Bob Lawrence
Born
Robert Lawrence

Woolwich, London, England
OccupationsRadio DJ, voice-over artist, author, broadcaster
Years active1978–present
Websiteboblawrence.co.uk

Bob Lawrence (born Robert) is a British radio DJ, voice-over artist, author, and broadcaster. He is known for his long career in UK commercial, pirate, and offshore radio as well as his extensive voice-over portfolio for television and commercial clients.[1]

Early life and education

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Bob Lawrence was born in Woolwich, South East London. He attended state schools before spending a year at Goldsmiths School of Art and Design, University of London. His interest in radio developed during his youth, which led him to pursue a broadcasting career.[2]

Career

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Radio broadcasting

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Lawrence began his professional radio career in August 1978 with the offshore station Radio Caroline, where he initially broadcast under the name Richard Thompson and was nicknamed “Buzby”. He worked on the station’s English All Album format and provided occasional relief on the Top 40 Dutch/Flemish service until the ship sank in March 1980.[3]

After Radio Caroline’s closure at sea, Lawrence worked for a number of UK independent local radio stations, including Greenwich Sound, BRMB Radio in Birmingham, Beacon Radio, WABC Radio, Buzz FM, Signal Radio, and XTRA AM. He held roles ranging from commercial producer to presenter and programme manager.[4]

He returned to Radio Caroline in 1999 when the station began land-based satellite broadcasts, hosting programmes such as Bob Lawrence’s Album Collection and maintaining involvement for many years.[5]

Voice-over work

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Lawrence has built a career as a professional voice-over artist. His work covers commercials, trailers, corporate narration, e-learning, and promotional recordings. Clients include ITV programmes, BBC content, HSBC, Adidas, Ryanair, Manchester United, and Audi.[6]

Writing and other work

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Lawrence wrote the novel The Last Great Adventure for Boys, published in 2014, inspired by his broadcasting experiences and pirate radio life.[7]

Selected radio shows

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  • Bob Lawrence’s Album Collection – a long-running music programme broadcast on various stations.[8]
  • 70’s Sensation – themed music programme highlighting 1970s music.[9]
  • Dales Radio - Broadcasts on a Sunday.[10]

References

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  1. "Bob Lawrence Official Website". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  2. "A Lifetime in Radio". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  3. "Bob Lawrence at Radio Mi Amigo". RadioMiAmigo. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  4. "Bob Lawrence - Lifetime in Radio". offshoreradio.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  5. "Bob Lawrence - Lifetime in Radio". radiotoday.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  6. "Bob Lawrence Voice-over". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  7. "Bob Lawrence Author". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  8. "Bob Lawrence Official Website". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  9. "Bob Lawrence Official Website". boblawrence.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  10. "Dales Radio Website". dalesradio.co. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
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