One listener said ‘what a shame’ as questions were raised on what comes next for the Liverpool station
18:02, 29 Apr 2026Updated 19:30, 29 Apr 2026
Rod Keay broadcasting from the Liverpool Live studio in an Instagram post shared on January 28(Image: Instagram/@liverpoolliveradio)
Liverpool Live listeners have shared their confusion after a number of shows were suddenly taken off air. The local radio station has been on the air since 2020 and is available to listen on DAB+, as well as online.
According to Companies House, the station director is Rodney Keay, who also hosts the mid morning show from 10am to 1pm from Monday to Saturday. The station has also previously had a number of notable Liverpool radio personalities as part of its stable, including Pete Price, Linda McDermott and Billy Butler.
While Pete, Linda, and Billy have departed the station, former BBC Radio Merseyside DJ Roger Lyon still hosts the Retro Show on Sunday night from 7pm. However, listeners were confused when they tuned in on the programme last Sunday (April 26) to hear a pre-programmed show.
On the (Friends of) Liverpool Live public Facebook group, Greg Murphy said: “Does anyone know why Roger isn’t on air? Half an hour in and it’s just songs on a loop.”
Roger took to his Facebook account to explain the sudden change to the schedule. He said: “Hi folks. As so many of you are emailing me asking about tonight’s Retro Show, just an explanation. Apparently the studio is ‘inaccessible’ this weekend so I am not able to present.
“It seems that the station has programmed Retro music for the output, but I am not there tonight. Sorry for any confusion, but totally beyond my control.”
Many people took to the comments of Roger’s post to share their hopes he would return to his regular slot next weekend. Stephen Guy said: “I sat through most of the show hoping you would materialise. The output demonstrates that machines cannot replace humans.”
Rosemary Watts added: “What a shame Roger. I hope it’s all sorted by next week.” Sue Hibbs commented: “Ah sorry to hear that, will miss it.”
The ECHO visited the building where the Liverpool Live studio is located at Queens Dock Business Centre on Norfolk Street
Other people took to the (Friends of) Liverpool Live public Facebook group to share their confusion, as the update to Roger’s show comes amid changes to the drivetime slot. The schedule on the website still lists the 4pm to 7pm slot as Liverpool Live Drive with Andy Dev. However, Gareth Williams said the show has been replaced for a number of days by pre-programmed content.
The listener said: “The drive show has been a loop of weird music all of last week too.” The ECHO tuned into today’s listed Liverpool Live Drive with Andy Dev episode and the show was programmed songs and jingles, without any DJ.
One jingle directed listeners to contact the station at 0151 640 0100. However, the number was inactive when the ECHO tried to get in touch.
Several DJs have left Liverpool Live over recent months, which led viewers to speculate about the station’s future. Steven Snead shared his hopes that Roger Lyon’s programme being taken off air was a “one off technical issue”.
Steve Harper responded: “I think you are being very kind. Billy Butler left, Linda Mc missing in action and Roger Lyon not able to access the station.” Mr Sneade added: “I agree it doesn’t bode well at all and I recall the likes of Roy Basnett also disappearing overnight. It does seem rather strange.”
Liverpool Live was on the airwaves today with shows from Rod Keay and Jon Jessop. The ECHO visited the studio at Queen’s Dock Business Centre, but nobody from the station was on site to provide a comment. The ECHO has also reached out for comment via email.
Legendary DJ Billy Butler was one of the first faces to join Liverpool Live when it launched. However, the 84-year-old’s departure from Liverpool Live was confirmed in January and was announced in a post on the station’s Facebook.
It said: “Broadcasting legend, Billy Butler’s career spans more than five decades across stations including BBC Radio Merseyside, Radio City, and most recently here with us at Liverpool Live.
“His wit, warmth, and unforgettable shows including ‘Hold Your Plums’ have made a lasting impact on Merseyside Radio. Billy was the first voice heard on Liverpool Live when we launched at 10am on Sunday, July 26, 2020.
“Like all good things…they must come to an end…We would like to thank Billy for his knowledge, dedication, and the valuable time he has given to Liverpool Live.”