What's New
BY Sarah Patterson April 16, 2024
What's New May 7, 2018
Ron E Sparks chats with 2GB’s Ben Fordham on his remarkable career
Image: 2GB
Ron E Sparks spent almost 50 years of his life in radio, and last Friday he came into 2GB to reflect on his remarkable career with host Ben Fordham.
Ron told Ben that he felt he was a bit different at school because he had a strong interest in radio and the producing aspect early on.
“I could tell I was different to the other kids at school because I talked about what the DJs did between songs while everyone was talking about the songs,” he said.
He also recalled his first job on the airwaves at 4BC, “I couldn’t believe that looking down at that turntable… that turntable was vibrating so many radio speakers right across south-east Queensland.
“I just could not believe how miraculous that was.”
Ron was also coerced into talking about the day he fired John Laws, as well as what he’s planning on doing next.
Listen to the full chat below.
Amazing interview…..so good to hear the Sparkes back on the radio….
Great interview. Ron E was my radio hero during the 70s he did it all so right. Tight bright, made the songs interesting and related to his audience one of the truly great Radio Jocks.It was breath of air esp here in new Zealand where we could pick up 2SM from my parents home in new Plymouth and later getting friends to send air checks when I was working in Christchurch,we copied their style and ideas and had enormous sucess. Ron and Macca along with Gordon Obyrne just the best radio station ever…1270 2SM.I so wanted to work there and nearly did when Rod Muir rang me at 4ay Townsville and said if I stayed at 4ay for 12 months and listened to everything he told mer he would bring me down to Sydney, I didn’t have the confidence or self belief and took a gig at 4BK Brisbane doing nights instead . I did end up at 2WS as their first Breakfast jock But always wanted to work at 2sm,BTW I remember Ric Melbourne I worked with him at DB Music in Melbourne a shock shock and from what I recall a nice guy.
What a pity I missed Ron E when he was in the building. Great man to work with, could make every time he played Hotel California sound like the first time it had ever been played.
Murray I remember you on DB Music when great music was played. Please tell me what the story is with Ric Melbourne ? I haven’t heard from him since he was on 3AK about 10 years ago. Is he OK ? He’s truly a legend on Australian radio.
Terrific interview and great to hear your voice again Ron. Nice one! Come downstairs next time and see us!
Ron E is a true legend. For me, he was at his best in the mid-90s, as was 2Day FM. Wendy Harmer and the Morning Crew, Ron E Sparks, Keith Williams, Martin Molloy and then Ugly Phil / Kyle Sandilands on nights. Doesn’t get any better than that as an FM station.
Given the era, I thought Ron E might have named Britney Spears ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ in his Top 3 songs ! Sadly not.
what a voice!!!!!
Great to hear Mr. Sparx again sounding as good as ever. Was ‘I, I, I, I’ from ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne?