A landmark photography project
Photography by Warren Eyles
Mike Sweeney is a DJ, broadcaster, and musician - a legendary figure in Manchester’s music scene whose influence has spanned over five decades. Mike is currently a broadcaster at BBC Radio Manchester.
Born in 1947 at Hope Hospital in Salford, he was raised in Ordsall, a neighbourhood that shaped his unique personality and passion for music. Deeply proud of his working-class Salfordian roots, he has never lost touch with the community that inspired his lust for life.
I left Our Lady of Mount Carmel Senior School aged 15 with a Cycling Proficiency Certificate and a bronze medal for lifesaving!
Mike Sweeney - Presenting on BBC Radio Manchester
He joined his first Rock ‘n’ Roll band as the vocalist in 1965, achieving nothing whatsoever until 1977, when his Punk/New Wave band ‘The Salford Jets’ signed their first record deal. In 1980, he and The Jets had their first – and only – hit with ‘Who You Looking At’ which peaked at No72. The band appeared on several national TV shows.
Mike’s radio career began in 1980 when he became a presenter at Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. His distinctive Salford accent allowed him to become the first mainstream commercial radio presenter with a regional accent. He went on to present at Key103/Gold, Capital Radio (Gold), XFM and Real XS/Rock Radio before his current role presenting the popular mid morning show on BBC Radio Manchester.
The Salford Jets
Piccadilly Radio - promo photo
He worked a variety of “real” jobs between 1963 and 1980, including positions at AEI Trafford Park, as a miner at Agecroft Colliery, a dock worker at Salford Docks, a building site labourer, and a van driver.
I can honestly say with all of my heart that I wouldn’t be half the person I am or achieved most of the things I’ve done without my wonderful Salford heritage
Mike has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the New York Awards in 2001 and 2004, a Sony Silver in 2002, and the Radio Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. In 2012, he was also honoured with the Broadcast Legend Award from The Variety Club.
Mike Sweeney & Paul McCartney
Proud Salfordian - Mike at Salford Lad's Club, where he was a member in the 1960s
Mike is passionate and knowledgeable about football, classic cars, grass roots politics, the north of England and the working classes, music (from the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 50’s through to the present), the 60s, Britain’s industrial heritage, films and of course... radio!
Salford Quays - MediaCity
Outside BBC Quay House - the broadcasting base for BBC Radio Manchester. The shoot took place at the same location where 55 years earlier Mike worked as a docker on the then Salford Docks
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Student reflection: Warren Eyles
Photographing Mike Sweeney was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We met at Salford Quays shortly after he’d finished presenting his mid morning show on BBC Radio Manchester. The weather that day was unpredictable, to say the least. Just 15 minutes before our arrival, we were sheltering from a torrential downpour followed by a sudden hailstorm. But as luck would have it, by the time Mike joined us, the skies cleared, revealing brilliant sunshine and blue skies - perfect for the shoot.
Mike was incredibly friendly and talkative. He shared stories about his early days working on Salford Docks and nearby Trafford Park and spoke warmly about Ordsall where he was born and raised. I began by photographing him at the water’s edge to give the images a sense of place and context. We then moved to the rear of the BBC’s Quays House, using the striking pillars and imposing architecture as a dramatic backdrop.
Mike was relaxed and happy to be directed throughout the shoot, which made the process smooth and enjoyable. I was very pleased with the final images, and I hope they reflect not only the atmosphere of the location but also Mike’s down-to-earth personality.
Of course, as soon as we wrapped up, the heavens opened once again - classic Salford weather.
