Forest FM DJ and passionate supporter of local music dies

Alan Dorey, one of the most popular DJs on the South Coast known for promoting unsigned bands and local musicians has died aged 59.

Dorey was one of eight co-editors who started Interzone magazine in 1982 and his own fanzines included Black Hole for the Leeds University SF club. He was also a keen supporter of Woking FC.

His passion for radio grew and his first experience in radio came in the late-90s at BBC Radio Manchester.

Since 2006 he had been a presenter and DJ at Forest FM in Verwood, where his show ‘Music Box’ was described by him as a show that ran on a loose format, which could be summed up as “‘old, new, borrowed, blues.’” A simple formula that he said worked to ensure there was always plenty of new music as well as older sounds and a mix of genres. The programme introduced and encouraged upcoming musicians and Dorey’s openness to new music and support for local artists is reflected in the floods of tributes left on his and his wife Rochelle’s Facebook pages and the Forest FM page.

Steve Saville, MD of Forest FM said Alan was one of the nicest, kindest persons he had ever had the privilege of knowing. “His passion for music and talented people, especially local to us, was an inspiration. He helped and inspired so many people,” said Steve, adding that Alan will be missed so much, and had “gone too soon to that music lounge in the sky.”

Steve said that although Alan was unwell and had missed a few programmes, he was hoping to return, so his slot had been kept clear.

Other Facebook tributes said:

‘…Alan was the first DJ to ever play The Villanovas music on the radio and was a very passionate supporter of local music that was loved by many in the local community and will be sorely missed! My thoughts are with his family, friends, and his colleagues at this difficult time.’ Brett Smith-Daniels.

‘So sad and shocked to hear the sudden passing of a lovely man RIP Alan Dorey. Thinking of your friends & family at this sad time.’ Jenny Oag.

‘Rest In Peace Alan Dorey such a kind giving soul, thank you for everything you ever did for the local music scene and personally for me, you will always be a legend mate X’ Chris Payn.

‘I’m greatly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of one of the South Coast’s best radio DJs, and friend to unsigned and local musicians everywhere, Alan Dorey… He was the people’s DJ, and seemed happiest upon discovery of new music of varied genres from near and far. I didn’t know Alan personally, but he seemed like the kind of guy with whom you’d like to sit down and share a coffee and good conversation…’ Lisa Wetton.

Piano man, comedian Matt Black, who co-wrote the book Three Legs, Two Bikes, One Piano with Alan Dorey and John Cox, said in his tribute: ‘Goodbye for now to one of the most intelligent, peace loving, helpful souls I have ever met.

‘Alan Dorey you left us as you lived – with dignity and truth – The next world will embrace you as your friends did here.’

Alan is survived by his wife, Rochelle, three sons and a daughter.