Meet the Bradleys
People of Kenilworth would be in no doubt who the Bradleys are. Indeed they are already known as Kenilworth’s most famous couple.
Those who don’t know this dynamic duo would well be advised to check them out as soon as possible. Centred around their “Brunch with the Bradleys’”radio show on Radioabbey.com every Sunday 11-1.
This couple have just the right amount of humour mixed with uberstyle and originality to entertain the most unwilling of audiences. Boundaries are pushed and ideas are floated, yet the result always hits the mark.
There really isn’t anyone else like them, Neil and Gayle are unique, and thank goodness Warwickshire has them.
I sent them a few questions to see what made them tick this is what I got back.
So why do you do it? “We are passionate about people and their stories. Both of us are of Midlands heritage and the diversity of local music is at the very heart of what we do. Our popular radio show ‘Brunch With The Bradleys’ is from Kenilworth’s fabulous internet radio station Radio Abbey.
“We are listened to in over 38 countries! We love to give local musicians a live platform, and this has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the show. We have so much fun and we are really well respected. We showcase local arts and culture and even politics.”
So how did you get here? “The real Mr Bradley had a mild brush with pop stardom in the 80s as a singer, writer and performer. Moving back to the Midlands four years ago re-ignited his musical passion. He collaborated with Field of Dreams (D:Ream) with Nothing is Perfect, which was remixed by the legend Andy Weatherall. This was followed up with ‘Yellow Bird Absurd’ which he was proud to be included in the seminal Alternative sounds III CD. A short stint at the Coventry Music Museum allowed Mr. B to get his feet back under the table of the local music scene in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“Lockdown has been a double edged sword. Many arts projects have been shelved for us and we’ve lost out on lots of funding. However, circumstances have forced us to move into internet broadcasting and opened up brand new audiences and to make us even more local. Lockdown has forced us to learn new skills, such as outside broadcasting and film editing, which has allowed us to take more control of our social media in ways we never imagined possible before lockdown.
“Musically we are known for our wildly eclectic taste. Mr B has lived a life in music and has a massively broad and deep knowledge of all music since the mid 60s up to this week.
“An atypical show might include Steel Pulse, PIL, The odd house track, funk. Perhaps a bit of Miles Davis, and always feature local music; the Trees, or say the fabulous Junior NRB. “Currently Mr. B is addicted to ‘Brum Town Baby’ from Birmingham rapper R.K, which could be mashed up with Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, followed by our beloved ELO. “Big up for the New Sound of Coventry -Rooted n Booted.”
So what do the Bradleys have planned for when lockdown is lifted? Watch this space! Mixed bag? Yeah. Meet the Bradleys.
