Interviewing BBC Radio 1's Greg James at Long Boi memorial ceremony

26/09/2024

Nouse speaks with BBC Radio 1 host Greg James after the Long Boi sculpture unveiling

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Image by Josh Haining

By Ellen Morris

On the rainy morning of 26 September, Greg James arrived at the University of York to brighten our spirits. He was invited due to the untimely death of the University's beloved mascot, Long Boi - the viral Indian Runner duck-Mallard cross. Today marked the start of everlasting life for Long Boi as his large bronze sculpture, made by Neil Mason was revealed.

Nouse was invited to the memorial ceremony which began at 9AM, with speakers including Helena Cox, the first-ever Art Curator of the University. She was pleased to announce that her sculpture would join 15 others. Only one other large bronze by Barbara Hepworth would accompany them.

The sabbatical officers took to the stage to further introduce the ceremony. Tanisha Jain, Sports President, showed her Long Boi tattoo. She shared tales of the duck's fame from her friends and family in India.

As Greg James announced on BBC Radio 1 that he was heading to Central Hall, you could cut the tension with a knife. With applause from the hundreds in the room, Greg James entered the stage in "mourning widow" attire: a black net veil and lace gloves. He announced, “I never knew when I made a fleeting comment about a duck, it would lead to this”, as he peered out at all the smiling faces. After two performances from the Sing Song Society, the pun of a "quack-apella" received some laughs. They sang a Chapell Roan cover of 'Hot To Go' (the Long Boi edition) and 'See You Again' by Wiz Khalifa.

We moved to Derwent Lake for a true Viking send-off in which Greg James pushed a rubber duck into the river. As geese circled over our heads, we felt a collective reminder of Long Boi’s omnipresence.

After this, it was time to talk to Greg James himself - Nouse first asked Greg to talk us through his outfit of the day. He told us he had worn the suit once before on TV. It was a "showbiz" suit for the "fabulous" Long Boi, but he wanted to keep it sombré with a touch of dark blue velvet. This suit featured a locally sourced yellow tie from Clarksons with - you guessed it - a duck print. Greg said he called Clarksons. He asked if they had any duck ties and was told they had one left. “Hold that duck tie, I’ll be with you in 10."

Greg told Nouse that his BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show succeeded by welcoming loads of people into it. You cannot sustain it just on your own, so you must be open-minded. His collaborative spirit may have driven his stardom. As he says, no one wants to hear you talk about yourself every day.

After 6 years of success with the Breakfast Show and 17 years spent at BBC Radio 1, we assumed he had a good morning routine to prepare for the day. Greg told us his day starts as follows: a 5AM alarm, “shuffle around for a little bit”, and get into the studio at 6:10 AM. By this point, his producer intervened, laughing, saying it was more like 6:25 AM. He then said they plan each show that morning. Sometimes, he wakes up grumpy but, when he gets to work, he remembers how fun his job is. Greg said he would be surrounded by people who share the same grumpy-morning feelings, but they don't necessarily get to do such a fun job - so he doesn't moan about it.

Nouse mentioned the occasion's obscurity and asked what he'd do if he hadn't started radio. Greg spoke about the energy it takes to host days like today's event - an international duck funeral. He stressed that during breaks, he must completely switch off to recharge. If he followed a different career path, he would have been a teacher, as his parents were both teachers. He sees radio and teaching as similar careers; working, collaborating and helping people learn.

To you readers of Nouse, whether you become a radio celebrity, a teacher, or a curator, we can all learn something from Greg James.