Gary Davies on the nation’s enduring love for the ’80s and how it triggered his radio return

You’re hosting Now That’s What I Call The ’80s Live tour. What can people expect?

It’s going to be an amazing party featuring some of the best sounds of the decade, performed by a live band.

Why are the ’80s still so popular?

It was an unbelievable decade when you think of the fashion – which was outrageous.

I wish I had kept some of the clothes, but I never thought I’d have the chance to wear them again.

There were so many genres of music, I don’t think there has been that variety before or since – new romantic, post punk, new wave, American rock, cheesy pop, soul, and then the dance explosion.

People remember it with such fondness and it’s as popular or even more so than before.

Even people born in the ’90s or ’00s know and like the music.

What is your favourite ’80s moment?

There were so many, as it was when all my dreams came true.

I’d always been desperate to work on Radio 1 and in 1982 I got my break.

Going out with the Radio 1 Roadshow was also lots of fun.

Then Top Of The Pops came along, which was nerve-racking.

I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights for the first few shows, but I ended up hosting it loads.

What made the Now albums so enduringly popular?

There were other compilations, but if they didn’t have the rights for a song they would make really bad cover versions.

When Now came along in 1983, every song was the original hit.

People know songs from the compilation albums they were on, and can tell you it came after Madonna and before Billy Joel.

What did you do after you left radio?

When I left Radio 1, I never intended for radio to be my main occupation again.

I set up a music production, marketing and promotional company and spent 25 years doing that.

How did you end up back on Radio 2, hosting Sounds Of The ’80s?

I was asked to come in as a one-off to fill in for Sara Cox.

I’d spent more time away from radio than when I’d done it, so I was terrified that first time.

But I like to be out of my comfort zone and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

So when they asked me to come back and do more shows, it felt like the right time and I sold my company. It was great having that break, because I’ve come back with a new passion and zest.

It feels fresh and new again.

Now That’s What I Call The ’80s Live, Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Nov 23-24