties until recently when he became ill. I met him a few years ago in Bournemouth and he was a lovely man, full of great radio stories and his passing is a very sad loss.

RIP Tony.

Posted by Mike Terry on Saturday 10 July 2004 at 8:46 AM.

Folks,

I, too, am too young to have heard Tony Allan in his haydays on the Mi Amigo. But I have heard from others what a sincere and joyous character he was. Radio loses one of the most brilliant talents but will always be remembered

Long live the Queen!

Ross

Posted by Ross Macfadyen on Saturday 10 July 2004 at 12:07 PM.

Words, for once, fail me except to say it was in the early 70's, listening to Tony on RNI with my friend Dave Beale G4AXB that I vowed to pass my radio amateur's exam and get the callsign G4RNI. Dave, a doctor's son in Wrekenton, Gateshead, told me I'd never get it but I timed it right, persevered and got G4RNI in 1981. Dave didn't live for me to tell him. Leukaemia stole him away but I was fortunate enough to speak to Tony just once, when he did a special on Caroline from Maidstone. I told him of my callsign and how he'd been at least in part responsible for me trying so hard to get it but it didn't at first sink in. When he realised what I was telling him, he said I had to be an ultimate w*nker.

I treasured that comment. I had never before been so honoured as to be the recipient of such a comment from such a great man and laughed so hard it hurt.

God Bless you Tony and thanks for the inspiration.

Thank you, too Chris for allowing me to post this.

George, G4RNI

Posted by G4RNI (George) on Saturday 10 July 2004 at 3:49 PM.

I briefly worked with Tony Allan on Radio Northsea International at the beginning of 1971. I personally found him inspiring to work with. I also remember his tonge-in-cheek jokes that were at my expense while I was away from the ship on honeymoon. Clearly he never suspected I would be listening to RNI's short wave service whilst under the duvet in the plush bridal suite of a Swiss mountain hotel. Some have commented that Tony was at times a bit head-strong and difficult to work with, well this is probably true but I never experienced anything negative from him and had many wonderful laughs. One of Tony's talents was his ability to talk to people and make them fell very special, which I suppose accounts for much of his immense popularity. Tony certainly left his mark on offshore radio and I am sure he will always be rembered for the huge contribution he made to it.

Andy Cadier (aka Martin Kayne)

Posted by Andy Cadier on Saturday 10 July 2004 at 10:44 PM.

Tony meant an awful lot to me – he was more than just a broadcaster though – he was one of life';s thinkers, who had carefully analysed what life was really about. And better than that, he took the time to influence and teach others.

Tony changed my life tremendously; in 1973 when I was a young gung-ho teenage DJ, drunk on suddenly becoming 'superstar' on Caroline International, Tony spent several hours talking through my life then, where was I going? What could I do with it? Where should my priorities be? How could I help myself by helping others? I bet I was a difficult pupil, especially at 4 am which seemed to be when we would have some of our most profound discussions and debates.

In the parlance of the day, Tony ~"straightened my head out" – he made me look towards my goals and destinations and the route I would take; How I would treat others, and how I would regard myself. He has helped shape me and get me where I am today and I shall be eternally grateful to him. A truly wonderful guy.

Paul Rusling

Posted by Paul Rusling on Sunday 11 July 2004 at 9:50 AM.

At the same time, Tony was a kind, generous and loyal friend and a wild, rebellious and dangerous man.

I first met him shortly after he left Radio Scotland (the shipborne version). He was young, bright, gregarious and I was briefly in awe of him. He was just a year or so older, but here was I, a hospital radio DJ straight from school; and there was Tony, a veteran of pirate radio. He immediately gave me the nickname of "shitfeatures"! I liked that!

Over the years we worked together rarely, but often met up, spoke, compared notes, and despaired at the state of the world. When he was at Radio Forth, (a square peg in a round hole if ever there was one) he suddenly decided to walk out and never come back – but I felt honoured that he rang me beforehand to tell me what he was planning.

Years later, after battling assorted demons, we worked on a documentary about radio jingles that I did for Chris Carey’s satellite version of Radio Nova. Chris later told me how much it had meant to Tony to work with me on the project. The feeling was entirely mutual. A couple of years ago, after he’d taken ill, I persuaded him (with the help of Eljie) to come on board the LV18 and host a show once more on RNI. We had a wonderful day together, which culminated in shepherd’s pie and rollups in the galley.

He had one of the most distinctive voices on the radio, and despite living much of his life apparently with a finger on the ’self destruct’ button, he had a distinguished career on alternative stations around the world.

I was more than fond of Tony Allan. I loved the man (he always respected – if failed to appreciate – my heterosexual view of the world) and I am glad I knew him.

Posted by Tony Currie on Sunday 11 July 2004 at 7:51 PM.

Very sad at the news about Tony Allen he will be sorely missed by all.It was a bad week for radio last week with both the loss of another radio great Jimmy Mack and Tony. Perhaps they will start a pirate radio station in the sky,being joined by the great Kenny Everett and others who are no longer with us.

Posted by Archie Edgar on Sunday 11 July 2004 at 8:23 PM.

From Elija
(Copied from the Chris Cary board):

tony was like a brother to me.
safe journey to the spirit world tony
love you
elija

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Elija on Sunday 11 July 2004 at 10:53 PM.

From MartynF21:

Like many I am very sad at the passing of Tony Allan. I grew up in the 70 and 80 and during this time I came to appreciate the value of radio. I can say that Tony was a major influence on the way I viewed media and although I never met him, he provided a warm and friendly voice on Nona and RNI and the way he did his broadcasts made it seem like he was broadcasting on a personal one to one level. His professionalism will be sorely missed in this age of bland and fomulaic radio.

Rest in Peace Tony, You will always be remembered by those who really appreciate radio.

Martyn Foster

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Martyn Foster on Monday 12 July 2004 at 12:39 AM.

From Nicholas Mead:

This is just wretched, wretched news. Just recently we've lost two of the great Caroline voices: "Jay Jackson" and now Tony Allan. The fact that they have gone away years before their time just illustrates the absurdity of fate.
The 1970s were my formative years – and the soundtrack was offshore radio – mainly Radio Caroline of course. It made me understand and appreciate good music, and made me appreciate that bending stupid rules is a worthwhile thing to do. Tony Allan was a wonderful broadcaster on my favourite radio station, and he made my world a little brighter as a result.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Nicholas Mead on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:05 AM.

From Geoff Rogers:

Like many people on and off this list, I never met Tony but he was very much a part of my life. My main recollections of him were on RNI in the early 70s, where his irrepressible sense of humour, voice, and professionalism moulded it into the station that many fondly remember as their favourite offshore station. His banter with the other jocks such as Alan West and Steve Merike were great to listen to. Later of course, I remember him from the Irish pirate scene and of course those delicious LA jingles put together for Caroline over the years.

There's so much more to say and others here are saying it so much better, so I'll just end by saying 'RIP Tony, thanks for everything'.

I doubt we'll ever see the like again.

Geoff

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Geoff Rogers on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:08 AM.

From Val:

Like others I was so terribly sad to hear the news yesterday and I'd like to send my sincere condolences and love to Tony's family and friends. I hope its some comfort to know that Tony is at peace now and will suffer no more....He will be in our thoughts always, and forever in our hearts.

Finally thank you to Chris Cary for the first sad notification about Tony's deterioration (and thanks to Chris E for posting it here).This did at least give people the chance to send their love and thoughts to Tony. I think we all expected this sad news but somehow it still comes as such a shock.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Val on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:33 AM.

From Alan Milewczyk:

Tony Allan – RIP

My memories of Tony don't, unfortunately, go back to Radio Scotland, but I do very clearly recall him on RNI from 1971 onwards. How could you not recall that perfectly modulated radio voice and his multilingual introductions of the records he played. Then, of course, came Caroline. Someone else has said that he embodied 70's Caroline and, of course, he did. Thoughtful, considered, well informed, hilariously outrageous, that was Tony. I recall the "Tony Allan is gay" jingles – comming not long after Leo Abse's bill legalising homesexuality, it was still shocking, but those were different times, it was still brave to be open about homosexuality and Tony was all these things. None of that matters, of course, what matters is the person. Tony always had a healthily contemptuous attitude towards the "authorities" whoever they were, he wasn't afraid to stand up and be counted. What came over was a very well read person,someone with a fabulous sense of humour, someone who was very genuine and sincere, no wonder we took him to our hearts.

.... and there was the music. Caroline was The Doobie Brothers and "Listen to the music", she was Derek and the Dominoes "Layla", she was many other anthems too. And there was Tony, at the heart of it all – he WAS Caroline!

When I rediscovered Caroline last year, I was shocked to hear that Tony was suffering from terminal throat cancer – a cruel complaint at the best of times, but doubly so in Tony's case – throat cancer affecting someone with that amazing voice. Earlier this year, I bought from Caroline Sales, the 3 CD set of one of Tony's appearances on board the Ross and was reminded of the many fabulous memories of the past and yes, that spark was still there.

This Easter, I was privileged to meet and speak with the man himself at the Caroline 40th bash in Southend. At half time, many of us retired to the pub next door – he joined us fans at a table alongside Roger Day and, later, Roger Scott. He was exactly as we had heard him over the airwaves over the years. An outrageously wicked sense of humour and such fun to be with – those are my lasting memories of him.

Tony – thank you for sharing yourself with us over the years. Thank you for being you, for being such fun. We're all the richer through listening to you, through meeting you. You were a great friend to all of us – whether we met you in person or not, is immaterial – rest in peace, dear friend.

Alan

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Alan Milewczyk on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:36 AM.

From Keith Stimpson:

Sad news indeed about Tony Allan. As one who listened avidly to Caroline
& RNI in the seventies, Tony Allan’s broadcasts were programmes I actually had to LISTEN to, not just background radio. The same was true of his more recent broadcasts from Maidstone. He introduced me to a great deal of quality music. The others on board the Mi Amigo did too, of course, but Tony was the best. In fact, the best broadcaster I have ever heard.
His warmth as a person could be felt over the air. I feel like he was a friend, even though I never met him. His humour, fantastic voice, good music taste and healthy disrespect for “the establishment” certainly made our lives better.
May you rest in peace, Tony, thanks for it all.
L.A.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Keith Stimpson on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:38 AM.

From Jessie Brandon (copied from the Chris Cary board):

Tony was so complicated, yet unfailingly direct and centered at the same time. Last October, I spent a lovely rainy afternoon at his home, we wandered down the street for lunch, then all too soon I was waving from the bus, tears in both our eyes. I said he was brave, he said, "You'd do the same. Face facts and keep moving." His demons may have made his life difficult, but they allowed us a glimpse into an Old Soul. I'll carry his courage with me to the end of my days.

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Jessie Brandon on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:41 AM.

From Steve Conway:

Although I met Tony a few times in the late 70s, I never experienced him in the Caroline context, only over here in Ireland, where his voice was known and loved by many.

People over here still remember his Guinness voiceovers!

Rest in peace Tony.

Steve Conway

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Steve Conway on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:43 AM.

From Allan Krautwald:

The world of radio have lost a great communicator and a very fine person, I'm sure.
I first heard Tony on RNI in february 1971, but for me his true greatness came forward during his stay on Radio Caroline...
I remember lying in bed late nights at my home near the Danish west coast and listening to Caroline....and especially to Tony...it was pure magic. His way of communicating with the listeners was unique...you felt very comfortably in his company....
To me he was Caroline in the 70's...
Being a broadcaster myself, I value his abilities as a broadcaster.... In today's radio there are unfortunately not many true communicators... For me Tony will always rank in the top 5 of all time great broadcasters. Allan

Posted by Admin (on behalf of) Allan Krautwald on Monday 12 July 2004 at 1:45 AM.

Sad Sad News today – the death of Tony Allan.
With a mind as intelligent and as sharpe as it was creative,
A temprement that was as unpridictable and honest as it was spontaneous, And a voice that was a gift from God.
Tony Allan was a King among Broadcasters, and a Prince among men
(I can just hear him quip right now – And a Queen among Friends)
Like most small broadcasting outfits around Ireland in the early 80s WLCB in Wicklow depended on the guidence and generosity of people like Chris Carey, who allowed us to produce our adds in the magic Studios of Radio Nova. We took our professionalism and got our 'SOUND' from Tony Allan. Station ID's Jock Jingles and Name Checks, and some of the most creative adverts ever recorded- all were credited to Tony Allan. Overnight Sleeps – not much money- A few beers and a whole lot of energy- All this was HIS contribution to the success of WLCB . To everybody who ever knew him – he will be seriously missed.
To an industry thas has gone hi-tec – high finance- and with it developed a lack luster – predictable – play safe attitude in recent years – It, has lost one of its very rare natural talents and insperations. Radio has just lost its Soul. Goodbye old friend- keep the music going up there
and show em how a real V/O is done.
From Leo Doyle and all scattered friends from WLCB in Wicklow in Ireland

Posted by Leo Doyle on Tuesday 13 July 2004 at 9:48 PM.

I briefly met Tony on a trip to the Mi Amigo late 1974. He made us feel very welcome. I shall never forget the contribution he made to Caroline and to radio in general. I still have a copy of the Radio Kaleidscope Tip Top Thirty he did for the station a little later. A compeletly different format from Caroline, but he slipped in to the Big K sound effortlessly. RIP Tony – you will be sadly missed.

Posted by Tim on Tuesday 13 July 2004 at 11:23 PM.

Re Tony Allen RIP.

As a listener to the Irish Pirates in the 1980's here in Ireland,we can never forget Tony's jingles and voiceovers which were revolutionary to the Irish radio scene at the time,and set the standard for others to follow.A true legend.

Rest In Peace

Posted by Mick Melvin on Thursday 15 July 2004 at 4:39 AM.

I'm very sorry to hear that Tony Allan has died. I worked with him briefly on Radio Caroline, this would be in the winter of 74 I think. I was the ship's RF engineer for about three months. Andy Archer, Johnny Jason, and John B Mair were also on board. Besides keeping the '50' on air I also ran the midnight-till-two spot under the name 'Clive Correl' although I rather doubt the mandarins of the DTI were fooled, especially when they jammed us and I threatened to retaliate.

I note the many comments about how 'terrifying' Tony was, and indeed he could be very acidic when roused, but being in his company certainly opened my eyes regarding the gay world and I count myself lucky to have known him. He was a character very much 'larger than life' and lit up his surroundings like an arc lamp.

Anyone interested in hearing more about my time on board can find a piece on my Website, at www.citiria.com/novelist/caroline.html
Rest in peace, Tony. In your time you lived twice as much as most people do in their entire lives.

Clive Warner

Posted by Clive Warner on Sunday 9 January 2005 at 10:05 PM.

I met Tony in Holland when he was working for RNI – just before Caroline returned in 1972. We reminised about his time on Radio Scotalnd and told me the appauling (hir words) picture of him on the album sleeve of the station was taken one afternoon after had been in the pub! At the time he had recorded RNI promos which were released ona flexi disc given away with a Dutch magazine. I had a copy with me which Tony signed with "Tony Allan – the best f***ing (except he didnt use asterix!!!) disc jockey in the world" A personal memory of him and his great sense of humour.
But I think he will best be remembered for the "Loving Awareness" promos (with Mike Hagler) LA, Tony whereever you are

Posted by stevi b on Wednesday 21 September 2005 at 2:25 PM.