Marc Riley, a renowned DJ with BBC 6 Music, embarked on his musical journey in 1978 as a roadie and bassist for the post-punk band The Fall, led by the enigmatic Mark E. Smith. As his role evolved, Riley took on the responsibilities of guitarist and keyboardist, only to be abruptly dismissed by Smith in 1983.
Undeterred, Riley went on to form his own band, The Creepers, which unfortunately disbanded in 1987. However, this brief hiatus did not deter Riley from pursuing his passion for music.
The 1990s saw Riley partner with Mark Radcliffe to form the iconic duo, Mark and Lard, on Radio 1. This formidable partnership led to the presentation of several popular shows, including the breakfast show and the afternoon slot. Their camaraderie and wit endeared them to listeners, making them a staple of British radio.
In addition to their radio endeavors, Riley and Radcliffe co-founded the parody rock group The Shirehorses in the late 1990s. This musical venture, though humorous in nature, showcased the duo's creativity and versatility.
Their broadcasting talents extended beyond radio, as they presented several TV shows, including Pop Upstairs, Downstairs for UK TV Play and Match of the 90s for BBC1. This impressive portfolio cemented their status as a dynamic duo, capable of captivating audiences across various platforms.
Tragically, Mark and Lard's last broadcast on Radio 1 occurred in 2004, marking the end of an era. Although the duo went their separate ways, their legacy lives on, leaving an indelible mark on British radio and music history.
