BBC Radio 2's Phil Swern, PopMaster Co-Creator, Dies at 76

The music and radio industry mourns the loss of Phil Swern, a prominent BBC Radio 2 producer and co-creator of the beloved PopMaster quiz, who has passed away at the age of 76. Ken Bruce, a long-time collaborator and friend, shared the news and paid tribute to Swern's remarkable career and contributions.

Phil Swern's journey in the music industry began in his youth, cultivating a passion that would define his professional life. His career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions as a record producer, radio producer, and television format creator. Swern's expertise extended to producing for notable artists like Lonnie Donegan and Showaddywaddy in the 1970s and 1980s.

One of Swern's most enduring legacies is the creation of PopMaster, a music quiz that has captivated audiences since its inception on BBC Radio 2 in 1998. The quiz's popularity led to its expansion to television, with a version launching on More4 in 2023. Swern's involvement in PopMaster continued even after its move to Greatest Hits Radio with Ken Bruce in the same year.

Bruce expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "It's the saddest of days as my great friend Phil Swern has passed away. Phil was a brilliantly inventive man with a passion for music." He emphasized Swern's vast career and his role as the "guiding light and co-creator of PopMaster."

Swern's influence extended beyond PopMaster. He served as a consultant for the iconic TV show "Top of the Pops" in the 1980s and co-produced BBC Radio 2's "Sounds of the 60s" for many years. His encyclopedic knowledge of pop music and continued enthusiasm well into his seventies set him apart in the industry.

Bruce further reflected on Swern's impact, noting, "He was a one-man fount of all pop knowledge, starting his record collection as a boy and still displaying the same enthusiasm into his seventies. Without him, there would be no PopMaster, on radio or TV."

The loss of Phil Swern leaves a significant void in the lives of many, particularly those in the music and radio community. His legacy as a creative force and music enthusiast will continue to influence the industry he so passionately served throughout his life.

"He leaves a giant gap in my life and in the lives of so many."

As the industry reflects on Swern's contributions, his work on various BBC Radio 2 shows and his involvement in creating other music-based quiz formats stand as a testament to his creativity and dedication to music broadcasting.