Iggy Pop Steps Back from BBC Radio 6 Music After 12 Years
Iggy Pop, the legendary American singer-songwriter, is set to take a year-long hiatus from his long-running BBC Radio 6 Music show, which he has hosted for 12 years. The BBC confirmed that Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker will replace him during this break, with Iggy Pop anticipated to return to the station in 2027.
Schedule Changes and New Additions
The weekend schedule reshuffle also includes US singer Beth Ditto, who will take over the Saturday morning slot. Iggy Pop, whose real name is James Osterberg, stated to the BBC, “The news is true, after 12 years at 6 Music I’m going to be taking a break for a while. I’ve got some other stuff I’ve got to do but I’ll be back. I’m pleased to say Jarvis has agreed to return to the station for a year as my cover – cool, thanks Jarvis.”
Iggy Pop first appeared on BBC Radio 6 Music in December 2013 for a Christmas edition and began sitting in for Jarvis Cocker on his Sunday show in March 2014. Best known as the lead singer of the 1960s rock band The Stooges, he launched his weekly Friday night show Iggy Confidential in 2015 before returning to the Sunday afternoon slot in 2021.
Jarvis Cocker's Return to the Airwaves
Jarvis Cocker, 62, previously hosted the 6 Music show for seven years before leaving the station in 2017. At that time, he remarked, “It’s not goodbye, it’s just farewell.” Speaking about his return after eight years, Cocker said, “Why am I returning to 6 Music? Well… I’m looking forward to working for the greatest independent radio station in the world once more. When you’re asked to look after Iggy’s show, are you really going to say no? I’m looking forward to discovering lots of great new music. But mostly: I miss you. Tune in from April 5. That’s an order.”
Cocker rose to fame as the frontman of Britpop band Pulp, renowned for their hit song Common People. The Sheffield-based group released their first album in nearly two decades last June, adding to their iconic status in the music industry.
Beth Ditto Joins the Weekend Lineup
American singer-songwriter Beth Ditto, 44, will take over the Saturday morning slot from April 4, hosting weekly from 10am to 1pm. Best known as the frontwoman of punk band Gossip, Ditto expressed her excitement, saying, “I really can’t wait to be with you on Saturday mornings, playing the music I love and soundtracking the weekend together. It’s gonna be a dream.”
Final Show and Future Plans
Iggy Pop will host his last radio show before his break on March 29 from 4pm to 6pm, with Jarvis Cocker set to take over from April 5. Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, commented, “BBC Radio 6 Music is home to some incredible broadcasters, and we’ve been honoured that over the years, Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and now Beth Ditto have shared their love of music with us all. We will miss Iggy – there is no doubt of that – but he will return. To keep us in the best of company it’s wonderful to welcome Jarvis back and Beth Ditto to weekends on 6 Music.”
This transition marks a significant moment for BBC Radio 6 Music, blending veteran talent with fresh voices to continue delivering diverse musical content to listeners across the UK and beyond.
