Viewers have praised an RTE documentary Vincent Hanley: Sex, Lies and Videotapes, for its honest and detailed portrayal of life in the 80s for the gay community in Ireland.
The programme delved into the life of iconic presenter Vincent Hanley and his battle with AIDS after moving to America, where he presented the hit television show Music Television USA.
Speaking about his colleague and friend producer, broadcaster and gay activist, Bill Hughes, tells the story of his friendship with radio and TV star.
He said: “I knew in my heart of hearts that he wasn’t well.
“He was being ravaged. He was being ravaged by AIDS. I didn’t feel it was my job as a friend to interrogate him.
“I always say that Vincent Hanley was the biggest influence on my life and my career. I only knew him for the last nine years of his life.
“Those were dark homophobic times in Ireland when gay men like Vincent and I were criminalized under the law.
“Fair game for so-called queer bashers. And in some professions, gay people were at risk of being fired.
“Some were driven abroad for refuge only then to have their lives cut short by AIDS. But Vincent, he always saw a better life ahead. Right up to his last breath.
“He’d say listen, lovey, I’m going to go all the way, you know. I am going to be a major force in television, and I just need to make sure I have all my skills and my tools all polished up because I’m going to need them someday, and I will be mega.”
Viewers took to Twitter as they recalled memories of Vincent and credited Bill Hughes for the excellent documentary.
One person said: “Brilliant documentary but heartbreaking. Lovely man who brought joy to all of us listening to his uplifting voice and smile on MT USA and radio”.
A second wrote: “So raw, honest, difficult and riddled with trauma”.
While a third said: “Sitting here trying to explain the awful unforgiving Ireland of the ’80s to my 16 year old son and how my 16 year old self just loved MTV USA”.
Others expressed their love for Vincent and his exceptional talent.
They said: “MT USA was a great show, we loved the videos. ZZ top videos were a particular favourite. He was light years ahead of his time. So sad!”
Another said: “so sad that he had to hide his real identity. We loved #mtusa and watching and listening to Fab Vinny #vincent in the 80s. He blazed a trail. Rest in peace”
“Anyone else remember battling their auld lad to get him to switch over to MT USA from Ben Hur or whatever bleedin four hour epic RTE1 always showed on a Sunday afternoon?,” a third wrote.
