Get to know our Hometime heroes Bush & Richie

Our hometime heroes Bush & Richie are here every weekday from 4-7pm, bringing you real music that matters every weekday. Find out all of the ways you can tune in, and get to know our greatest duo a little bit better.

From their favourite guest on the show, to their go-to music decade, most memorable gig, and even the ago old question, what's their exception to the No Repeat Guarantee?! Read on to find out everything you want to know about Andy Bush and Richie Firth.

Who were the first band that got you into music?

Bush told us: "Duran Duran! I had a VHS recording of them playing at a music festival in Canada during the Notorious Era and I absolutely loved them, particularly John Taylor on slap bass. Great band, I still love them to this day."

Richie said: "It would have to be The Beatles, just because it was the music I heard around the house the most, with my dad playing it on his 33s and 45s."

What is your most memorable gig?

With a seasonal pick, Bush answered: "It’s got to be my most favourite band of all time, Shellac, playing a special gig for Halloween in Kentish Town. All three of them were dressed as different characters from horror fiction. Steve Albini was dressed as a Mummy, Todd Trainer as Dracula and the bass player Bob was also dressed as something scary as well."

Richie fondly remembered an electrifying performance from the 'Fire' legends Kasabian, replying: "Kasabian at the Olympic Park, just before or after the Olympics, where they had the athlete village - there was a massive stage and a huge crowd. I’ve never been at a gig where there were more pints flying, I loved it."

Who's the best guest you've had on the show and why?

Bush told us: "Dave Gahan and Martin Gore from Depeche Mode. We were a bit scared of them as Depeche Mode are massively famous around the world but uncompromising and very well respected. We were worried they may think we were idiots, but we had a good chat! We chatted a lot about Bas Vegas and their love of Essex, and they were just really lovely chaps."

Richie recalled: "So many to pick from but the one that first comes to mind is Hugh Jackman as he was without doubt, a Tier 1, Grade A celebrity but one of the nicest guests we’ve had – he even talked toasties with us."

What can we expect from your show on Absolute Radio?

Bush reckons: "Good chat, crazy phone callers - we have some of the best callers in the world call in to our radio show - and of course brilliant music", with Richie also warmly responding: "Our show is by the people, for the people, built on a foundation of real music and based on a true story."

Which song could be your exception to the No Repeat Guarantee?

A tough one, we know, but with Bush thinking: "It’s got to be ‘What Do You Want From Me’ by Monaco, which is the song I always play first when I’m DJing out and about doing my indie disco", Richie's pick is: "'Baba O’Riley' by The Who".

LISTEN: ‘What Do You Want From Me’ by Monaco:

Which Absolute decade is your go-to?

Bush told us: "Absolute Radio 90s because it’s the greatest decade in music bar none", while Richie replied: "The 80s!"

Check out which decade Dave Berry picked right here...

What’s been your biggest highlight from your time at Absolute Radio?

Bush's biggest highlight was The Hometime Chip Shop Tour, where "we drove up and down the country trying the UK’s best fish and chips and awarding a chip shop in Blackpool with its recognition at the end." He told us: "What an amazing time to be alive, on the road with Richie, chilling out and staying in the top hotels (not really) and trying brilliant fish and chips."

Finding it hard to pick just one highlight, naturally, Richie said: "How do you pick one highlight from all these years! I’m a big believer in gut reactions in life, so the one that comes straight to mind is winning the Red Bull Soapbox race down Alexandra Palace hill."

What is your favourite thing about presenting?

Bush told us: "Radio is about theatre of the mind. I love waking up in the morning and wondering how I can fill the minds of our listeners and shape their moods. Radio is really personal; people treat it like a one-to-one relationship which is an amazing thing."

Richie's reply: "My favourite thing about presenting is storytelling. Even as a kid I loved to tell stories, whether they were true or false, I’ve always enjoyed it, that element of performing. Storytelling and the ability to get paid for it, that’s why I love presenting."

Where can we find them on socials?

Follow Andy Bush on X: @bushontheradio

Follow Andy Bush on Instagram: @andybushradio

Follow Richie Firth on X: @richiefirth

Follow Richie Firth on Instagram: @richiefirth

When are Bush & Richie on the radio?

You can catch them every weekday from 4-7pm for Hometime with Bush & Richie.

Check out the Absolute Radio presenters:

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