Russell Hill's Country Music Show

15/08/2025

15 years ago today, I did my very first show on Express FM with Charles Haskell. Charles very kindly invited me onto his show as a co-host. Thanks Charles.

Speaking of which, one of our most popular features was where got to request their favourite Charles Esten songs. Not long after the show ended in 2023, Chip recorded this video. Thanks Chip!

Hundreds of shows are still available to listen to on https://www.mixcloud.com/russellhillmaverickmagazine/

28/07/2025

As you can see, I'm a major Tom Lehrer fan.

After I heard of Tom's death on BBC Radio 3 this morning, I and countless others requested his music today on Georgia Mann's show. Georgia even gave me a shout out too.

My mention [and Tom's brilliant song] is on around 2 hours into Georgia's programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002g5gj

22/07/2025

'He looks like Steve Coogan'

13 years ago this month, I did a spot of singing on the Sky Living dating show Sing Date to promote the show. We even filmed at Express FM. What do you reckon of my singing?

In July 2012, the Country Music broadcaster Russell Hill appeared as a contestant on the Sky Living show "Sing Date". Here are the highlights of this episode...

15/07/2025

As today marks exactly one year since I gave up drinking alcohol, I thought I'd share this as I've listened to it a lot recently. On our "Wireless Pub Crawl", each song was linked to various pubs around [inc. The Churchillian, The Admiral Drake and The Rose in June]. I brought you tunes by the likes of Johnny Cash, Wondermare and The Sweetchunks Band among many others on Express FM.

If you missed our “Wireless Pompey Pub Crawl” which was on Express FM where each song was linked to a Portsmouth pub, the catch-up link is now live. Poppy Fardell’s latest was on in “Marshy’s Track of the Week” alongside… Crackers by Megan Linford, June Carter, Johnny Cash, Skinny Lenn...

19/06/2025

I was thrilled this morning when I got a shout out on BBC Radio 3. If you'd like to listen back to my mention, you can at 1hr 25 minutes in.

I even managed to get a mention for someone from the Carry On Films...

Here's the listen again link https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002d7k5

25/03/2025

Do you know how we always liked to play country songs about food on the show? Well, I made it onto The News, Portsmouth! If you look closely, you can see me in the middle.

The next time you're down Albert Road, head into Piecaramba. On Saturday, they were giving away 100 free pies. I was one of the lucky few to get one and I must say the pie, mash and peas were delicious. The interior of the shop is full of wowsers retro stuff, including a Vigo the Carpathian painting.

People queued down Albert Road as a new pie shop opened its doors in Southsea – with 100 free meals dished out to hungry customers.

13/03/2025

Have you got your ticket? I have!

Country Superstars Ltd will be performing at Kings Theatre TOMORROW. They were simply wonderful when they performed at the bandstand 10 years ago. I compered their show and I was blown away.

This is one show you won't want to miss.

02/03/2025

Flashback to 2015 when Country Superstars Ltd performed at the Country Music day at the bandstand which I compered. Thousands of Dolly and Kenny fans were there. It was wowsers!

On 14th March, they'll be performing at Kings Theatre in Southsea. If you're free, I do recommend grabbing a ticket. I'll be there and can't wait to see the show.

15/02/2025

I still have the shirt!

Exactly 2 years ago today, our final show was on Express FM. Blimey.

If you'd like to listen back to countless Charles Esten requests in and over 500 live sessions [including Shantell Ogden, artist I songwriter, Cheley Tackett and The Steve Young Band] check out https://www.mixcloud.com/russellhillmaverickmagazine/

10/02/2025

On 2nd March, The Steve Young Band will be doing a Neil Young tribute gig at the The Wedgewood Rooms. I always loved having them in session.

The Steve Young Band [www.facebook.com/thesteveyoungband] did an all-Neil Young session when they dropped by the Express FM studio in May '17. This was their...

08/01/2025

A very happy 90th birthday to ELVIS PRESLEY! Here I am with Stelvis who I saw in Spain many [blue] moons ago.

13 years ago today, an Elvis special of the show was on Express FM. We celebrated the music of the King by playing his songs and tracks which other artists recorded that Elvis is synonymous with.

Here's the listen again link

https://www.mixcloud.com/russellhillmaverickmagazine/russell-hills-country-music-show-on-937-express-fm-8th-january-2012-an-elvis-presley-special/

19/12/2024

Merry Christmas!

If you'd like to check out lots of our Christmas specials [which always included tunes by BEMIS and Hometown Show], head along to https://www.mixcloud.com/russellhillmaverickmagazine.