The story of Laser 558 | The Pirate Radio Station transmitting from the North Sea!

In early 1984, British and European airwaves were alive with the sound of a pirate radio station transmitting from the middle of the North Sea. At its height, it boasted 8 million listeners, but things didnt end well for Laser 558 and the ship MV Communicator..

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Laser 558 was very popular in East Kent back in the day. Presentation was slick with minimal talk and maximum music although it was only top 40 based

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

I found a TVS Coast To Coast report on local and pirate radio on a tape I bought from ebay. Quality isn't great, but I will post it on my channel fairly soon.

[@CutieJones1972]

Hey, now you're talking. This was cult back in the 80s. We used to listen all the time and Atlantic 252 as well. Part of my growing up man. Good post

[@RadioOddities]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video and it brought back good memories!

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Laser 558 was a wonderfully simple station, switch on and listen with no irritating commercials, DJ waffle etc. i was living in East Kent and wherever you went it seemed like it was always Lazer 558 being played from radios. Especially in work places where a constant stream of music was needed, And yes it was always never a minute away from more music. Such a shame it didn’t last but it appears not enough research was done on weather conditions in North Sea in relation to the helium dirigibles. Also in hindsight perhaps relying on just one big tobacco sponsor was unwise. Quite why Philip Morris wanted to support this radio station that didn’t actually promote its product is a mystery to me !

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

I've found a bunch of Laser 558 and pirate radio-related video clips on a rough VHS tape. The quality of the Laser clips is poor but discernible, so I will post them on my channel shortly.

[@knoxieman]

Sorry mate but isn't this another Ringway copy video?? I'm all for supporting radio yt channels but you got to make your own original content 👍

[@RadioOddities]

Sorry I don’t understand what your getting at? None of my videos are a copy of Ringway, the videos are put together through fact and research as I’m sure Ringways are too 👍🏻

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Enjoyed this very brief video about a long lost pirate radio station that I listened to however , and with respect, your vocal delivery ‘style ‘ could be better. Just reading a script comes over as monotonous and rather dull. You need to listen to professional readers to understand how to add inflection etc to your words.

[@RadioOddities]

Thanks for your feedback and glad you enjoyed the video. I will take on board your comments 👍🏻