"Who is Brian from Melton? Is Brian from Melton real? Where is Brian from Melton?" If you're typing these questions into your search bar, you've likely stumbled upon a true gem of British local radio folklore. And let me tell you, Brian from Melton is very real – at least in the hearts and minds of millions who have heard his unforgettable rants.
So, who is this elusive Brian, the man who brought us the tragic tale of Biscuit the dog and his missing ear ("never did find that!")? The angry local radio phone-in caller who, for many, answered all their needs for a good laugh? Let's get the facts straight.
Brian from Melton: The Genesis
The year was 2013. Nick Pandolfi was the breakfast presenter at Suffolk radio station Town 102. The 25th anniversary of The Great Storm was approaching, a significant event in the history of Suffolk and the wider South East of England. The BBC, with its extensive archives, was sure to cover the solemn occasion in detail. I know this because I worked at BBC Radio Suffolk and understood their approach to recalling such a serious incident.
The Great Storm was a devastating event: power outages, an overturned HGV on the Orwell Bridge (a scene that went around the world), and tragically, loss of life and homes. For many, including myself, it was a time of no power, a fallen fence panel, and a general nuisance. I remember driving around Butley, Rendlesham, and Sutton Hoo, witnessing flattened forests. My hometown of Felixstowe saw a few homes lose a roof, and we endured a couple of days without electricity. These were memories that BBC Radio Suffolk would undoubtedly stir and market expertly.
On the commercial radio side, we were less prepared. Our news team had some basic copy, but the breakfast show needed more. That's when inspiration struck: a mickey-take phone caller. I outlined some lines, hit record, and Brian was born.
From Local Airwaves to Global Phenomenon
The genius of Brian wasn't just the funny phone call – local radio had been doing variations of that for years. The difference was what happened next. In 2013, Facebook was still a massive platform, and I shared the audio as a post. It exploded. I then uploaded the audio to Audioboom, and from there, Brian went around the world and back again. We're talking over a million plays in just a few days.
In the months that followed, the impact was incredible. Brian received a write-up in one of the Sunday papers. A film company researcher wanted to meet him. A family, burning their dad's ashes, asked if they could play the audio at his funeral. I even heard about a hen night where girls wore tea towels on their heads, paying homage to Brian's unique charm.
The Enduring Legacy of Brian
Brian was real in millions of ears because we all knew someone like him. I was born in Melton and wanted to put the place on the map. All these years later, people still remember the one-liners about Biscuit the dog, and Brian's mother, Doris ("how old is she now?"). I'm incredibly grateful that a fairly quickly thought-of item for breakfast radio ended up being something that makes people laugh to this day.
So, is Brian real? Of course, he is! We've all heard him on the radio; he must be real. Who is he? He's the son of Doris. He has a dog. He loves his Mother and his late father, Herbert.
This Christmas Eve, look to the sky and believe in Father Christmas. And if you're in East Suffolk, listen closely. You just might hear Brian talking about a "fairy with a wanky eye" and all those Christmases past. Say hello, and he just might shout back.