Tributes to North Wales DJ Andy Baker who has died following battle with cancer

The knowledgeable DJ and radio personality who 'really engaged with his audience' will be 'heavily missed'

Andy Baker during his time as Drive Time host on Cool FM in Spain

Tributes have been paid to a popular and well known DJ and radio personality from Rhyl.

Andy Baker died on Thursday, July 7, after a battle with cancer.

The compere, DJ and radio show host is synonymous with being MC of the Madness Grandslam gig at Rhyl Events Arena almost a year ago.

Since March 2015 Andy had been Drive Time presenter and head of music at Point FM in Rhyl and the station dedicated its entire Friday output to his memory.

“I have known him for 30-odd years,” said Point FM station chief Harold Martin. “He was larger than life in most respects and a great character.

“He just bounced and loved what he did. He was exuberant and very knowledgeable about music.

“Locals will know him from the local pubs and clubs and he really engaged with his audience.

“He worked with me on experimenting radio and TV along the North Wales Coast, producing programmes and events with an enthusiasm and bounce that was impossible to match elsewhere.”

Harold said Andy had confided in him months ago about his illness and had felt unwell after compéring the Madness concert last July.

“He knew it was terminal but he stoically kept on with bits and pieces,” said Harold. “But he bounced that Madness gig last year - he was a natural for doing those sorts of things.”

Tributes were left on the Point FM site and across social media as the news broke of his death.

Point FM

Andy Baker doing what he loved best, captured on the big screen compering Madness' Grandslam gig at Rhyl Events Arena in July 2015

Point FM Breakfast presenter and friend of 35 years Kev Hamilton said: “It was good to share the last 12 months with him and having a chance to reminisce about great memories from years gone by.

“Also, to be part of the same team with him again when he joined Point FM was a great privilege especially on stage for the last time live at Madness in Rhyl.”

Andy made his name in Rhyl’s heyday when the town was still attracting thousands of holidaymakers to the area.

Yet his ability to hold a crowd led him from the pubs and clubs of Rhyl to a wider audience.

He was known, among other things, for his nights in the 1980s at the old Downtown club by the now defunct funfair site.

Yet he had stints abroad too, including at Cool FM 97.4 in Spain.

He worked with other radio stations and hosted corporate gigs for a plethora of major companies, on top of making people dance in pubs and clubs across the country.

Known and respected for his encyclopaedic knowledge of 70s, 80s and 90s music, Andy is survived by his wife and son.

Harold Martin said the station was waiting for an indication of when his funeral would be held.

“He was a lovely lad who will be heavily missed,” he added.