BeebRock - The BBC4/BBC3/BBC2/BBC1 Music Programmes thread

Documentary examining rock band Status Quo's five-decade history, including interviews with the band, concert footage and rarely seen archive material, as well as a look at the 2012 reunion of the original line-up, performing together for the first time in more than 30 years. With contributions by Paul Weller, Brian May, Noddy Holder, Cliff Richard and Jeff Lynne

A selection of the veteran rock 'n' roll band's performances on Top of the Pops, from their first appearance in 1968 with the psychedelic Pictures of Matchstick Men to their last in 2005 with The Party Ain't Over Yet, as well as hits including Rockin' All Over the World, Whatever You Want, Mystery Song and Living on an Island

A collection of archive performances by artists including Graham Parker and the Rumour, Dr Feelgood, Ducks Deluxe, Elvis Costello, the Motors, Steve Gibbons Band and Dire Straits from TV shows such as The Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the Pops

Mark Kidel directs a profile of the singer-songwriter, who began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the the British new wave movement later that decade. The story is picked up from the star's childhood under the influence of his father, Ross McManus, a Catholic education which left a big impression on him, and his overnight success with the Attractions. The musician himself talks openly about the shaping of his career and life, and revisits the places where he grew up

Documentary charting the origins and development of the song, which this year marks its 100th anniversary. The programme reveals how the ballad was created when English barrister Fred Weatherly put words to traditional melody The Londonderry Air, after which it became an anthem for First World War troops, broke into Hollywood during the 1940s, made fans of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and some believe went some way to bridging the divide during the Troubles. Contributors including Gabriel Byrne, Rosanne Cash, Brian Kennedy and Barry McGuigan explain the song's enduring appeal and what it has come to symbolise

Welsh Megaman wrote: »

*enters thread*

Wow, I like what you've done with the place.

And the wallpaper...with the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' logo - nice touch!

Welsh Megaman wrote: »

Surprised to find out that 'Veronica' by Mr. Costello, despite it's still frequent airplay, only reached No.31 in the UK Singles Chart :eek:

Even with a helping hand/thumbs up from Macca!

But then again, it was 1989 - the year of Stock Aitken and Waterman :mad: :mad: :mad:

Ol' Donie wrote: »

Watched a fair bit of that Elvis Costello program last night.

Didn't really do a lot for me, but it sometimes takes me a while to "get" a singer/band. Took me years to love Led Zeppelin for jesus' sake.

Anyway, since they tend to repeat shows on BBC 4, I would recommend keeping an eye out for the one on Southern Rock, the one where the Stones join Muddy Waters on stage (10/10 in my book) and the brilliant one about Lemmy, the mad b*llocks.

Peter Powell presents a vintage edition of the chart show from November 30, 1978, with performances by the Rezillos, Boney M, Elton John, Heatwave, Buzzcocks, Leo Sayer, Blondie, the Barron Knights, Darts, Mankind and Rod Stewart. Plus, dance sequences by Legs & Co

Film-maker and writer John Bridcut explores the creativity of British composer Benjamin Britten in his twilight years. In defiance of medical advice, Britten raced to complete his final opera Death in Venice, tackling an edgy subject that resonated with his own life. He was left incapacitated and prematurely frail following a heart operation in 1973 after years of stress and illness, but rediscovered his creative urge to produce two late masterpieces. Featuring performances by mezzo Sarah Connolly, tenors John Graham-Hall and Allan Clayton and cellist Xavier Phillips among others

As part of BBC Radio 2's In Concert series, the musician returns to BBC Maida Vale studios where he recorded 275 tracks with the Beatles between 1962 and 1965. He performs a selection of classic songs from his collection, including Eight Days a Week, Back in the USSR, Lady Madonna, Hey Jude, Band on the Run and Jet, plus other tracks from his solo career and his latest album, New

Wings Over the World
Documentary featuring footage from Wings' triumphant tour of 1975/76, following the band in the UK, Australia and the US. Concert performances showcase 15 of their greatest songs, including Jet, Maybe I'm Amazed, Silly Love Songs and Band on the Run, and there are also home movies of lead singer Paul McCartney enjoying life off stage with his family. The programme begins with the former Beatle and his wife Linda in Scotland, before recalling the gradual build-up of the group toward their heyday

Stereophonics, Joss Stone, Graham Coxon, Gabrielle Aplin, Chris Difford and Mick Hucknall recreate the band's 12-hour recording session at Abbey Road Studios for Please Please Me - their first album. With contributions from Burt Bacharach and Guy Chambers, as well as people who witnessed the original event 50 years ago, including engineer Richard Langham and Beatles' press officer Tony Barrow. Presented by Stuart Maconie

Welsh Megaman wrote: »

Paul McCartney - will ALWAYS have the best setlist, no matter what gig he plays!

I gots da thinking - has their ever been an Irish equivalent to 'Top Of The Pops'?

Ol' Donie wrote: »

Please please me. Love that album. Always nervous about these other-people's-take-on-it efforts.

Not diggin' There's A Place.

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

I dunno lads. I think the early Beatles stuff is very twee.
They didn't become remotely interesting until Help/Rubber Soul/ Revolver.