Clint Boon, formerly of Inspiral Carpets, now nominated for Sony radio awards. Photograph: Martin Argles/The Guardian
There are exceptions, but most musicians don't have the gift of the gab. That's an observation, not a criticism. There's no reason someone whose job is to make records should be a twinkling raconteur, any more than they should be a gifted art photographer.
But for those who can talk the talk, a second career as a radio presenter has become a viable alternative. Lauren Laverne (formerly of Kenickie) Marc "Lard" Riley (The Fall), and Tom Robinson and Guy Garvey (still of Elbow) have all made the transition. So, rather surprisingly, has Clint Boon, keyboardist of the Inspiral Carpets, who last week was nominated for two Sony awards (Music Broadcaster, Specialist Music Programme) for his Xfm Manchester show, Music Response.
Though the Inspirals were mid-ranking Madchester players, even managing a number two album in 1990, they're mainly remembered for having given Noel Gallagher his first job in music, as their roadie. If it had been possible to bet at the time on which member would reinvent himself as a successful radio host, Boon - the one with the sheepdog haircut that impelled him to tilt his head backward to see - wouldn't have been the first, or even second, choice.
While we're at it, nobody could have foreseen the future awaiting Laverne, whose scrappy Sunderland rockers Kenickie underachieved for a couple of years during the Britpop era, then disappeared. Unexpectedly rematerialising as a fiercely funny breakfast show presenter on Xfm, she has clearly found her true calling, as affirmed by a nomination for Personality of the Year at the 2006 Sony awards. And Guy Garvey, tastefully emotive as leader of Elbow, wouldn't have seemed a radio natural, but listen to him discussing "remote-controlled vibrators" with Flaming Lip Wayne Coyne on Xfm Manchester and go away with a completely different impression.
What makes a good rock star DJ? There are a few qualities shared by most of the above. One is northern origins (except Robinson, who's from Cambridge) and the concomitant wit. Another is the ability to dominate a situation, and there's little better preparation for that than having been a lead singer. Third is a willingness - nay, eagerness - to talk about yourself in front of an audience. Again, a background as a frontman helps, because you'll have done all the interviews and be used to expelling your stream-of-consciousness wisdom. Fourth, however, is tricky, and may be a characteristic only possessed by musicians who've had it all (or at least some of it), then lost it: it's the knack of not talking down to listeners. These five have it. Can you think of others who would?
