'He was an unapologetic entertainer': Tribute to late radio presenter Tony Wright
By ITV Cymru Wales’ Programme Editor, Dafydd Jones
Tony Wright wasn’t a radio presenter.
He was an unapologetic damn right entertainer.
Because every time those microphone faders opened he entertained an entire family. Not an easy task.
It was clean, unadulterated entertainment. Which, we could all do with a bit more of now.
I first met Tony when I was employed as a “tech op” to run the buttons at real radio (I was doing the overnight shift 8pm-6am). So I’d come in as a 20-year-old novice and Tony would come in for the morning shift.
“Come on young man - we’ll take over now” were his words.
“But how’s your night been? Ok?”, even though I’d only been pressing buttons. It was just just his nature. And then I’d stay in the studio and watch him go.
I was in awe of this man who was buzzing with energy, jokes and laughter. “We wake up south Wales” was the radio slogan. But it wasn’t a slogan. It was the truth.
That man - energised so many across south Wales. They resonated with his working class approach, simple way of connecting - he made them feel like friends, not aliens. He goes to the same supermarkets, chip shops and pubs.
And we forget that to our peril. Local radio matters for that connection and Tony got that 100%.
Tony battled some demons - it was clear to see - I approached him about making a documentary in 2016. He said yes. He was ready to talk about his addiction.
We talked about it for many hours and whether it was the right thing to do for him.
I wanted to show that everyone can be affected by alcoholism and he was a powerful case study of this. It happened.
He was so honest, it was, at times, painful. But it resonated. Afterwards he called me and put Gordon (on the phone) his partner, he has always protected his relationship with Gordon (who he’s been with for 34 years) and the press but they both sobbed and said they thought it was the most amazing portrayal. I sobbed too.
Tony was just so inconsolable. All I could make out was “thank you” - they had nothing to thank me for. They bravely told their story.
We exchanged messages about going for lunch in December. He was annoyed I was too busy. Do I regret being too busy?
Yes, I do. I’ll never be too busy again.