The Bradley Brothers Interview, hosted by Dr. Obsoleto and presented by the Toronto PET User Group (TPUG), is a nostalgic and insightful look into the formative years of home computing in Canada. Dave and Richard Bradley—longtime TPUG members and early Commodore PET advocates—recount their hands-on experiences with building software libraries, maintaining one of the first BBS systems, and collaborating with computing legend Jim Butterfield.
From classic games like Dam Busters, Artillery, and Mouse Maze to user-made adaptations such as Troy Hacker’s Space Invaders, the brothers reminisce about what made the PET era so unique. Their memories of packed TPUG meetings in Toronto high schools—where hundreds gathered to exchange programs, explore machine language, and distribute monthly disks—paint a vivid picture of grassroots tech culture in the 1980s.
A highlight of the interview is their tribute to Jim Butterfield, revered for his role as a mentor, consultant, and Commodore programming icon. His clarity, humility, and generosity shaped the learning journey of thousands of early computer users.
The interview dives deep into topics like:
- Running disk-copying farms with rows of 4040 drives
- The formation of separate VIC‑20 and Commodore 64 chapters
- The rise and eventual decline of TPUG Magazine
- Behind-the-scenes challenges with club logistics and leadership
Preservation is another key theme. The Bradleys discuss their dedication to restoring vintage hardware, applying retrobrighting techniques, repairing boards with spare RAM chips, and archiving software on large-format CD libraries.
What makes the Bradley Brothers Interview stand out is its human touch. Through laughter, technical tales, and honest reflections, this conversation captures the soul of the TPUG community—a spirit of shared curiosity, mentorship, and discovery that continues to inspire retro computing enthusiasts today.
