- Robert Elms
Robert Elms (born June 12 1959) is an English writer, broadcaster and D.J. for
BBC London 94.9 , broadcasting weekdays from noon to 3pm.Born in
West London he attended Orange Hill grammar school inBurnt Oak North London and then theLondon School of Economics , where he studied modern history and political thought. He is a former editor of "The Face" and has contributed regularly to magazines such as US "Vogue", "Elle " and "Arena". His first book, the novel "In Search Of The Crack", was published in 1989.His radio show features aspects of 'hidden London' histories, as revealed in its buildings, places, and its subterranean world. The show, dating back to the 1990s (Elms survived the loss of
GLR , staying out the battle to save the station and its present reincarnation as BBC London) is popular with regular listeners, including cab drivers who regularly call in to his Wednesday "Notes & Queries" broadcast.In his youth, Elms was a London
clubber , "fashionista ", and a member of theNew Romantics set. He remains a big fan ofSpandau Ballet (Elms used to open for the group at their early gigs readingpoetry and gave the group their name), andmodern jazz andworld music both feature on his show.He is renowned for his his dislike of
The Beatles , and ofJohn Lennon in particular (he has called "Imagine " the "worst record ever made"), to the point where he refuses to play any of their music on his show (although he has played solo records byGeorge Harrison , who he argues is the "least objectionable" of the group).Elms lives with his family in
Camden Town and occasionally in a 1,000 year-oldMoorish house inAndalusia . He speaks fluent Spanish. He is a big fan of West London football team Queens Park Rangers.Bibliography
* "In Search Of The Crack" (1989) Penguin Books Ltd ISBN 0-14-011276-6
* "Spain - A Portrait After The General" (1992) William Heinemann Ltd ISBN 0434228249
* "The Way We Wore: A Life in Threads" (2006) Picador ISBN 0-330-42033-XTrivia
*Elms is referenced by name in 1997's satirical spoof-news comedy "
Brass Eye ". Chris Morris plays a condescending presenter who announces his guest (Darcus Howe ) with a highly derogatory introduction, only to realise he has mistakenly read the introduction of Elms.The Interview with Darcus Howe.
"CM: “I’m sitting opposite a man, he knows nothing, he talks all the time, the result is he’s a trenchant buffoon, he has no idea how to present television shows, he looks ridiculous in that fashion wear. He swans around all the time hoping that people will recognise him, when in fact nobody’s even remotely interested. He’s taken up enough time on this show already and he hasn’t even opened his mouth. God knows why he’s here, I’ve nothing to ask the guy. And for all I know he may be a coco shunter too. Darcus Howe.
"DH: “What’s a coco shunter?”"
"CM: “Coco Shunter? That’s just what I’ve got, er, oh, sorry, that’s the introduction to Robert Elms. Sorry. Do you know Robert Elms? I’ve just read out the introduction to Robert Elms.""
External links
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/robert_elms_listeners/ Robert Elms Listeners] at Yahoo
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/biographies/biogs/london/robertelms.shtml BBC Press Office]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2004/08/10/presenters_robertelms_feature.shtml BBC Radio London page]
* [http://www.thebookplace.com/bookends/be_interviews_elms.asp?TAG=&CID=ADD511 Bookends]
* [http://www.mycamden.co.uk/camden/community-elms.htm My Camden interview][Category:Living people]
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