Author Description

Did you ever wonder why so much fantastic music came out of Britain starting in the 60s? Ronan O'Rahilly, a young, revolutionary-minded Irishman with an insatiable desire to poke the establishment in the eye, launched his pirate radio station off the coast in the spring of 1964. Almost overnight, Radio Caroline had millions of listeners, and just as quickly, they had competition. After merging with its rival, ships began broadcasting music by the English bands and musicians that became rock and roll legends: the Kinks, the Animals, the Rolling Stones, the Hollies, and the Who. Not every group was a success, but almost every musician had an opportunity. Eventually, the government was able to shut down Radio Caroline and the other pirate ships. Nothing that amazing can last forever. A generation of listeners remembers their heyday and we all recall the extraordinary music they encouraged and played. That never disappears. Here is the story of how it was aboard Radio Caroline, when the pirates sailed free and ruled the airwaves.