"We can only assume he is a listener to our nostalgic music station, " declared station owner and manager Chris Gutteridge, as reported by Isle of Wight County Press. "He is a very good friend of Angel Radio. How many radio stations can boast that they have been helped out by a Rolling Stone? It makes us wonder who is out there listening to us!"
The rocker sent the Isle of
Wight station £3,000 (approximately $4,800) to help fix a transmitter that was broken as a result of bad weather in this summer.
According to The Sun, which confirmed via Richards’ rep that he did indeed make the donation, station staffers first thought the check was a joke. Now that they’ve learned otherwise, director Bev Webster told the paper, “I've written to say thanks. It is so exciting to think he might be a fan."
Angel Radio is a non-profit station that only broadcasts music made before 1969 and promises "snap, crackle but no pop.” It's slogan is "Radio by older people ... for older people." It’s believed that Richards, 67, tunes in regularly.
The station's website notes that technical issues, including a problem with its broadband supplier, is causing some frequencies to go off air, but it continues to broadcast live online.
"On behalf of all our listeners and presenters, we would like to thank him for his kindness, " declared the station manager. "Without the help of our generous listeners and benefactors like Keith we would not exist."
"If Mr Richards ever visits the Isle of Wight we would love to interview him and thank him face to face," declared programme controller Bev Webster.
Angel Radio Isle of Wight favours a play-list which tends to hover between the years 1900 – 1969. Thus a typical week might feature the Rolling Stones early recordings, with tunes from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald and the Beatles.
Angel Radio broadcasts to the Isle of Wight on 91.50 FM and on line angelradioisleofwight.com.
