PopMaster co-creator Phil Swern dies, aged 76 – Ken Bruce pays tribute

PopMaster co-creator Phil Swern dies, aged 76 – Ken Bruce pays tribute

As a radio enthusiast and music lover who has grown up with the soothing tunes of Sounds of the 60s and PopMaster, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Phil Swern. His imprint on British radio is immeasurable, and his absence leaves a profound void in the world of entertainment.


Many heartfelt tributes have been shared following the sad news of the passing of Phil Swern, a renowned radio producer and joint creator of PopMaster, at the age of 76.

Swern, who passed away on August 31st following a prolonged illness, was primarily recognized for his contributions to programs such as Sounds of the 60s and Pick of the Pops. Additionally, he collaborated in creating and penning the questions for Ken Bruce’s renowned PopMaster, and jointly wrote quiz shows Pop the Question and That’s Showbusiness.

On Instagram, Tony Blackburn, the host of Sounds of the 60s, shared the news and paid a heartfelt tribute to his fellow co-worker and dear friend.

As a film enthusiast, I’m deeply saddened to share this heartfelt message: Yesterday afternoon, my cherished friend of more than six decades and the esteemed producer of Sounds Of The Sixties at BBC Radio 2, Phil the Collector Swern, lost his battle with health issues. This news has left an indelible void in our community. – Blackburn

“It’s wonderful that I ran into him last Friday, accompanied by his wife, Lynsey. My heartfelt condolences to his family; we’re all going to feel the void of his absence deeply.”

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PopMaster host Bruce also paid tribute to the late producer on X.

“It’s the saddest of days as my great friend Phil Swern has passed away. Phil was a brilliantly inventive man with a passion for music. He had a vast career as a record and radio producer, deviser of tv formats and as the guiding light and co-creator of Popmaster,” he wrote.

Today is a deeply sorrowful day, for my dear friend Phil Swern has left us. Phil was an extraordinarily creative individual with an unyielding love for music. Throughout his illustrious career, he excelled as a record and radio producer, creator of television formats, and the visionary co-creator of Popmaster. (1/2)

— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) September 1, 2024

In his second post, Bruce continued by expressing that Swern was an encyclopedia of pop music knowledge, amassing his record collection as a child and maintaining the same passion well into his seventies. Essentially, Swern was instrumental in creating Popmaster, both on radio and television. His absence leaves a significant void not only in my life but also in the lives of many others.

The official PopMaster account also joined in the tributes.

Regrettably, today marks the farewell of Phil Swern, long-time Curator whose influence greatly shaped Popmaster’s content. Accompanying him in this moment was his wife Lyndsey. Among his favorites was Nat King Cole’s “What a Wonderful World.” We will dearly miss our kind soul.

— Popmaster (@PopmasterTM) September 1, 2024

Today, we bid farewell to Phil Swern, who for many years served as The Collector and was instrumental in shaping Popmaster’s content. Accompanying him was his wife Lyndsey. Among his favorite tunes was Nat King Cole’s “What a Wonderful World.” We will certainly miss our dear, gentle soul.

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2024-09-02 13:03