Get to know Absolute Radio host Leona Graham
She's the Queen of Rock
Leona Graham brings Absolute Radio listeners the very best rock anthems to keep you company throughout the day — whether that's during the working week or while you're relaxing at the weekend. Leona's show is packed full of huge guests, iconic music and Teabreak Trivia, but who is Absolute’s very own Queen of Rock? Get to know Leona Graham a little bit better right here.
Check out our handy Q&A with the radio host, from her most memorable interview, to what we can expect from her shows on Absolute Radio and Absolute Classic Rock and all the ways to listen. Ever wondered which song would be her exception to the No Repeat Guarantee? Or what her go-to decade is? We've got you covered...
Who were the first band that got you into music?
"Shawaddywaddy! (lol)"
But the Absolute host was quick to add: "Then thankfully I discovered Bon Jovi and became an instant rock fan. My dad then introduced me to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. I got into loads of 80s rock bands at that time like Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Poison etc."
What is your most memorable gig?
"V2000 in Chelmsford. Bought tickets and camped. I went with a friend and we had one of the best weekends ever seeing band after band. Highlight was Blur and 'Song 2'. We went crazy to that one!"
Leona also recalled fond memories of the Muse Drones tour 2016: "I had not seen them before and was offered two last-minute tickets. I went there with no expectations but was literally blown away. They were performing in the round which looked amazing, with giant balloon drones spinning round. I was gobsmacked at the audio-visual performance. The music was heavy and full of incredible riffs and I thought, OMG how have I not noticed this band before?! I'd been playing their songs on the radio but never realised they were so incredible live. Since then, I've seen them loads more times on every tour."
Who's the best guest you've had on the show and why?
Recalling an interview with 'Livin' on a Prayer' legends Bon Jovi in April 2024, Leona replied: "Jon Bon Jovi. Just meeting him after all these years was outstanding. I felt like I was 16 again. I was kind of nervous and uncool. I got him to sign my records with a white marker pen. His writing all smudged as the pen I brought was too 'liquidy' and we had an awkward moment trying to mop up the smudges!
"Tico and Bryan were also there and I was in awe having them in same room as me."
You can watch Leona's interview with Bon Jovi here...
What can we expect from your show on Absolute Radio?
"You can expect the very best songs from different decades, some new tunes, and Tea Break Trivia where I test your music knowledge each day."
Leona, who takes control of the mic from 10am until 1pm Monday to Friday on Absolute Radio said: "I also throw in some Workplace Shout Outs and get a flavour of what the UK are doing mid-morning each weekday."
Which song could be your exception to the No Repeat Guarantee?
"AC/DC Back in Black. Could play this every hour, that'd be fine."
LISTEN: AC/DC 'Back in Black':
Which Absolute decade is your go-to?
"80s. Love hosting afternoons. Classic Rock too where I am in the evenings. My next choice would be 00s. Some absolute bangers in this era and already nostalgic as it's 20 years ago!"
What’s been your biggest highlight from your time at Absolute Radio?
The Muse superfan said: "Meeting Matt Bellamy of Muse. I took a photo with him and tried to keep my fan levels professional, but it was tough. "
What is your favourite thing about presenting?
"Sharing listeners' funny comments and stories. Enjoying 'work' each day."
Where can you find Leona Graham on socials?
@leonagrahamDJ Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
@leonagraham on X
Meet the 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.
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.
How can I listen to Leona Graham on Absolute Radio and Absolute Classic Rock?
Absolute Radio
From 10am every weekday, catch Leona Graham on Absolute Radio as she brings you the No Repeat Guarantee — you'll never hear the same song twice. Plus Teabreak Trivia at 10.30am and rarely played songs on Haven’t Heard it for Ages.
Absolute Classic Rock
Over on Absolute Classic Rock, you can catch Leona from 7pm, Monday to Thursday and from 12pm Saturday and Sunday while the Queen of Rock spices up your weekend with a truck load of rock anthems.
Now, with our new Rayo app, listening is easier than ever.
Find out all of the ways to listen right here.
How to listen to Absolute Classic Rock:
You can listen here on our website, or download the free Rayo app.