BBC Radio 2 apologised after paying tribute to the death of composer George Fenton with a song credited to George Benson. The mix-up occurred during Monday's instalment of The Good Groove, prompting the station to issue a statement to Radio Today clarifying: "This was a production error, for which we apologise."
Composer's reaction
The mistake was noted by composer David Arnold, known for his work on five James Bond films. The Grammy Award winner said: "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'."
Arnold added that Fenton was "such a great person as well as a genius composer" and that he "deserved better than that from the company he gave voice to musically on so many brilliant occasions".
Listener backlash
Listeners also voiced their disappointment on social media. "Really? Do better, folks. Does no one check things anymore?" wrote one. "BBC Verify obviously out for lunch," quipped a second.
Fenton's legacy
An Oscar-nominated composer who worked on over 100 films, Fenton provided scores for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, Groundhog Day, You've Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hitch. According to a statement released by his family, the 76-year-old's death was "unexpected". They added that he was survived by several family members and "a life of music".
Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded in. Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "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 actor wrote.
The National Theatre also paid tribute. A statement on Instagram read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of composer George Fenton. George was a longtime collaborator with the National Theatre, having composed music for seven productions during his prestigious career, beginning with A Fair Quarrel directed by William Gaskill in 1979."
"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," the statement added.
