Dean “Clairsy” Clairs is celebrating a milestone 40 years in commercial radio today.

No easy feat for anyone in the industry, Clairsy is not only a veteran of Australian radio but has also cemented himself as one of Perth’s most recognisable on-air voices.

Starting his journey at the mere age of 17-years-old at Merredin’s 6MD, Clairsy’s first ever night on air was surrounded by celebration with Australia II winning the America’s Cup.

Since that day, Clairsy has had many highlights over his 40 years in radio, moving to Bunbury, Canberra, and Adelaide, before returning to Perth in 1989 when he first met his current co-host, Lisa Shaw.

It was during a quick break in 2020, Clairsy finally realised his career-long dream of working on 96FM and in March 2021, joined Lisa in the Breakfast slot, launching Clairsy & Lisa.

During his career, Clairsy has interviewed the biggest names in music, sport, movies, TV, and politics, including the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the late Michael Hutchence of INXS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from KISS, Pink, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Richard Branson, John Cleese, Steve Waugh, Debbie Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman.

Another big name Clairsy remembers talking to was W.A. cricket legend, Dennis Lillee. He recalled the thrill of phoning his dad afterward to tell him, “Dennis knew me by name, too!”

Of reaching the milestone, Clairsy says, “I’m very grateful to have been able to work in the field I craved from the age of 16 and to still be doing the job I love 40 years later. The listeners of Perth radio have made it a sweet ride with their love and support, and I’ve worked with so many people who have become lifelong friends.”

96FM Content Director and Market Leader, Daniel Underhill, says, “For those of us lucky enough to work with Clairsy each day, it’s not hard to see why Perth loves him – he really is one of the nicest guys in radio, and his passion for music isn’t artificial, it’s infectious.”