Checking in… Mike Read: The DJ and broadcaster talks about playing with The Jolly Boys in Jamaica and a frightening flight to Brussels
DJ and broadcaster Mike Read
This week DJ and broadcaster Mike Read checks in to our travel Q&A.
He talks about why Jamaica is the best place for music, recalls a frightening flight to Brussels when the plane had to land because it was running out of fuel – and more…
EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?
When my grandfather broke his leg golfing, he convalesced at Blackpool’s Queens Hotel. I went and was dazzled by the illuminations.
BEST PLACE YOU’VE VISITED?
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
ARE YOU A DARING TRAVELLER?
Well, I once spent a day on a tiny boat, on an underground river that was formerly a sewer. It’s not for the claustrophobic.
EVER HAD A FRIGHTENING FLIGHT?
At Luxembourg airport in thick fog, the pilot said we didn’t have enough fuel to get us to Brussels, so he tried to land. I didn’t know how close we were to the ground. He did it!
WHAT CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT?
A three-piece suit and tie. I had to be smart to travel as a child. I still follow that rule.
WHERE NEXT (AFTER LOCKDOWN)?
Guernsey, Barbados and Jamaica, as I was scheduled to be there for most of April.
FAVOURITE HOTEL?
Burgh Island Hotel, though I haven’t been. I’d like to do my radio show in Agatha Christie’s Beach House or the Noel Coward Suite.
FAVOURITE CITY?
St Petersburg for architecture, or Venice.
WHAT’S HOLIDAY HELL?
Somewhere with no historical or topographical interest.
Mike said Jamaica is the best place for music and recalls playing there with The Jolly Boys
FAVOURITE UK SPOT?
The South Downs, where I did my first long-distance walk.
IDEAL HOLIDAY TUNES?
The Beach Boys when it’s sunny. I’m also a fan of Eric Coates.
BEST PLACE FOR MUSIC?
Playing in Jamaica with The Jolly Boys is fun, and I got a wonderful steel pan in Tobago.
MOST MEMORABLE MEAL?
A Mexican in Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco where I joined in with buskers.
- Mike Read broadcasts regularly on United DJs (uniteddj.com)