Get to know our presenter Claire Sturgess and how to listen to her on Absolute Classic Rock
From her most memorable gig to her go-to Absolute decade
Last updated 11th Feb 2025
Find out how you can tune in to listen to the national treasure that is Claire Sturgess - right here on Absolute Classic Rock. Claire is here to grace your ears with top tunes, with The Classic Rock Party on Saturdays, from 7pm-10pm, then the Absolute Radio Request Show on Sundays, from 6pm-8pm.
Get to know a little bit more about Claire with our handy Q&A, from the bands that got her into music, to her go-to decade, her exception to the No Repeat Guarantee and what we can expect from her shows - and how to listen to them.
When is Claire Sturgess on Absolute Radio?
You can listen to Claire on Absolute Radio on Saturdays, from 7pm-10pm - bringing you The Classic Rock Party, as well as on Sundays from 6pm-8pm when she'll be bringing you the Absolute Radio Request Show.
Check out Absolute Radio's full schedule here, as well as all of the ways you can listen.
Absolute Classic Rock
You can catch Claire on the Absolute Classic Rock airwaves every weekday from 10am-1pm, as well as Saturdays 7pm-10pm with the Classic Rock Party.
Check out Absolute Classic Rock's full schedule here.
Who was the first band that got you into music?
Claire told us: "Growing up in the Wiltshire countryside it was the alternative bands of the 80s that really struck a chord with me. Shunning the shiny and wholesome sounding popstars, I was drawn to the noise, discord and angst of bands like Joy Division, The Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen, Siouxsie & The Banshees... and most of all, The Cure!"
What is your most memorable gig?
"Nirvana at the Kilburn National Ballroom in 1991."
Who's the best guest you've had on the show and why?
"The one I think about the most, and the person I’m so thankful I got to spend a short time with, is Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters. He stopped by to talk about his solo album in 2019.
"He arrived with his wife (who soon left to go shopping around Soho) and for an hour we talked and laughed about life and music. He was a dream guest – relaxed, friendly and happy to chat. I miss him."
Take a look through these incredible photos from the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert.
What can we expect from your show on Absolute Radio?
"A nostalgia-fest on a Friday night, like a giant 80s comfort blanket! On a Saturday night all your favourite rock anthems. And with the Sunday Request Show just great music and good vibes. "
Which song could be your exception to the No Repeat Guarantee?
"I’d be happy to hear Stevie Nicks ‘Edge Of Seventeen’ on repeat!"
LISTEN: Stevie Nicks 'Edge Of Seventeen':
Which Absolute decade is your go-to?
"The 90s. Best decade ever!"
Listen to Absolute Radio 90s right here!
What’s been your biggest highlight from your time at Absolute Radio?
"Sounds cheesy, but I’ve made the best friends here. It’s a daily highlight to work with people you genuinely care about. I’m also really proud of the work we do for Mental Health Awareness week, and the campaign we launched to tackle period poverty with our charity Cash For Kids."
What is your favourite thing about presenting?
"Building a connection with listeners. I’m a guest in people’s lives – in their home, car, workplace or headphones. The best compliment is when listeners tell me I’ve been a reassuring voice at a particularly tricky time in their life. It’s a responsibility I take seriously."
Where can we find you on socials?
@thesturge on Twitter/X, Instagram and Threads
@thesturgeuk on TikTok
@thesturgeuk.bsky.social on Blue Sky
What did Claire do before her shows on Absolute Radio?
Claire has had a fruitful career in the world of radio, before joining us here at Absolute Radio back in 2015. You may even recognise her from the presenting roster of BBC's television music programme Top of the Pops, back in September 1994.
Meet the rest of our Absolute Radio presenters:
Dave Berry
Charlton fan. Sharp-dressed man. Wake up with Dave Berry every weekday with the Dave Berry Breakfast Show every weekday from 6-10am.
Jason Manford
Laugh off your Sunday morning hangover with one of the UK's finest comedians, from 8-11am.
Jon Richardson
Join Jon Richardson as he brings his natural energy and enthusiasm for life to the Absolute Radio airwaves at 8am every Saturday morning from 7th September.
Andy Bush & Richie Firth
Join Bush & Richie for the Hometime show, weekdays from 4-7pm. 3 hours of nonsense presented by 2 confused dads. Apologies in advance.
Leona Graham
Leona Graham brings you the No Repeat Guarantee - you'll never hear the same song twice. Plus Teabreak Trivia at 10.30 and rarely played songs on Haven't Heard it for Ages. Listen weekdays 10am-1pm.
Ben Burrell
Ben Burrell continues the No Repeat Guarantee. You won't hear the same song twice! And Ben searches for the best songs from different bands. Weekdays 1-4pm.
Danielle Perry
Danielle Perry starts your evening by playing the best songs from across the Absolute Radio network. From 60s to now, there'll be tracks you've not heard for ages! Listen weekdays from 7-10pm.
Sarah Champion
Whatever you're up to, Sarah Champion has your playlist sorted with brilliant music, every weekend from 11am-2pm. Over on Absolute 80s, you can catch her every weekday morning from 10.
Jay Lawrence
Join Jay on Mondays to Thursdays from 10pm-1am for all the best tracks.
Dan Noble
Dan's here until 6am with a sackful of tunes to keep you company whether you're cooking dinner, working lates or heading to the gym.
Matt Forde
Matt Forde presents Rock 'n' Roll Football every Saturday from 2pm with Matt Dyson. It's music and goals like you've never heard before!
Matt Dyson
As well as lending his voice and dry humour to The Dave Berry Breakfast Show, Dyson also keeps you abreast of all the goals on Rock 'n' Roll Football on Saturday afternoons with Matt Forde.
Claire Sturgess
The national treasure that is Claire Sturgess is here to grace your ears with top tunes, Sundays 6-8pm.
Sophie K
Join Sophie K every Thursday and Friday from 10pm for a trip Through the Decades as she plays the best songs from the 60s to now.
Now read:
Get to know our Hometime heroes Bush & Richie
Get to know our Absolute Radio Breakfast Show host Dave Berry
Get to know Absolute Radio's Danielle Perry
How to listen to Absolute Classic Rock:
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