RIP Mike Dicken
by John Walker on Dec.20, 2006, under The Rest
I was taken by surprise tonight to see that TalkSport presenter Mike Dicken has died.
Around eight or nine years ago I worked at the station when it was called Talk Radio, and shortly before it became the ghastly sports drivel it now is. I was recently reminded of Talk Radio in its glory days, finding torrents of favourite shows from the late 90s. (Those favourite presenters, Tommy Boyd and Nick Abbot, were fired by the despicable Kelvin MacKenzie before I worked there). I began as a Creature Of The Night on Ian Collins’ show, eventually moving to daytime work for various programmes. This included getting to sit across the desk from agony aunt Anna Raeburn when I was assistant producing on Scott Chisholm’s programme, which provided many excellent moments. Anna is a fantastic person, quite mad, and incredibly kind.
Someone who wasn’t so kind, however, was Mike Dicken. He was a cantankerous old bastard, who would barely acknowledge my existence when I worked on his weekend 1am to 6am show. He was, unlike so many who present the on-air persona of being miserable old buggers, being himself.
However, he wasn’t cruel or spiteful, which made him a rare treat in the murky world of radio. He was enormously principled, even though his principles were very often far from my own. He also made it impossible for me not to like him by hanging up on any caller who said “basically” more than once.
Someone doesn’t deserve any special credit for bothering to say thank you after you’ve spent the night working for them at minimum wage, answering calls from the sorts of morons who call national radio stations at 5am. But the last time I worked for him, he did thank me, which was apparently a rare moment. He gets no special credit for that. He could easily have been a hell of a lot nicer.
He was funny, and while slowly spoken, very quick witted. He had no time for idiots, but did not have the tantrums and hissyfits of certain other presenters. I secretly liked him, despite his being a dick. I’m sad he’s dead.
December 20th, 2006 on 09:05
Iive listened to Mike for years and I’m stunned to hear of his death and deeply saddened. I’ll miss him so much
December 20th, 2006 on 18:34
I thought Mike Dicken was a great personality and what Talk Radio late at night should be. He probably would have admired your honesty and agreed with you.
December 20th, 2006 on 23:36
Bloody hell! Everyone’s dead at the moment! RIP. Dicken was a top presenter. About the only person worth listening to on TS.
December 21st, 2006 on 14:06
What a sad loss my thoughts are with Mikes family. I can hear him saying
MY HEALTH IS NOT IN QUESTION (GET ON WITH IT)
I think we should have that as a download ringtone for our phone
December 21st, 2006 on 22:25
Mike was my only reason for listening to Talk Sport. His ”tell it like is’approach to so many topics was for me a Friday and Saturday night treat. His tragic passing will leave a gap which cannot be filled. RIP
December 21st, 2006 on 22:56
Basically, at the end of the day, an automobile accident meant that Mr Dickin’s health was in question. He now presents for that big talk station in the sky.
December 21st, 2006 on 23:19
I really think his gravestone should read, “My health is now very much in question.”
December 21st, 2006 on 23:56
I was interviewed by Mike many times. He was a real person, with real views in an age of spin and cant. Not only will he be greatly missed, he will be impossible to replace. Few have the courage to be outspoken today (as he always was). We are sleep walking into a new tyranny – a third Reich with better shopping. ID cards roadside fingerprints, centralised medical records, we all know what is going wrong. Mike detested all this crap, and he was one of the few to speak up.
December 22nd, 2006 on 00:56
In fairness Mike, Mike Dicken was one of the tens of thousands to speak up on these various matters. Reactionary shock-horror to the go-to issues of the day isn’t quite the vigilante heroism so many seem to be pretending it to be in light of his sad death.
Dicken was fun because he was rude, and I think it’s important not to pretend this made him the new Orwell. Sadly your list of chosen gripes descended further into the tiresome realms of lazy right-wing rhetoric, with anti-Europe nonsense about bendy bananas and so forth. He was often the Daily Mail personified.
Many have the courage to be outspoken, all over the place. The problem we have in this country is a lack of talk radio, especially in light of the pathetic remains in which MacKenzie left TalkSport.
I’ve seen a few too many comments announcing that Dicken spoke “for the man on the street”. I’d cross that street to avoid such a man. It was fun when it came pouring out your radio, especially when Mike would be so splendidly disgusted with a stupid caller. It then became entertainment – to hear someone with whom I so strongly disagreed.
December 22nd, 2006 on 01:18
it is a sad day in radio land today mike.
i pity being god if you have gone UP THERE.
i hope you put him to task for all the crap in this world.
will miss your quiet ,dulcet tone HAHA
where ever you have gone,.give the bastards a tirade
December 22nd, 2006 on 17:14
Sad news about Mike Dicken.
Mike was the only reason to listen to Talk Sport (I loved talk radio). Talk Sport may as well close down now. I didn’t always agree with his comments – but quite often I DID! A great broadcaster. My condolences to his wife and children.
December 22nd, 2006 on 17:31
Could’nt believe the news of Mike Dicken passing away earlier this week. How sad a man with such unique qualities is no longer with us. I remember him best for his 10am till 1pm Talk Sport show ,which I would make extra effort to tune into. (nearly re-tuned when he was moved to late night) Mike was also an avid petrol head test driving and commenting on numerous vehicles. A little known fact is that Mike was one of the original Mini Cooper stunt drivers in the film The Italian Job. Gonna miss yer Mike R.I.P.
December 23rd, 2006 on 12:36
Mike was the most interesting and honest presenter on radio. He made my weekends. He also made me laugh. Not many others do that. He came top of a list that I looked forward to listening to: Brian Hayes, Peter Deeley, Nick Ferrari. (Only Ferrari remains.) And that was it. I turn the radio off now. Mike was never boring and will be sadly missed. I send my warmest and sincerest condolences to Karen, his wife, and his five children (though they must be grown ups now). It’s a sad time, but weren’t we most fortunate to have heard him all these past years and learned so much from a real gentleman. Joanne Edmonds
December 24th, 2006 on 18:22
Dear Mike,,,,Heartfelt thoughts to Mike’s Wife ,famIily ,and friends,,at this time,,,,,I looked forward so much to listening to your shows,,with your forthright opinions,,,No one will ever fill your shoes ,You are certainly sadly missed,,,,But You will never be forgotton,,,,,,,,,,, but will be remember always for the legend you are
Where ever you are now,,,,,,,I hope you are wowing them with your Great presence,,,,,,A giant amongst Minows
R.I.P Mike,,,,,,,,,Cassy
December 26th, 2006 on 23:18
as a professional guitar vocalist,i used to always try and finish my gigs early on a weekend night so i could get on the road as soon as possible to hear mikes great late night show,it made my journeys back to york from places like burton on trent,scarborough,newcastle,and manchester.such fun,i just loved his show and agreed with almost everything mike said.life will never be the same.i will miss you mike.Billy.
December 26th, 2006 on 23:42
Oh how grim…………….. the ONLY presenter (other then James Whale) who was worth listening to. Now replaced by the UTTER moron that is Geoge Galloway……… why didn’t George die…. why??? Mike spoke for us all, what he said made sense and he articulatged the anger we all feel. As ever the good ones die ‘young’ leaving the tossers……… damn.
December 28th, 2006 on 00:52
I’m a little terrified to see how many people who agreed with Dicken’s ghastly right wing beliefs read this blog.
Also, I’m not convinced this is the best place for (bleeding) heartfelt tributes – there’s a message board on the TalkSport site for such comments (and indeed such grammar) which will be passed on to his family.
AND STOP SAYING “HE SPOKE FOR US ALL”! He bloody well didn’t speak for me.
December 29th, 2006 on 11:47
I never had the pleasure of hearing his shows, but they sound like a slightly more intelligent blueprint for John Gaunt’s present day bile-fests. Anyone ever listened to him? Apart from the joys of hearing stupid bigots being shot down by a less stupid bigot, it’s like having silage poured into your ears… Only more frightening.
Anyway, R.I.P.
January 2nd, 2007 on 12:46
We always listened to Mike at work when he had the 10AM till 1PM show, I was fortunate enough to get “on air” a couple of times and talk to him on a couple of subjects. He didn’t always grasp the subect matter but was alawys fun to listen to. We never followed him to his late spot, we will miss him.
January 9th, 2007 on 04:32
I only found out mike passed away this morning listening to talk sport, very sad to hear. Some of you may not know that mike was a racing driver back in the day as well. It just goes to show. GOd blessya big man and youre family
January 9th, 2007 on 12:38
Mike used to annoy me on a daily basis, but he was always worth listening to. I was genuinely saddened to hear of his death. I stopped listening to the 10 to 1 slot on talk sport when that moronic dullard Jon Gaunt took over.
January 15th, 2007 on 17:34
Great broadcaster who articulated what a great number of the unfashionable silent majority thought but haven’t got a voice that’s heard these days. His programmes are sadly missed.
February 9th, 2007 on 20:56
Its the 9th Feb and I have just found out about Mike Dicken, please pass on to his family how sorry I am at their loss, I will miss listening to him very much.
February 18th, 2007 on 19:40
i’m so sorry to hear this shocking news .
As i don’t get the chance to listen to much radio i’ve only just found out .
Mike was great & not being able to turn on & listen will be a great miss.
March 25th, 2007 on 15:07
I only heard about Dicken’s death today!
I moved to America many years ago but would still occasionally tune into TalkSport on the web to listen to the great man’s rants.
Like a lot of people said, his views didn’t reflect the man on the street at all. He was an oddball eccentric with a notoriously short fuse. But he was funny, entertaining and articulate – and still likeable, even if you didn’t agree with his views.
I agree that anyone who says ‘basically’ more than once should be cut off immediately and Dicken should be applauded for this. I remember (when Dicken was broadcasting on LBC many years ago) he would also cut off anyone who said “I want to say hello to anyone who knows me.”
RIP.
April 14th, 2007 on 17:44
I was so shocked to hear the news about Mike he was a great presenter and I miss him , I always looked forward to when he was on, It was absolutely hillarious when he got someone on who kept saying BASICLY. I toltally agree it is so aggravating and I was so pleased when he stopped them in their trcks. My condolences to his wife and family. He will cerainly will be sadly missed. Terri.
April 25th, 2007 on 14:54
I only heard the news the other day.
I am gutted that the world has lost someone who could not and put up with the PC brigade and yogourt knitting types and had the chance to use the media to express the common man’s feelings.
RIP Mike teh are not many of us left.
August 2nd, 2007 on 06:37
I still miss mike on the radio.he was the only thing that saved talksport from going down the tubes,it’s always been a bad station now it’s unbearable drivel-miss you mike.
August 13th, 2007 on 16:40
As a fully paid up member to the miserable old gits society I have to say what a loss, a belligerent old git with whom I mostly agreed, talksports loud mouthed replacement is a vulgar immitation.
Does anybody have a comment in regard to mikes comment on Dianas death, I would really like to know if as he said, that he established the truth behind an eye whitnesses account as seen on the scene, from a local telephone box
December 16th, 2007 on 20:18
I WAS IN BED LAST NIGHT, WHEN I THOUGHT I MUST PUT MIKE DICKINS NAME IN TO GOOGLE. I JUST WANTED TO SEE WHAT THE OLD SOD WAS DOING NOW, AS I HADNT HEARD OF HIM IN OVER A YEAR. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN DISCOVERING WHAT HAPPENED THIS TIME LAST YEAR. I HAD NO IDEA . MIKE AND I CAME FROM TOTAL DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND WOULD BE NORMALLY BE SOMEONE I WOULDNT ENJOY LISTENING TO. BACK IN 2004 I HAD A REALLY BORING JOB BUT JUST LISTENING TO MIKE HELPED THE TIME TICK OVER. I RARELY AGREED WITH HIS VIEWS, BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING VERY WARM ABOUT MIKE, BEHIND THE GRUFFNESS. MIKE WAS A REMINDER TO DAYS GONE BY. PERHAPS HES HAPPIER OUT OF THE MESS OF THIS COUNTRY AT PRESENT. TODAY IM SAD. GOD BLESS MIKE . HOPE A YEAR LATER YOUR FAMILY HAVE A LITTLE COMFORT. DON
December 30th, 2007 on 12:07
Agree with the original posting re:- Kelvin Mackensie. He ruined a good radio station. It had some excellent presenters, Mike Dicken being the best.At least he had the sense to keep him on.Talk Sport is now awful.The “talk” presenters seem to consist of George Galloway, George Galloway and George Galloway.
Miss you mike very much.
January 24th, 2008 on 11:32
It’s been over a year and I still miss Mike like hell. What did we get in his place? George soddin’ Galloway and politics, politics, Palestine, politics, and more politics. RIP Mike, you will be missed forever. xxxxx
January 31st, 2008 on 18:11
I am devistated to hear of Mike’s passing, I have been out in the Middle East for the last two years and was unaware of this tradegy.
Mike was one of life’s rarest of people, a genuine bloke with a concience and sense of outrage when faced some very thorny issues.
Rest in piece big guy, the world is a little empty without you!
Kenny Hunter
Milngavie
Glasgow
February 23rd, 2008 on 21:30
Mike Dicken was a confirmed atheist. I had just begun to listening to him again on a regular basis not very long before he died. One of the last topics on his programme and which he firmly believed, that there is no God, provoked a heated debate. He was so adamant and dismissive towards any other view I did have a slightly uneasy feeling that he could be tempting fate….the sudden nature of his death and the feeling I must have had someone watching over me when I dozed off on the M25 soon afterwards makes me convinced that the odd prayer before a long journey can be an investment.
March 21st, 2008 on 20:29
Mike Dicken – Sadly missed. Sick of listening to Jon Gaunt who never lets his callers get a word in edgeways or finish making their point (unless it agrees with his) He’s always bleating on about the switchboards being quiet. Can’t he work it out?
Mike was grumpy and rude, but at least he was entertaining. Radio Five Live for me now !
May 1st, 2008 on 21:55
I was shocked to hear about Mike’s death a few months ago on my return from abroad. First chance to write this. In between my visits I listened to him who kept me going in my ill health and was a pleasant man to talk too. A grumpy direct man but a loveable one. I wish he had written a book or there was a biography on him. I miss him and his character and wish to send my condolences on to his family.
Mike may you be at peace and are keeping everyone in order up there!
June 10th, 2008 on 11:05
still miss you mike.you helped me through my nervous breakdown when i texed you i always got answer.hope you are resting in peace big guy.lano
August 21st, 2008 on 12:37
wow nice topic
thanks
September 2nd, 2008 on 14:47
I loved listening to mike dicken, and still miss him today. I didn’t see or read anything about his death at the time but often wondered what happened to him, which is why I decided to look him up on the web. I was shocked to find it was a car accident. I remember listening to what must have been one of his final broadcasts, it was about the death of diana, I distincly remember him saying “diana was murdered”………
September 26th, 2008 on 21:00
r i p mike
September 26th, 2008 on 21:00
r i p mike
October 14th, 2008 on 20:13
I was an avid listener to Mikes shows and almost two years on, still miss the old sod. There is still NOBODY on talk radio to hold a candle to him. He`ll always be the best, in my book. And yes, he DID speak for me and many, many others in this namby-pamby PC country we`re living in now.
Gawd bless you, Mike.
P.S – anyone have any recordings of Mikes shows?
November 1st, 2008 on 19:09
Mike was misunderstood because he didnt worry about the corny niceties or a fake facade that other presenters need to have, then people mistake this for meaning that he must be ‘right wing’ cos he’s a bit grumpy !
There are other presenters out there who are properly ‘right wing’ but they get away with it because they wrap it up in a happy witty facade which fools stupid people.
The truth is he just spoke what makes perfect sense and was totally logical, again something which is seen, for some reason, as ‘right wing’ !?
I.e. He spoke with his head rather than knee jerk emotion, which is why he hated stupid people calling him up lol.
For that i loved him for it R.I.P….