Media UK

Virgin Radio Classic Rock

The original logo for the station

Virgin Radio Classic Rock was launched (as Virgin Radio Classic) in 2000, online only, on the Virgin Radio website - along with another channel Virgin Radio Wheels of Steel. The station originally was a jukebox service, broadcasting virtually no speech (excepting some speech surrounding observed minutes of silence), until a rebrand to Virgin Radio Classic Rock in 2003 and its launch in 2004 on DAB Digital Radio in London, replacing the service Liquid.

Owned by SMG Digital Radio Ltd, but programmed by Virgin Radio Ltd, the station used the original ticks as used at launch 11 years previously by Virgin Radio. Richard Skinner launched this station as the first studio voice on-air - the countdown this time appearing on DAB Digital Radio displays, rather than voiced by Tommy Vance. The first track played was 'Born to be Wild', another reference to Virgin Radio's original launch, though this time played by Steppenwolf; and the station also went live at 12.15pm.

The first programme was presented by Leona Graham. Launch presenters were, alongside Leona, Richard Skinner, Russ Williams, and Tommy Vance. All had previously broadcast shows on Virgin Radio. No other presenters, excepting the UK Radio Aid event, have broadcast on the station.

On Monday 27 June 2005, the station underwent a schedule change, and new presenters started on the station, including Gordon Loncaster and rock musician Alice Cooper.