Tom Davenport

London Pirate Frequencies

This fantastic documentary on pirate radio highlights a part of UK culture that deserves adulation. The desire to share art can defy respect for the law, and this video takes you from the rooftops to the studios. These places can be on serious lock down - strict security polices help the pirates evade imprisonment and OFCOM.

Highlights include the rise of stations like Rinse FM and the interview with the original pirates on their original broadcast site, some kind of sea fort. One remarked on their position in international waters: “We had shotguns, grenades, everything…”