Radio 2 in the Park All Guest Friday
Scott presented the final Breakfast Show before the Chelmsford weekend and devoted the guest hour to three artists connected with Radio 2 in the Park.
The programme opened with listeners already travelling towards Essex and Scott promising a weekend of live music on Radio 2 and BBC iPlayer.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley joined Scott to discuss his appearance at the event and the continuing life of songs that had moved far beyond their original chart success.
He reflected on the affection surrounding Never Gonna Give You Up, including the internet phenomenon that introduced the song to generations born long after 1987.
The conversation covered live performance, drumming and the confidence Rick had developed after returning to music on his own terms.
Scott also explored Rick’s knowledge of European schlager music, partly influenced by his Danish wife.
Rick’s warmth and willingness to join almost any joke made him an ideal opening guest for the festival edition.
Ronan Keating
Ronan Keating joined Scott to discuss his Chelmsford performance and a career spanning Boyzone, solo records and radio.
He reflected on songs including Life Is a Rollercoaster and the challenge of choosing a festival set where every track needed to connect quickly with a large field.
The conversation covered the friendships and losses attached to Boyzone’s history and the continued bond between the surviving members.
Scott asked about performing familiar songs while still finding emotional meaning inside them.
Ronan also joined the wider Friday conversation with Rick and Joe rather than appearing only for a separate interview.
Joe Elliott
Joe Elliott represented Def Leppard ahead of the band closing the Sunday programme.
He discussed the physical scale of a Def Leppard show and the preparation required to maintain the vocals and energy across a major touring schedule.
The conversation covered the durability of songs including Animal, Pour Some Sugar on Me and Photograph.
Scott asked about the band’s relationship with British audiences and the unusual position of becoming enormous in America before receiving the same level of recognition at home.
Joe also considered what it meant for a rock band to headline a broad Radio 2 event alongside pop, soul and singer-songwriters.
The Easiest Quiz, Birthday Game and Wonder Years
Friday’s contestant settled the weekly quiz before the Birthday Game and a Wonder Years beginning in 1979 completed the final pre-festival programme.
5 September 2025: the handover
Scott left for Chelmsford after one final run through the weekend line-up and promised to see listeners in the field.
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