GLR in pictures

GLR's logo around the time of its 1988 launch. Note the very 80s spray effect, drop shadow and angular shape in the background - it could be the cover of a Rick Astley record Photograph: Public domain

The GLR launch team in 1988: Nick Abbot, Tommy Vance, Johnnie Walker and Emma Freud. Abbot presented the breakfast show with Fiona Foster; Vance drivetime; Walker lunchtimes; and Freud mornings Photograph: UPPA

Chris Evans produced Danny Baker and Emma Freud's shows on GLR before becoming a presenter himself. Today he has a little less red hair. And a lot, lot more money Photograph: Rex Features

Danny Baker also has less hair, not sure about his money, though. When he joined GLR he expected to be paid £500 a show. He was given £70. But he loved it so much he stayed anyway Photograph: Allstar Picture Library

The best of times, the worst of times. Baker, Evans and Paul Gascoigne after their mid-90s pomp. Evans was once starstruck when a punter asked for Baker's autograph. Later the press would describe Baker as Evans' 'hanger on'. How times change Photograph: Press Association

Gary Crowley had a successful stint at GLR, hosting sessions by bands such as the La's, before leaving to help launch Xfm in 1997. Here he sports a shirt that wouldn't look out of place in a Shoreditch bar in 2008 Photograph: ITV/Rex Features

While Crowley focused on new and unsigned bands, Sean Rowley focused on less cool sounds. His Guilty Pleasures compilations, clubs and ITV show had their beginnings in his GLR programme Photograph: ITV/Rex Features

'Your name's not down, you're not coming in.' Mark Lamarr, another GLR star - and later host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Before they appeared together on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Phill Jupitus shared a radio station with Lamarr - GLR Photograph: BBC

Recalling his days on GLR, Johnnie Walker described how Matthew Bannister had talked him out of jumping ship to join the original Radio Five. 'Then the bastard fired me anyway,' he said Photograph: Press Association

'Pop music radio was deeply unintelligent. I was an intelligent person who liked music.' Matthew Bannister on why 80s London needed GLR Photograph: PA

'We were a bit arrogant because we thought everyone who already worked there was rubbish.' Trevor Dann on the task faced by him and Matthew Bannister turning BBC Radio London into GLR. The pair went on to controversially reinvent Radio 1, banishing 'Smashie and Nicey' DJs and bringing in ex-GLR talent including Evans, Baker and Freud Photograph: BBC