MUSIC fans and radio professionals have paid tribute to Swindon’s ‘Doctor Rock,’ DJ Alan Burston whose specialist rock and roll shows were broadcast by local radio stations for nearly half-a-century.

Described as an “absolute legend” and “irreplaceable broadcaster,” Alan combined a distinctive, low-key presentation with a deep passion and knowledge for rock and roll, R&B, rockabilly and other related genres. 

Since the 1970s, discerning music fans in and around Swindon have tuned into Alan’s shows on BBC Wiltshire, GWR in Wootton Bassett and for the past 16 years Swindon 105.5 FM community radio.

Alan, who has died aged 83, also performed DJ sets at scores of venues from pubs and clubs to ballrooms and college halls at a vast array of functions, garnering a huge following.

Broadcaster Mark Seaman, who knew Alan from their days at BBC Wiltshire Radio in Swindon, said: “Alan was a truly modest man but had an encyclopedic brain when it came to the music and artists he would feature on his shows.

“He was quiet and unassuming but had the total respect of all who knew him when it came to his expertise in the studio and on air. He will be missed by so many.”

First captivated by music from his dad’s pre-war swing records, Alan earned his Doctor Rock moniker as a pub and club DJ in his native South Wales.

His followers included guitarist Dave Edmunds whom Alan urged to record an old R&B song I Hear You Knockin’ - which became a massive hit for Edmunds.

Also swept away by Doctor Rock’s immense musical acumen were members of Amen Corner who had a string of hit singles in the Sixties.

During a packed gig at Swindon’s Arts Centre nine years ago the group’s former singer and successful solo artist Andy Fairweather Low paid tribute to Alan’s influence.

“If it wasn’t for Doctor Rock I wouldn’t be here,” he told the audience.

When Alan moved to Swindon in 1967 he continued to deejay and as Swindon College students’ union social secretary, staged a string of concerts and dances in the town.

His career on the airwaves began in 1977 when Shirley Ludford, of Swindon’s Viewpoint Cable Network TV, invited him to set up the station’s radio arm.

He quickly became a popular and trusted voice, entertaining and illuminating listeners at gigs and on-air with records ranging from old-time country to rock, blues, soul and numerous other forms.

His cool, informative style and the sheer range and quality of his music led to him being given slots on BBC Radio Wiltshire and GWR Radio.

Alan returned to Wales in the late Nineties for family reasons but in 2008 was invited by Shirley to join Swindon 105.5 community radio that she was setting up.

For years he drove every week to Swindon from his home in Pontypool to present Rolling Records, his two-hour lunchtime Saturday show.

Shirley said: “Alan Burston was an absolute legend. A consummate professional, he never missed a programme.”

She said that as Alan’s health deteriorated in recent years and he was unable to drive, he chose past programmes from his huge 105.5 catalogue to be broadcast each week.

Shirley said: “His programmes were unique. His style was personal, direct and understated but which demonstrated the depth of his knowledge of his music.

“A well respected and irreplaceable broadcaster whose ‘rock n roll and its roots, fruits and branches’ will be sadly missed by so many, far and wide.”

Pete Cousins, a well-known performer on Swindon’s live music circuit, remembered Alan’s DJ nights at The College and pubs such as The Beehive, along with concerts he staged, luring artists such as Shaking Stevens and blues legend Son House to Swindon.

Pete said Alan also formed a doo-wop band which he joined, resulting in “a whole new musical world of jump jive, bluegrass, R&B, western swing, gospel, doo-wop, country and rock and roll exploding into my life.

“God bless you, Alan.”

Alan Burston’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 13 at 2pm at Gwent Crematorium, Treherbert Road, Cwmbran, NP44 2BZ.

Swindon 105.5 FM community radio is also planning a two-hour tribute to Alan this month. Anyone with recollections of Doctor Rock is invited to contact the station at info@swindon1055.com.

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