Iggy Pop, now 78, is pausing his 6 Music duties after around twelve years on the station to focus on other musical projects, with plans already in place for him to return in 2027. His final Sunday broadcast before the break is scheduled for 29 March, after which Cocker will take over from 5 April. Iggy first became part of the 6 Music schedule in the mid‑2010s and has since become a cult favourite for his gravelly delivery, deep musical knowledge and willingness to champion both classic and underground sounds. His temporary absence will leave a noticeable gap in the lineup, but the station hopes Cocker’s arrival will soften the blow.

Cocker’s comeback marks a full-circle moment for 6 Music weekends. He originally launched his Sunday show in 2010, building a reputation for carefully curated playlists, themed episodes and a warm, intimate style that made the programme feel like a private listening party. Over time, the show became a kind of weekly ritual for many listeners, who tuned in as much for his wry commentary as for the music itself.

When he signed off in 2017 with the words “it’s not goodbye, it’s just farewell”, many listeners hoped he would one day return to the station in a regular role. His new run of Sunday shows is expected to revive that spirit while introducing fresh music discoveries and new features for a changed audience. There is also speculation that he may invite special guests, collaborators and old friends to join him, adding an extra layer of anticipation around the new series.

Alongside Cocker’s arrival on Sundays, Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto will take over Saturday mornings, bringing her own perspective and tastes to the station’s eclectic mix. For 6 Music, enlisting figures like Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and Beth Ditto shows its commitment in letting musicians themselves shape the sound and character of the network. For listeners, Cocker’s return as Sunday host promises a comforting show at the heart of their weekend routine.

This instalment of his radio show is set to begin on 17th September, with the show running from 10pm-12pm on Sunday nights. In a press release, Murphy said that he will “share songs from all corners of his record collection and share why they hold a special place in his life.”

We’re thrilled to announce that Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition returns to 6 Music on Sundays, 10pm-12am from 17th September

His weekly nocturnal playlist sees Cillian explore music from all corners of his record collection & share why they hold a special place in his life. pic.twitter.com/s4a1zRG8Sz

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) September 1, 2023

Murphy has previously hosted two instalments of Limited Edition in 2020 and 2021, and he has shared his excitement to return. In an interview on BBC Radio 6 with Nemone, Murphy shared, “It’s been a while, but I am thrilled to be back playing tunes on 6 Music, my favourite radio station in the world. The show will be a sound collage of new, old and limited edition tunes for your discerning ears. Can’t wait.”

Listen to the full interview with Murphy here, 1 hour and 35 minutes into the programme.

In his previous instalments of Limited Edition, Murphy has showcased his eclectic music taste, featuring artists from Carly Simon and Marvin Gaye to Pixies and Nina Simone. He shared his interest in music with NME, discussing his band, The Sons of Mr Green Genes that he formed with his brother.

Named after a Frank Zappa song, they put together experimental songs filled with “wacky lyrics and endless guitar solos.”

Speaking on why he didn’t pursue a career in music, Murphy said, “I just never thought that I was good enough really. I like to do one thing quite well.”

Despite his self-deprecating comments, The Sons of Mr Green Genes were offered a five-album deal by Acid Jazz Records, based in London. He and his brother turned the record deal down however, citing artistic independence as their main reason.

Murphy’s return to BBC Radio 6 will mean a change in its current scheduling. The BBC confirmed that Don Letts will move his Culture Clash Radio show to Saturday nights from 9pm-11pm. Letts currently hosts his show in the slot that Cillian Murphy will be taking over from 17th September.

Letts’ show will replace The Blessed Madonna’s Saturday evening show, who recently made the “gutting decision” to lessen her work schedule amidst touring and recording.

These changes follow the news that Steve Lamacq will be stepping down from his Radio 6 show after 18 years.

Listen to BBC Radio 6 live here.

BBC Radio 6 Music announced on September 1st that Lamacq has decided to say goodbye to his 18 year long run on the Drivetime show in pursuit of a “well-deserved change to his broadcasting career”. 

Steve Lamacq has decided to make a well-deserved change to his broadcasting career

He will begin a new weekly show on 6 Music, Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session, on Monday 8th January (4pm-7pm).

Steve will present his final daily weekday (4pm-7pm) show on Friday 20th October. pic.twitter.com/IfugRRFh50

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) September 1, 2023

Lamacq’s last day as the Drivetime show host will be on Friday 20th October, and he will then take a short break from radio before returning in the new year with a brand new show. On Monday 8th January, Lamacq will begin hosting a weekly show on BBC Radio 6 Music titled “Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session”.

The Drivetime show will be taken over by fellow BBC Radio presenter Huw Stephens, who will host the show from 4-7pm Tuesday-Friday, with Lamacq’s new show claiming Monday’s 4-7pm slot.

In a BBC press release, Lamacq said “It’s been terrific doing six shows a week, but what with all the prep work for the programmes and the ever-increasing volume of new music to listen to, there’s not been nearly enough time left over for my family. And to be honest, after nearly 40 years at the coalface of new music, I think I need a bit of breather.”

Steve Lamacq is married to psychologist Dr Jen Wills, and the couple have a young daughter. The break from broadcasting and less intense schedule of “Steve Lemacq’s Teatime Session” will allow Lamacq to spend some quality time with his family.

Alongside this, Lamacq also said “But of course, my heart still lives for discovering and nurturing new bands, so I’m really pleased that these changes mean I can stay at 6 Music, while allowing more time to go searching for emerging artists, who I’ll be channelling into the new Monday show. There’ll be live sessions, interviews, some amazing archive and fingers crossed, at some point, the future of rock and roll.”

Many people were shocked by the news of Lamacq’s departure, and took to social media to show their appreciation.

So sad to hear @steve_lamacq is leaving his @BBC6Music show full time.
What a legend and hugely influential person he’s been to so many of us especially @IdlewildtheBand. I’ll be forever grateful to him for all his support and also friendship. All the best for the future!

— Rod Jones (@RodJonesMusic) September 1, 2023

Legend is an often overly used word to describe someone.

But in this instance, it’s very much applicable!@steve_lamacq deserves honorary recognition for services to music!
We award him our Brudenell medal anyway! https://t.co/qw2kB0PjFv

— Nath Brudenell (@Nath_Brudenell) September 1, 2023

You can still hear Steve Lamacq on the BBC Radio 6 Music Drivetime show until Friday 20th October.

For this year’s #6MusicFestival we’re bringing you 9 brand new performances recorded at Alexandra Palace and BBC Radio Theatre alongside some of our favourite archive performances from previous years.

26th-28th March.

Watch on @BBCiPlayer and listen on @BBCSounds. pic.twitter.com/QunY9Ib55e

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) March 12, 2021

The festival will take place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer, with select performances being aired on 6 Music. The new performances were filmed at Alexandra Palace and the BBC Radio Theatre in BBC Broadcasting House, adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

Kiwanuka said about the upcoming festival: “It feels great to be playing the 6 Music Festival this year, especially because I missed last year – I was so sad and gutted not to perform. This year is a special year because there are very few opportunities to get to play live, with the situation we’re in in the world. So it’s great to be able to express myself the way I know how and with the 6 Music family. It means a lot.” 

Head of BBC Radio 6 Music Samantha Moy added: “With venues closed across the UK, we are determined to celebrate live music, as we know 6 Music listeners are missing gigs as much as we are. So we’ve raided the 6 Music Festival archives and moved heaven and earth to record some new performances, to ensure that the festival will go on!” 

There will also be a special programme aired on BBC 4 on Friday 26th March at 11pm, airing clips from the headline performances of Kiwanuka, Marling and Bicep. The show will also feature an interview of Kiwanuka from Radio 6 presenter and singer Cerys Matthews. 

Check out all the info here!