Ford in the morning

Local DJ Gavin Ford has kept us company many a bleak morning with his hit show on Radio One; ‘and one last thing, what’s the radio station that loves you?’ Here’s a peak into his mind.

Do you still make rookie mistakes on air?

Oh my god yes, nearly every time I open my mouth. Leaving my microphone open is my biggest fear. There was a presenter in England who was fired after leaving his on. Listeners heard him speaking to his girlfriend on the phone, and describing in detail what he was going to do to her that night.

What is the worst mistake you’ve ever made on air?

Being told off live on air by Pink Floyd Legend Roger Waters. He took an instant disliking to me and then I got his name wrong. He told me ‘get that microphone away from my face.’

Do you feel your job is more or less glamorous than party DJs?

I used to be a party DJ and I hated it; you have to stay right to the bitter end of the night when the only people left are a few drunks. Although getting up every morning at 5.30 isn’t very glamorous either.

Do people recognize you on the street? Do they recognize your voice?

No not really, the only times I get recognized are in embarrassing situations, like when I’ve just bought hemorrhoid cream in the pharmacy or something. My name is the only thing that gets recognized.

Are you stealing any of our women?

No don’t worry, I’m shy and useless when it comes to the ladies.

Are any of your broadcasts scripted, or is it all unrehearsed?

Nothing is rehearsed, but some of the sponsored segments are scripted, they have to be we can’t make mistakes when talking about companies products.

Where do you hang out, and what’s your favorite drink?

I hate clubs now, something happened when I turned 35. DJ events are even worse, sweaty people everywhere, and that crazy v-v-v-v-v-vip business drives me insane. Although if I get free tickets I will usually go.  I love coffee shops; StarBucks, Costa and de Prague. And restaurants like Café Mondo, Wok Wok and Olio. I’m still looking for a good Indian restaurant, as I love the food. My favorite drink is a Bloody Mary.

You must hear more music that you can take, but what’s your own style of music?

I love 80′s cheese and 70′s disco. In my car I have David Bowie, Talk Talk and old Durran Durran.

And one last thing, what’s the magazine that loves you?

[Laughs] I love it too. Time Out Beirut, It’s the only magazine that I buy, you can tell that the writers are passionate about their articles, not like other magazines where, you just get picture after picture of horrid old women in too much make up and terrible face lifts.