‘Two idiots and a microphone’

THIS Friday, 13 March, Voice FM’s weekly program The Black Sheep celebrates thirty years on air.

From 6pm to 8pm, the community radio show champions local, global, eclectic, old and new alternative music, featuring comedic talk breaks with presenters, Alan Penhall and Mark Gilroy.

Mr Penhall launched the show in 1990 with Phill Crone, telling honest stories, sharing tunes and laughter.

“We play independent, punk, heavy rock… A whole mix and it’s always been that way,” he said.

“We try to find the humour in everything. We take the mickey out of Ballarat and Ballarodents, poking a stick at what’s funny or not quite right. Sophisticated comedy, stupidity… cheap and obscure laughs.

“Phill and I had 25 years of that together like a marriage. Now I present the show with my second partner,” Mr Penhall laughed.

Mr Gilroy jumped into the seat opposite his co-presenter four years ago.

“We’ve got a fair bit in common, but we also like different music,” he said. “I bring in music that I think Alan might like and he brings in music, so we broaden our tastes.

“We both have jobs that can be stressful, so at 6pm on a Friday, I get work out of my head and de-stress. I find the show therapeutic, and hopefully that’s how people feel at home.

“We’re two idiots and a microphone… but knowing the audience discovers pieces of music because of us, that’s satisfying.”

The Black Sheep’s highlights include hosting the Doug Anthony All Stars. The show has never missed a week.