Radio Gonzo

Date Published: 19th September 2015 Like a lot of people I first heard of Wally Hope when I read a booklet that came free with Crass' 1982 Double LP Box set Christ The Album. It was a complete eye opener, and over the years I have read as much as I can about the man. For those not in the know, Wally Hope (1947–1975) was a name by which Philip Russell (born Philip Alexander Grahame Russell on 9 August 1947) was known. Phil was a visionary and a free-thinker, whose life has had a profound influence on many in the culture of the UK Underground and beyond. He was an important figure in what may loosely be described as 'the organisation' of the Windsor Free Festival from 1972 to 1974, as well providing the impetus for the embryonic Stonehenge Free Festival. It is believed that he was born into a wealthy family, and was due to inherit a considerable sum when he attained the age of 30 years; his guardian was the BBC radio and television announcer John Snagge, according to a newspaper report of Wally's death. Rus