The BBC faced a barrage of complaints this week after a radio DJ played the song Weekend in Amsterdam by Irish folk singer Christy Moore. Radio Ulster DJ Gerry Anderson played the record, which describes the Dutch capital’s vices, before lunchtime in a family-oriented programme. Some listeners were offended by the lyrics.

In his ballad, which also contains strong language, Christy Moore sings about Amsterdam’s cannabis smoking, public drunkenness and about dancing with transvestites. Complaints flooded in and forced the BBC to remove the song from its playlist.

One reader of the Belfast Telegraph called it “almost certainly the most obscene song BBC Radio Ulster has ever broadcast. And without any beeps”.

It is not clear whether the DJ was aware of the content of the lyrics of Weekend in Amsterdam. However, he may well have been, given that listeners have complained before about Mr Anderson. The BBC has asked him for an explanation.

(nc/tf)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Link to 'Weekend in Amsterdam' on YouTube