The online History Archive of Laser558 - All Europe Radio - Laser 558

The coast guard were experiencing some interference, Laser 558 left the air, but the interference remained, Radio Caroline left the air and still the interference remained. It was eventually tracked down to the transmitters of BBC Radio 1 and the BBC World service.

Laser returned to full power, at 15.35 on the 26th.

Charlie Wolf appeared for two minutes and ten seconds on Channel 4 TV on 1st March, interviewed by Jools Holland for the programme "The Tube".

Repair work to the mast was completed on 13th March, and the transmitter was run at its full power of 25,000 Watts. On 27th March, the station went off the air from 13.30 to 14.00, no reason was given.

During a force nine storm on 12th April, Laser went off the air suddenly at 07.36, as they were adrift. They returned at 10.35 after spare anchors were put down.

On 23rd April at 16.55, the front mast collapsed again, forcing Laser off the air. During the next two weeks a completely new front mast was erected.
Laser returned to the airwaves at 13.28 on 7th May. At 13.55, test tones were broadcast, 14.30 non stop music and at 15.00 normal programmes resumed.

The London Standard, for 10th May, reported that DTI are to investigate the links between Laser and Richard Branson's airline "Virgin Atlantic". The airline had been heavily mentioned as that which the deejays use when flying home to the USA.

FIRST BIRTHDAY

The 24th May 1985 saw Laser celebrating one year of using 558 KHz.

Rough weather prevented well-wishers from going out to the ship. During the day they played excerpts of the very first program on 558 KHz, which had been originally aired at 05.00. Charlie Wolf dropped into the studio a number of times and during one visit, told Craig Novack that Laser were now using "disposable aerials, like Kleenex", use once and then throw it over the side.

If Charlie was to be believed, then the Communicator was full of special birthday guests, Bob Hope was looking for Brooke Shields and Dennis Thatcher was expected shortly. Linda McCartney sent a birthday greetings tape to the station, "Hey Laser 558, this is Linda McCartney. I think you play great music. So all you disc jockey's keep having fun and keep playing all the good stuff. I listened to you a year ago. I love you. The whole family loves you. Long may you reign. This is Linda McCartney, keep on Rocking".

Laser's first birthday party at the London Hippodrome had to be cancelled after the organiser, Pete Stringfellow, was warned by the DTI, that he might be prosecuted for advertising Laser 558.

A severe storm put Laser off the air at 19.08 on 3rd June 1985. The transmitter was turned on again at 19.50.

NEW MAIL ADDRESS

From the 19th June, the Station announced a new postal address - PO Box 1828, Grand Central Station, New York City, New York 10163, USA.

The London Evening Standard for 26th June carried a report that stated that the station had to leave its prestigious offices in Madison Avenue for a smaller office. Jane Norris, the stations public relations consultant, said she was owed money and was not in the business of providing her services without remuneration.

The address of MMI changed to 515 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, USA, from 9th July. The change of address, also heralded a number of new adverts including Virgin airlines, Music Master and the Laser Drag racing team sponsored by the Carburettor Centre.

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