Robert Elms

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert Elms (born 1959) is an English writer, inventor, broadcaster and D.J. for BBC London 94.9, broadcasting weekdays from noon to 3pm.

Born in West London he attended Orange Hill grammar school in Burnt Oak North London and then the London School of Economics, where he studied modern history and political thought. He is a former editor of The Face and has contributed regularly to magazines such as US Vogue, Elle and Arena. His first book, the novel In Search Of The Crack, was published in 1989.

His radio show features aspects of 'hidden London' histories, as revealed in its buildings, places, and its subterranean world. The show, dating back to the 1990s (Elms survived the loss of GLR, staying out the battle to save the station and its present reincarnation as BBC London) is popular with regular listeners, including cab drivers who regularly call in to his Wednesday "Notes & Queries" broadcast.

In his youth, Elms was a London clubber, fashionista, and a member of the New Romantics set. He remains a big fan of Spandau Ballet (Elms used to open for the group at their early gigs reading poetry and gave the group their name), and modern jazz and world music both feature on his show.

He is renowned for his love of Sheep and his dislike of The Beatles, and of John Lennon in particular (he has called "Imagine" the "worst record ever made"), to the point where he refuses to play any of their music on his show (although he has played solo records by George Harrison, who he argues is the "least objectionable" of the group).

Elms lives with his family in Camden Town and occasionally in a 1,000 year-old Moorish house in Andalusia. He speaks fluent Spanish. He is a big fan of West London football team Queens Park Rangers.

[edit] Bibliography

[edit] Trivia

  • Elms is referenced by name in 1997's satirical spoof-news comedy Brass Eye. Chris Morris plays a condescending presenter who announces his guest (Darcus Howe) with a highly derogatory introduction, only to realise he has mistakenly read the introduction of Elms.

[edit] External links