BBC Radio 2 has apologised after a tribute to the late composer George Fenton mistakenly featured music by US singer George Benson. The Oscar-nominated composer, known for scoring wildlife documentaries for Sir David Attenborough, died unexpectedly on Monday aged 76.
Mistake on The Good Groove
During Monday's episode of The Good Groove, the station paid tribute to Fenton by playing Benson's 1987 song Nature Boy. The error drew criticism on social media, with composer David Arnold, who worked on five James Bond films, saying his friend had "deserved better".
Arnold posted on social media: "Radio 2 announced the passing of George Fenton on the 11pm news tonight, immediately followed by the presenter playing 'Nature Boy' by George Benson in tribute to 'George Benson'."
Apology issued
Arnold described Fenton as "such a great person as well as a genius composer" and said he "deserved better than that from the company he gave voice to musically on so many brilliant occasions".
Radio 2 apologised in a statement to Radio Today, clarifying: "This was a production error, for which we apologise."
Listeners also voiced their disappointment on social media, with one writing: "Really? Do better, folks. Does no one check things anymore?" Another added: "BBC Verify obviously out for lunch," while a third posted: "Disgusting mistake to make. Shame on the BBC."
Tributes to the composer
Fenton worked on over 100 films, including Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, Groundhog Day, You've Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hitch. His team said after his death: "We are sad to announce that George Fenton passed away unexpectedly today.
"He is survived by his loving wife Amanda, ex-wife Jane, children Gemma, Grace and Bridget, and grandchildren Lola, Audrey, Alfred, George, Frank, Beatrice, and a life of music."
Actor Anthony Hopkins paid tribute on Instagram, writing: "George possessed an extraordinary musical gift, but what I will remember just as deeply was his generosity.
"He could have spoken to me as the accomplished composer he was. Instead, he spoke to me as a friend. He encouraged rather than instructed. He gave me confidence when I had very little of my own. I have never forgotten that kindness, and I never will. George, my dear friend, thank you for believing in the music before I had the courage to believe in it myself."
The National Theatre added: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of composer George Fenton.
"Acclaimed for his majestic and narrative-driven orchestral scores spanning film, television and theatre, George will be hugely missed not only for his extraordinary music but the warmth and artistic teamwork he brought to every project, making him such a joy to work with. Our thoughts go out to George's family and friends at this sad time."
