James Stannage dead: Radio legend dies after cancer battle as heartbroken son speaks out
Manchester radio legend James Stannage has died aged 76. His son, Darren Stannage, confirmed the news on Monday (March 30), revealing that his father died after a year-long battle with cancer.
Darren described his father as "someone who meant so much to so many people in Manchester", following an impressive career that spanned around five decades.
In a post shared on Facebook, Darren wrote: "It is with great sadness that today cancer took another victim. This time it was a partner, a dad, a grandad and a brother. Also someone who meant so much to so many people in Manchester as my Dad James Stannage has passed away. He died peacefully this morning at MRI after battling cancer for over a year.
"Listening to The Who, he was surrounded by people that loved him and died at 1152am. Such a remarkable time as that was the Radio Station that made him a legend in Manchester to so many people who grew up listening to him on Piccadilly and later on Key103."
Darren, who works as a reporter for Sky Sports News Radio, added: "There will be so many stories and memories that people will have. I will miss him so much as I know so many people will and am very lucky to have been able to have called him my Dad."
James' career in radio began in the 1970s, presenting his own late-night phone-in show for Piccadilly Radio. He went on to work at other local radio stations such as TFM Radio before returning to Piccadilly Radio, later known as Key 103, in 1989.
He built a loyal fanbase through his distinctive, outspoken style, with his shows becoming a platform where callers could debate a wide range of topics, from sport to politics.
The fiery exchanges became a defining feature of The James Stannage Show, however, not everyone agreed, with the Bishop of Salford publicly branding him a bad influence.
Key 103 received several fines during Stannage's 20-year career on the station, including one for £15,000. He also came under fire for describing First World War soldiers as "thick and ignorant".
Despite the controversy, James became one of the most recognisable voices across Greater Manchester.
Tributes have flooded in for the radio DJ online, with one writing: "RIP local radio legend James Stannage. Many of us out there hold great memories of listening to him growing up in the Manchester area."
Another shared: "So sad to hear about the passing of radio legend James Stannage. He was one of only a few radio heroes of mine and truly influenced me greatly. I adored his shows and he's been sadly missed ever since his last radio prog. I'll raise a glass to you tonight James. RIP."
A third posted: "Gutted to hear that James Stannage has passed away. A massive part of my childhood, and the best talk show I ever listened to. RIP, legend."
Someone else penned: "RIP James Stannage. Anyone of a certain City vintage will know the name and his late night phone in on Piccadilly Radio and Key 103. Childhood memories of my old mate Paul Nolan being asked to whip the phone lines into a frenzy by slagging off United. Great days."
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