It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of London Greek Radio’s co-founder Akis Eracleous on Thursday 18th October 2018, at the age of 66.
Akis Eracleous was from Famagusta, born on the 26th of December 1952 and came to the UK at an early age, where he attended Islington Green School in London.
In 1983, Akis felt there was a need for a Greek radio station to give a voice to our community. No one could have imagined the success of London Greek Radio (LGR) as a pirate/unlicensed station. Thanks to his devotion, determination and continuous battles to keep the station on air, LGR became the WORLD’S first Greek Radio Station to obtain an FM licence in 1989. This was achieved after Akis sold KISS FM, as he believed that providing the community with a platform was integral.
Akis was one of the iconic presenters during the 1980’s and quickly found fame within the Greek and Cypriot communities. He continued his work when LGR was licensed in 1989, serving as a Director, Managing Director, Station Manager, Shareholder, but most notably, hosting the long-running mid-morning show, “Ligo Prin To Mesimeri” on weekdays. Akis championed the modernisation of the station to bring it into the 21st century. He was a mentor to the upcoming younger generation of presenters and helped them to establish themselves as household names within the Greek and Cypriot Communities.
Akis, also known as ‘George Power’, found fame on the British soul scene in the 1970s and 80s as a resident DJ at Crackers Nightclub on Wardour Street and The Electric Ballroom on Camden High Street. George was an essential and influential DJ on the London Club Scene. Making a name for himself at the legendary Crackers on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights, George had a massive following from the regular “soul-boys” to the trendy celebrities – even Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet) was spotted in the club. His Roller Disco’s at the Electric Ballroom on Wednesday nights with Paul “Trouble” Anderson and his Double Disco on Friday nights with Gilles Peterson were a huge success in the mid-eighties. It cannot be understated how important George was to London’s clubs in the 70s and 80s. In 1993, he founded the “Nice ‘N’ Ripe” record label, which is renowned as one of the leaders in the birth and growth of the scene called “UK Garage”.
In 2012, whilst leading LGR, Akis re-branded his 1970s ‘Soul Crackers’ and created Crackers Radio, online and on DAB, which he continued to manage until his sudden, unexpected death.
He was the original founder of the famous Kiss FM and presented shows on many radio stations, including Invicta Radio and City Sound Radio. During the occasions when LGR was taken off the air, he launched Sunshine Radio, an English-language service on the Cote D’Azur in the South of France. He was truly a pioneer of British radio. The legacy left by Akis Eracleous will live on.
Akis was a loyal loving family man, lifelong Arsenal fan and passionate season-ticket holder. His unique sense of humour and vibrant laugh will be remembered by us all forever.
The management and staff at London Greek Radio are all deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Akis’ passing and sincerely express their deepest and sincere condolences to his wife Julietta, his sons Emilio and Marko, his daughter Eva, his sister Androulla, his nephews Marios and Venizelos and his family and friends.
Details of the funeral will be announced soon.
May he rest in peace.
