Emperor Rosko – Nostalgia Central

Real name Michael Joseph Pasternak, the son of the famous Hollywood producer Joe Pasternak, launched his DJ career in the US Navy, joining Radio Caroline and Luxembourg before moving to the BBC in 1967.

He was famed for his pacy banter, outlandish dress sense and quirky sense of humour, and described himself as “the Emperor, the geeter with the heater, your leader, your groovy host from the West coast, here to clear up your skin and mess up your mind. It’ll make you feel good all over.”

On the opening day of Radio 1, his over-the-top American style prompted newsreader John Dunn to announce, “Now here is the news – in English”.

Rosko was a highly successful entrepreneur who launched ‘The Emperor Rosko International Mobile Show’, a massive, custom-built mobile disco roadshow featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound.

His roadshow toured clubs, ballrooms, and universities nationwide, essentially pioneering the concept of the modern superstar DJ touring as a live headline act.

Rosko returned to the US in the 1970s, then to Europe and Radio 1 in 1982. He also worked for Capital Gold and Virgin.