It’s been a blast, says Martin as he hosts his last Live Sounds

There was a spirited and celebratory feel to last night’s (Tuesday) Live Sounds on Mighty Radio when journalist Martin Hovden presented his very last show.

Live Sounds, which supports and encourages our local musicians, started as a column in The Champion and Southport Visiter 15 years ago and was turned into a radio show 10 years ago, via Southport Community Radio, Dune FM and now Mighty Radio.

But now Martin has decided to call it a day. He explained: “At the age of 67 I’ve decided to step down as main host and hand the reins to my younger, excellent co-host Cameron Maerevoet (pictured), who returns later this year with a new series of Live Sounds.

“Our special studio guests last night were Southport/Burscough pop punk band Some Time Today (pictured) and as usual they played a blinder. We played a selection of their pre-recorded songs and they performed four songs live in the studio.

“It was good to catch-up with their drummer Adam Linaker who is a former Live Sounds co-presenter. The band’s former drummer, Toby Archer, sent a message of goodwill to the lads and myself during the show.

“We also received messages of support from Mighty Radio’s Chrissy Tasker and Cassie James, Southport Visiter editor Andy Brown, Suzanne Linaker, Jez Maerevoet, Barbara Drake, Rob Kirby (ex-Band Royale), Ainsdale campaigner Brenda Porter, plus bands Ametrines and Ask Elliot.”

Martin added: “I was also touched by a message from the lads of Southport band Slick Cupid (one of my favourite bands) who said: ‘We just want to say how thankful we are for all Martin has done for us and all the other bands in the surrounding areas over the years. It’s a shame it has come to a end but you couldn’t of got a better person to jump in – Cameron will smash it.’”

At the end the show Martin thanked all the bands, musicians, newspapers, radio stations, readers and listeners for all their support over the years.

He ended with: “I’ve loved every minute of Live Sounds, it’s been a blast. So from me, Martin Hovden, it’s over and out.”