Tom Banks / Presenter

Tom Banks – The 80s Lounge Presenter on Rocking Fox Radio

Tom Banks is the presenter of The 80s Lounge on Rocking Fox Radio, bringing decades of DJ experience, a lifelong passion for music and plenty of musical trivia to the airwaves.

From seeing Led Zeppelin live for just £1 to becoming a long-serving wedding DJ, Tom has spent much of his life surrounded by music.

Tom Banks and His Lifelong Love of Music

Music was always part of Tom’s upbringing, thanks to two music-loving parents.

In 1970, he bought his very first LP: Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album. His first live concert was equally memorable, featuring none other than Led Zeppelin.

Even more remarkably, the ticket cost just one pound!

However, it was an unexpected event in 1982 that set Tom on the path to becoming a professional DJ.

A DJ Career That Started by Accident

Tom’s DJ career began when he arrived early at a birthday party in 1982.

Unfortunately, the booked DJ hadn’t turned up.

The host knew Tom lived nearby and sent him home to collect whatever records he could carry. Before long, Tom was back at the venue with an armful of music and an unexpected new responsibility.

Despite having no preparation, he learned how to operate the DJ equipment on the spot.

The evening proved such a success that Tom was offered a regular DJ booking.

What started as a last-minute rescue became a DJ career spanning more than four decades!

From Wedding DJ to Rocking Fox Radio

Tom’s experience includes a long association with DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham, where he has worked as a resident DJ for 25 years.

Naturally, that has meant dealing with some unusual musical requests.

Perhaps the strangest was being asked to play “Frosty the Snowman” at a wedding in February!

Tom also has a connection with Rocking Fox Radio that goes back long before the station existed.

Station co-founder Jan Gow first met Tom while working as a wedding photographer. With Tom providing the music at weddings, their paths crossed regularly through their work.

Years later, those shared musical connections would bring them together again at Rocking Fox Radio.

Tom Banks’ Early Radio Experience

Although Tom is best known for his DJ work, his experience of radio began much earlier.

During the 1980s, he spent three years living abroad and working in an administrative role at a radio station.

However, he soon found himself drawn towards the studios.

By arriving early and completing his administrative work ahead of schedule, Tom was able to help the production team prepare the station’s drivetime programme.

As a result, he gained valuable behind-the-scenes radio experience long before joining Rocking Fox Radio.

The 80s Lounge on Rocking Fox Radio

Today, Tom presents The 80s Lounge, celebrating the music and memories of the 1980s.

With decades of experience entertaining audiences, Tom brings a wealth of musical knowledge to his programme.

He’s also a keen quiz enthusiast, particularly when it comes to music.

Consequently, listeners can expect plenty of fascinating facts, unexpected trivia and stories about their favourite 1980s artists alongside the music.

Listen to Tom Banks on The 80s Lounge

Join Tom Banks on Rocking Fox Radio for a trip back to one of pop music’s most memorable decades.

Whether you’re rediscovering old favourites or testing your knowledge of 1980s music trivia, The 80s Lounge brings together Tom’s DJ experience and enthusiasm for the decade.

Find out more on The 80s Lounge show page.