In 1980 RPM begat Spinoff which in 1984 mutated into On the Wire, now the longest running continuous alternative music show on UK radio - and due to celebrate its 25th anniversary in September 2009 with a month-long extravaganza of special extended shows and guests from both Lancashire and across the globe.
Many bands and performers who were to become musical legends passed through the show including U2, REM, The Smiths, Depeche Mode and Joy Division - but of late On the Wire has taken a more relaxed view of the music scene and is as likely to play pre-war hillbilly music as much as experimental dance or dub.