Hallam FM will create an annual Dave Kilner Award for Sheffield’s Champion Child, following his death yesterday afternoon.
The Radio Hallam favourite died after a short illness at the age of 48 but his legacy will live on via the station's Night of Honour Awards.
Friends and colleagues of Dave have been paying tribue.
Close friend Tony Christie, commented: “He helped a great number of bands get started, and championed many that became very big – like Def Leppard, Human League and Heaven 17.
He loved to talk about music – it was his life – and when you talked to him about the music business, he could just reel off these names – his knowledge of the business was staggering. He had time for everyone and was such a genuinely nice man.”
Rick Savage, lead singer from Def Leppard, said: “He was always very close to the band and helped us tremendously in the early days. It’s hard to put into words what a loss he will be because he was a great man – a great man who did so many things for so many people.
I never for one second got the idea that he was doing something for himself – it was always for someone else.”
Hallam FM’s Breakfast presenter, Big John, reflected: “Throughout all my 10 years of presenting breakfast on Hallam, Dave was always there to support and advise. I will miss his professional guidance, his friendship and his love of a good joke!
South Yorkshire has lost a star. One of the true legends of Hallam FM – we salute you.”
Dee Ford, now Group MD for Bauer Media said: "Having known and worked with Dave for many years at Hallam FM, I will always remember him as a real character in the office! Full of enthusiasm for the station, and with a real undeterred passion for the city of Sheffield as a whole. He will be sadly missed by many."
A special section on the Hallam FM [link=Hallam FM will create an annual Dave Kilner Award for Sheffield’s Champion Child, following his death yesterday afternoon.]website[/link] has been created for people to leave their own comments and tributes to Dave.
He leaves behind his wife Shirley and two daughters.[i] The love and thoughts of the entire team at Hallam FM and Bauer Media go out to them – ‘Mr Hallam’ will always have a special place in our hearts.[/i]
