Mickey Havoc Bows Out Of BFM Breafast Slot

Radio 95bFM announces the next chapter in its broadcasting history.

Auckland's 95bFM has regretfully announced the departure of its breakfast show host Mikey Havoc - the self-described "loud fellow who makes you feel good and gets your sexy ass moving every morning."

The DJ and all-round family entertainer informed listeners this morning that he will be leaving the 95bFM breakfast show after six brilliant years.

"I'm not quitting, I'm bowing out," said Havoc.

"All things must pass. Part of bFM's mission is to find and train new talent and it's time for somebody else to grasp the opportunity. It's time to hand over the reins.

"I am planning a beauty next couple of weeks on Breakfast, because after almost six years doing the most thoroughly choice job in radio, it's vital I go out with the Mother of All Bahoogas."

Havoc said his time on air had seen 95bFM grow in influence: "It was originally considered fringe and alternative - now I think the rest of the radio industry looks to us for ideas."

95bFM first handed Havoc the mic in 1995 and "the roaring hooting optimistic North Shore boy who thrived himself on chaos and gorged himself on music" turned everything up to 10.

After a radio apprenticeship in the station's Wednesday and Friday Drive slots, he replaced Graeme Hill as breakfast host in 1996. The following year he was named Most Promising New Broadcaster in the annual Radio Awards.

Since then, the Breakfast Show with Mikey has been the most energetic and entertaining show on the Auckland radio dial. Politicians, protesters, DJs and musicians - and of course the listeners - have been part of the daily morning melange.

95bFM chairman Russell Brown described Havoc as "the single biggest injection of energy the station has ever seen. He has owned that timeslot, and in doing so he's made an enduring contribution to the station's rich culture. Mikey might be going, but the vibe will live on."

Breakfast producer Renee Mundy (known to the listeners as Laura Holt) has a similar perspective: "He's been a constant inspiration, and although I won't miss those early morning 'oops I'm going to be late' calls, he's chosen to go out with a bang and I have no doubt he'll do that in true Mikey fashion."

"Obviously everyone has always been aware that Mikey would stop doing the Breakfast Show at some stage," said 95bFM general manager Aaron Carson. "I look forward to seeing the direction he will now take. He's a roller-coaster and the only thing I'm actually sure about is that there is no one quite like Mikey Havoc. He's an original. I feel honoured to have got to know him, and relieved that I no longer need to utter the words 'alarm clock' while in his presence."

Mikey's farewell show will be on Thursday, March 28. 95bFM will announce details of the new breakfast show in the coming weeks.

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