Emperor Rosko marks 60 years since Radio Caroline debut

Emperor Rosko will celebrate six decades since his first broadcast on Radio Caroline with a special Easter show on the station.

The legendary presenter will host an anniversary edition of his Saturday Breakfast programme on Radio Caroline North on 4 April, marking 60 years since his early days on the iconic station.

The broadcast will include rare archive clips from 1966, giving listeners a chance to revisit the era that helped reshape British radio with a bold and energetic new sound.

Born Michael Joseph Pasternak in Los Angeles, Rosko developed his passion for broadcasting early, influenced by American radio figures and gaining his first on-air experience while serving in the US Navy.

He joined Radio Caroline after impressing founder Ronan O’Rahilly, broadcasting from the ship Mi Amigo off the English coast.

His fast-paced style and distinctive delivery quickly stood out, helping him become one of the station’s most recognisable voices during the pirate radio era.

He joined Radio 1 in 1967, where he stayed until 1976 and later appeared on European stations including Radio Monte Carlo and Radio Luxembourg.

His impact on broadcasting culture also reached film, inspiring a character in The Boat That Rocked.

After returning to Radio Caroline in 2023, Rosko continues to host shows from the ship Ross Revenge, which now broadcasts from the Essex coast.

The Easter programme will be broadcast from his home in Los Angeles, combining nostalgia with live presentation for listeners tuning in via AM, online and the station’s app.