𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗞𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝟔𝟎 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
DJ Emperor Rosko will mark a milestone in his radio career next weekend, as he celebrates 60 years since first joining Radio Caroline. Rosko will host a special anniversary edition of his monthly Breakfast Show on Radio Caroline North on Easter Saturday.
The commemorative broadcast will feature rare archive clips from Rosko’s early days on Radio Caroline in 1966, offering listeners a unique opportunity to relive the energy and innovation that helped redefine British radio.
Born Michael Joseph Pasternak in Los Angeles on 26 December 1942, Rosko is the eldest son of renowned Hollywood film producer Joe Pasternak. Inspired by pioneering Los Angeles DJs Emperor Hudson and Wolfman Jack, Rosko’s passion for broadcasting began early. His first on-air experience came while serving in the United States Navy, where he hosted a show aboard an aircraft carrier.
Radio Caroline founder Ronan O’Rahilly invited him to join the station in April 1964, broadcasting from the Mi Amigo anchored off the Essex coast. His fast-paced American style and humorous catchphrases proved popular with British audiences and quickly made him one of the station’s most popular personalities. Known for his vibrant delivery and distinctive presence, Rosko often shared the airwaves with his pet Mynah bird, Alfie, who lived on board the ship.
Following his success on Radio Caroline, Rosko’s voice was also heard on major European stations including Radio Monte Carlo and Radio Luxembourg. His persona inspired the character ‘The Count’ played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the 2009 film ‘The Boat That Rocked’.
Emperor Rosko returned to Radio Caroline in January 2023, once again entertaining audiences on Radio Caroline North.
Rosko’s Easter broadcast promises to be a nostalgic and celebratory show, commemorating six decades of an impressive broadcasting career.
Tune in to Emperor Rosko’s 60th anniversary show on Radio Caroline North direct from his home in Los Angeles on Saturday 4 April at 6 am.
