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Top of the Pops

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This article is about the BBC television programme. For other uses, seeTop of the Pops (disambiguation).

Top of the Pops
Logo used 1973–1986 and 2019–2021
Created byJohnnie StewartandStanley Dorfman[1]
Directed by
Presented by
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No.of episodes2,272 (508 missing)[2]
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Stanley Dorfman(1964–1970)[1]
  • Johnnie Stewart(1964–1969)
  • Mel Cornish (1969–1973)[1]
  • Robin Nash(1973–1980)
  • Neville Wortman
  • Colin Charman
  • Brian Whitehouse
  • Phil Bishop
  • Mark Wells
  • Jeff Simpson
  • Michael Kelpie (Series Producer 2000–2002)
  • Barrie Kelly
  • Dominic Smith
  • Sally Wood
  • Stephanie McWhinnie
  • Caroline Cullen
Running time25–60 minutes
Production companyBBC Studios Music Productions
Original release
NetworkBBC One(weekly)
Release1 January 1964(1964-01-01)–
11 July 2005(2005-07-11)
NetworkBBC One(Christmas and New Year)
Release24 December 1964(1964-12-24)[3]–
31 December 2021(2021-12-31)
NetworkBBC Two(weekly)
Release17 July 2005(2005-07-17)–
30 July 2006(2006-07-30)
NetworkBBC Two(Christmas)
Release24 December 2022(2022-12-24)–
present
Related

Top of the Pops(TOTP) is a Britishmusic charttelevision programme, made by theBBCand broadcast weekly between 1January 1964 and 30 July 2006. The programme was the world's longest-running weekly music show. For most of its history, it was broadcast on Thursday evenings onBBC One.Each show consisted of performances of some of the week's best-sellingpopular musicrecords, usually excluding any tracks moving down the chart, including a rundown of that week's singles chart. This was originally the Top 20, though this varied throughout the show's history. The Top 30 was used from 1969, and the Top 40 from 1984.

Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want to Be with You"was the first song featured onTOTP,whilethe Rolling Stoneswere the first band to perform, with "I Wanna Be Your Man".[4]Snow Patrolwere the last act to play live on the weekly show when they performed their single "Chasing Cars".[5]Status Quomade more appearances than any other artist, with a total of 87 (the first was with "Pictures of Matchstick Men"in 1968 and last with"The Party Ain't Over Yet"in 2005).[6][7]

Special editions were broadcast on Christmas Day (and usually, until 1984, a second edition a few days after Christmas), featuring some of the best-selling singles of the year and theChristmas number one.Although the weekly show was cancelled in 2006,[8]the Christmas special continued annually. End-of-year round-up editions have also been broadcast on BBC1 on or around New Year's Eve, albeit largely featuring the same acts and tracks as the Christmas Day shows.[9][10][11]In a change of format, the festive specials did not return in 2022 or 2023 and were replaced by an end-of-year review show on BBC Two. It also survives asTop of the Pops 2,which began in 1994 and features vintage performances from theTop of the Popsarchives. ThoughTOTP2ceased producing new episodes since 2017, repeats of older episodes are still shown.

TheOfficial Charts Companystates that "performing on the show was considered an honour, and it pulled in just about every major player".[12]The show has seen seminal performances over its history. The March 1971 appearance ofT. RexfrontmanMarc Bolanwearing glitter and satins as he performed "Hot Love"is often seen as the inception ofglam rock,andDavid Bowie's performance of "Starman"inspired future musicians.[13][14]In the 1990s, the show's format was sold to several foreign broadcasters in the form of a franchise package, and at one point various versions of the show were shown in more than 120 countries.[4]Editions of the programme from 1976 onwards started being repeated onBBC Fourin 2011 and are aired on most Friday evenings – as of 2024 the repeat run has reached 1996. Episodes featuring disgracedpresentersandartistssuch asJimmy Savile,Dave Lee Travis,Jonathan King,Ian Watkins(Lostprophets),R. Kelly,Rolf Harris,andGary Glitterare no longer repeated.[15]

History[edit]

An audience watching a performance at a recording ofTop of the Pops

Bill Cottondevised the nameTop of the Pops.[16]Cotton,Johnnie StewartandStanley Dorfmandevised the rules which governed how the show would operate: the programme would always end with the number one record, which was the only record that could appear in consecutive weeks. The show would include the highest new entry and (if not featured in the previous week) the highest climber on the charts, and omit any song going down in the chart.[17][18][1]Tracks could be featured in consecutive weeks in different formats. For example, if a song was played over the chart countdown or the closing credits, then it was acceptable for the act to appear in the studio the following week.

These rules were sometimes interpreted flexibly. It was originally based on the Top 20. By the 1970s, the Top 30 was being used and the show was extended from thirty to forty-five minutes duration and songs that were featured outside the charts were chosen according to Dorfman and his fellow producer's Melvyn Cornish's personal taste and judgement.[19]The rules were more formally relaxed from 1997 when records descending the charts were featured more regularly, possibly as a response to the changing nature of the Top 40 (in the late 1990s and early 2000s climbers in the charts were a rarity, with almost all singles peaking at their debut position).

When the programme's format changed in November 2003, it concentrated increasingly on the top 10. Later, during the BBC Two era, the top 20 was regarded as the main cut-off point, with the exception made for up and coming bands below the top 20. Singles from below the top 40 (within the top 75) were shown if the band were up and coming or had a strong selling album. If a single being performed was below the top 40, just the words "New Entry" were shown and not the chart position.

The show was originally intended to run for only a few programmes but lasted over 42 years, reaching landmark episodes of 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 in the years 1973,[20]1983,[21]1992 and 2002[22]respectively.

The first show[edit]

Top of the Popswas first broadcast fromDickenson Road Studiosin Manchester
Dusty Springfieldwas the first act to be featured on the show[4]
The Rolling Stoneswere the first group to appear on the show[4](group pictured in concert in The Hague in 1967)

Thefirst edition ofTop of the Popswas broadcast on Wednesday, 1January 1964 at 6:35 pm. It was produced in Studio A atDickenson Road StudiosinRusholme,Manchester.[23][24]

The first show was presented byJimmy Savile,with a brief link toAlan Freemanin London to preview the following week's programme. The producer Johnnie Stewart based the show's format on Savile'sTeen and Twenty Disc ClubonRadio Luxembourg.[25]The first show featured (in order)Dusty Springfieldwith "I Only Want to Be with You",the Rolling Stoneswith "I Wanna Be Your Man",the Dave Clark Fivewith "Glad All Over",the Hollieswith "Stay",the Swinging Blue Jeanswith "Hippy Hippy Shake"andthe Beatleswith "I Want to Hold Your Hand",[26]that week's number one. Throughout its history, the programme proper always (with very few exceptions) finished with the best-selling single of the week, although there often was a separate play-out track over the end credits.

1960s and 1970s[edit]

BBC Television Centrein London, home ofTop of the Pops1969–1991 and 2001–2006
Top of the PopsTV studios
Date Studio
1964–1965 Dickenson Road Studios
1966–1969 Lime Grove Studios
1969–1991 BBC Television Centre
1991–2001 BBC Elstree Centre
2001–2006 BBC Television Centre

Later in 1964, the broadcast time was moved to one hour later, at 7:35 pm, and the show moved from Wednesdays to what became its regular Thursday slot. Additionally its length was extended by 5minutes to 30 minutes.[citation needed]

For the first three yearsAlan Freeman,David Jacobs,Pete MurrayandJimmy Savilerotated presenting duties, with the following week's presenter also appearing at the end of each show, although this practice ceased from October 1964 onwards.

The show was taped 52 weeks a year with no breaks.[27]The chart came out on Tuesday mornings and the show aired live on Thursday evenings. This led to a process of difficult weekly planning, rescheduling, booking, and rebooking, as well as pre-recording of acts, particularly of American artists who might be advancing up the chart the following weeks, to ensure that each weeks top 20 would be able to appear on the show.[17]At the BBC in the 1960s and early 1970s, producers and directors did both jobs simultaneously. From 1964 to 1969, Stewart and Dorfman took it in turns to produce and direct, but each spent five days a week getting the show together. At the end of 1969, Stewart left, and was replaced in early 1970 by Melvyn Cornish,[19][28]Stewart returned as anexecutive producerin 1971 until 1973. Dorfman directed and produced the series from 1964 until 1971, then continued for five years thereafter as anexecutive producer.

In the first few editions, Denise Sampey was the "disc girl", who would be seen to put the record on a turntable before the next act played their track.[29]However, aMancunianmodel,Samantha Juste,became the regular disc girl after a few episodes, a role she performed until 1967.[30]

Initially acts performing on the show wouldmime(lip-sync) to the commercially released record, but in 1966 after discussions with theMusicians' Union,miming was banned.[31]After a few weeks during which some bands' attempts to play as well as on their records were somewhat lacking, a compromise was reached whereby a specially recordedbacking trackwas permitted, as long as all the musicians on the track were present in the studio.[32][33]As a result, Stewart hiredJohnny Pearsonto conduct an in-studio orchestra to provide musical backing on select performances, beginning with the 4 August 1966 edition.[34][35][36]Later, vocal groupThe Ladybirdsbegan providing vocal backing with the orchestra.[37]

With the birth of BBC Radio 1 in 1967, new Radio1 DJs were added to the roster –Stuart Henry,Emperor Rosko,Simon DeeandKenny Everett.[38]

Local photographerHarry Goodwinwas hired to provide shots of non-appearing artists, and also to provide backdrops for the chart run-down. He continued in the role until 1973.[39][40]

After two years at the Manchester Dickenson Road Studios, the show moved to London (considered to be better located for bands to appear), initially for six months atBBC TV CentreStudio2 and then to the larger Studio G at BBCLime Grove Studiosin mid-1966[41]to provide space for the Top of the Pops Orchestra, which was introduced at this time to provide live instrumentation on some performances (previously, acts had generally mimed to the records). In November 1969, with the introduction of colour, the show moved toBBC TV Centre,where it stayed until 1991, when it moved toElstree StudiosStudio C.[42]

For a while in the early 1970s, non-chart songs were played on a more regular basis, to reflect the perceived growing importance of album sales; there was an album slot featuring three songs from a new LP, as well as aNew Releasespot and a feature of a new act, dubbedTip for the Top.These features were dropped after a while, although the programme continued to feature new releases on a regular basis for the rest of the decade.

During its heyday, it attracted 15 million viewers each week. The peak TV audience of 19 million was recorded in 1979, during theITV strike,with only BBC1 and BBC2 on air.[43]

Christmas Top of the Pops[edit]

A year-end Christmas show featuring a review of the year's biggest hits was inaugurated on 24 December 1964, and has continued every year since.[44]From 1965 until 2021, the special edition was broadcast on Christmas Day[45](although not in 1966)[46]and from the same year, a second edition was broadcast in the days after Christmas, varying depending on the schedule, but initially regularly on 26 December. The first was shown on 26 December 1965.[47]In 2022, the Christmas show was moved to BBC Two and broadcast on 24 December, with no usual studio-based live performances included in the broadcast.[48][49]In 1973, there was just one show, airing on Christmas Day. In place of the traditional second show, Jimmy Savile hosted a look back at the first 10 years ofTOTP,broadcast on 27 December.[50]In 1975, the first of the two shows was broadcast prior to Christmas Day, airing on 23 December, followed by the traditional Christmas Day show two days later.[51]

The 1978 Christmas Day show was disrupted due to industrial action at the BBC, requiring a change in format to the broadcast. The first show, due to be screened on 21 December, was not shown at all because BBC1 was off the air.[52]For Christmas Day, Noel Edmonds (presenting his last ever edition ofTOTP) hosted the show from the 'TOTP Production Office' with clips taken from various editions of the show broadcast during the year and new studio footage performed without an audience. The format was slightly tweaked for the Christmas Day edition in 1981, with the Radio1 DJs choosing their favourite tracks of the year[53]and the following edition on 31 December featuring the year's number1 hits.[54]

The second programme was discontinued after 1984.

1980s[edit]

The year 1980 marked major production changes toTop of the Popsand a hiatus forced by industrial action.Steve Wrightmade his presenting debut on 7 February 1980.[55]Towards the end of February 1980, facing a £40 million budget deficit, the BBC laid off five orchestras as part of £130 million in cuts.[56]The budget cuts led to aMusicians' Unionstrike that suspended operations of all 11 BBC orchestras and performances of live music on the BBC;Top of the Popswent out of production between 29 May and 7 August 1980.[57][58][55]During the Musicians' Union strike, BBC1 showed repeats ofAre You Being Served?in the regularTop of the PopsThursday night time slot.[59][60]

Following the strike, Nash was replaced as executive producer byMichael Hurll,who introduced more of a "party" atmosphere to the show, with performances often accompanied by balloons and cheerleaders, and more audible audience noise and cheering.[61][62]Hurll also laid off the orchestra, as the Musicians' Union was loosening enforcement of the 1966 miming ban.[62]

Guest co-presenters and a music news feature were introduced for a short while, but had ceased by the end of 1980. The chart rundown was split into three sections in the middle of the programme, with the final Top 10 section initially featuring clips of the songs' videos, although this became rarer over the next few years.[citation needed]

An occasional feature showing the American music scene withJonathan Kingwas introduced in November 1981, and ran every few weeks until February 1985. In January 1985, aBreakerssection, featuring short video clips of new tracks in the lower end of the Top 40, was introduced, and this continued for most weeks until March 1994.[citation needed]

Although the programme had been broadcast live in its early editions, it had been recorded on the day before transmission for many years. However, from May 1981, the show was sometimes broadcast live for a few editions each year, and this practice continued on an occasional basis (often in the week of a bank holiday, when the release of the new chart was delayed, and for some special editions) for the rest of the decade.[citation needed]

The programme moved in September 1985 to a new regular half-hour timeslot of 7 pm on Thursdays, where it would remain until June 1996.[citation needed]

The end of 1988 was marked by a special 70-minute edition of the show broadcast on 31 December 1988, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first show. The pre-recorded programme featured the return of the original four presenters (Savile, Freeman, Murray and Jacobs) as well as numerous presenters from the show's history, anchored byPaul GambacciniandMike Read.Numerous clips from the history of the show were included in between acts performing in the studio, which includedCliff Richard,Engelbert Humperdinck,Lulu,the Four Tops,David Essex,Mud,Status Quo,Shakin' Stevens,the Tremeloesand from the very first edition,the Swinging Blue Jeans.Sandie Shaw,the Pet Shop BoysandWet Wet Wetwere billed in theRadio Timesto appear, but none featured in the show other than Shaw in compilation clips.[63]

Paul Ciani took over as producer in 1988. The following year, in an attempt to fit more songs in the allocated half-hour, he restricted the duration of studio performances to three minutes, and videos to two minutes, a practice which was largely continued until May 1997. In July 1990, he introduced a rundown of the Top5 albums, which continued on a monthly basis until May 1991. Ciani had to step down due to illness in 1991, when Hurll returned as producer to cover for two months (and again for a brief time as holiday cover in 1992).[citation needed]

1991: 'Year Zero' revamp[edit]

From 1967, the show had become closely associated with the BBC radio station Radio 1, usually being presented by DJs from the station, and between 1988 and 1991 the programme was simulcast on the radio station in FM stereo (that is, until BBC's launch ofNICAMstereo for TV made such simulcasts redundant). However, during the last few years of the 1980s the association became less close, and was severed completely (although not permanently) in a radical shake-up known as the 'Year Zero' revamp.[citation needed]

Following a fall in viewing figures and a general perception that the show had become 'uncool' (acts likethe Clashhad refused to appear in the show in previous years), incoming executive producerStanley Appel(who had worked on the programme since 1966 as cameraman, production assistant, director and stand-in producer[64]) introduced a radical new format on 3 October 1991, in which the Radio1 DJs were replaced by a team of relative unknowns, such as Claudia Simon andTony Dortiewho had previously worked forChildren's BBC,17-year-old local radio DJ Mark Franklin, Steve Anderson, Adrian Rose and Elayne Smith, who was replaced byFemi Okein 1992. A brand new theme tune ( "Now Get Out of That" ), title sequence and logo were introduced, and the entire programme moved fromBBC Television Centrein London toBBC Elstree CentreinBorehamwood.[citation needed]

The new presenting team would take turns hosting (initially usually in pairs but sometimes solo), and would often introduce acts in an out-of-vision voiceover over the song's instrumental introduction. They would sometimes even conduct short informal interviews with the performers, and initially the Top 10 countdown was run without any voiceover. Rules relating to performance were also altered meaning acts had to sing live as opposed to the backing tracks for instruments and mimed vocals for which the show was known. To incorporate a shift towards USA artists, more use was made of out-of-studio performances, with acts in America able to transmit their song to theTop of the Popsaudience "via satellite". These changes were widely unpopular and much of the presenting team were axed within a year, leaving the show hosted solely by Dortie and Franklin (apart from the Christmas Day editions, when both presenters appeared) from October 1992, on a week-by-week rotation.[citation needed]

1994–1997[edit]

By 1994, much of the 'Year Zero' revamp was quickly undone and the arrival ofRic Blaxillas producer in February 1994 signalled a return to presentation from established Radio1 DJsSimon Mayo,Mark Goodier,Nicky CampbellandBruno Brookes.Blaxill expanded the use of "via satellite" performances, taking the acts out of studios and concert halls and setting them against landmark backdrops. As a consequence,Bon JoviperformedAlwaysfromNiagara FallsandCeline Dionbeamed inThink Twicefrom Miami Beach.[citation needed]

Blaxill also increasingly experimented with handing presenting duties to celebrities, commonly contemporary comedians and pop stars who were not in the charts at that time. In an attempt to keep the links between acts as fresh as the performances themselves, the so-called "golden mic" was used by, amongst others,Kylie Minogue,Meat Loaf,Des Lynam,Chris Eubank,Damon Albarn,Harry Hill,Jack Dee,Lulu,Björk,Jarvis Cocker,Stewart LeeandRichard Herring.Radio1 DJs still presented occasionally, includingLisa I'Anson,Steve Lamacq,Jo WhileyandChris Evans.The last remnants of the Year Zero revamp were replaced on 2 February 1995, when a new set, title sequence, logo and theme tune were introduced (the logo having first appeared on the new programmeTop of the Pops 2,which had debuted five months previously, in mid-September 1994).[citation needed]

TOTPwas traditionally shown on a Thursday night, but was moved to a Friday starting on 14 June 1996,[65]originally at 7 pm, but then shifted to 7.30 pm, a change which placed the programme up against the soap operaCoronation StreetonITV.This began a major decline in audience figures as fans were forced to choose betweenTop of the Popsand an episode of the soap.[66]

1997–2003[edit]

In 1997, incoming producerChris Coweyphased out the use of celebrities and established a rotating team (similar to the 1991 revamp, although much more warmly received) of former presenters of youth music magazineThe O-ZoneJayne MiddlemissandJamie Theakstonas well as Radio1 DJsJo WhileyandZoe Ball.The team was later augmented byKate ThorntonandGail Porter.[citation needed]

Chris Cowey in particular instigated a set of 'back to basics' changes when he took over the show. On 1 May 1998, a remixed version of the classic "Whole Lotta Love" theme tune previously used in the 1970s was introduced, accompanied by a new 1960s-inspired logo and title sequence. Cowey also began to export the brand overseas with localised versions of the show on air in Germany, France, theNetherlands,Belgiumand Italy by 2003.[67]Finally, the programme returned to its previous home of BBC Television Centre in 2001, where it remained until its cancellation in 2006.

2003:All New Top of the Pops[edit]

On 28 November 2003 (three months after the appointment ofAndi Petersas executive producer), the show saw one of its most radical overhauls since the ill-fated 1991 'Year Zero' revamp in what was widely reported as a make-or-break attempt to revitalise the long-running series. In a break with the previous format, the show played more up-and-coming tracks ahead of any chart success, and also featured interviews with artists and a music news feature called "24/7". Most editions of the show were now broadcast live, for the first time since 1991 (apart from a couple of editions in 1994).[citation needed]

Although the first edition premièred to improved ratings, theAll Newformat, hosted byMTVpresenterTim Kash,quickly returned to low ratings and brought about scathing reviews.[68][69][70]Kash continued to host the show, but Radio1 DJsReggie YatesandFearne Cotton(who had each presented a few shows in 2003, before the revamp) were brought back to co-host alongside him, before Kash was completely dropped by the BBC, later taking up a new contract at MTV. The show continued to be hosted byReggie YatesandFearne Cotton(usually together, but occasionally solo) on Friday evenings until 8July 2005.

On 30 July 2004, the show took place outside a studio environment for the first time by broadcasting outside inGateshead.Girls Aloud,Busted,Will YoungandJameliawere among the performers that night.[71]

2005: The beginning of the end[edit]

Figures had plummeted to below three million, prompting an announcement by theBBCthat the show was going to move, again, to Sunday evenings onBBC Two,thus losing the prime-time slot onBBC Onethat it had maintained for more than forty years.[72]

This move was widely reported as a final "sidelining" of the show, and perhaps signalled its likely cancellation. At the time, it was insisted that this was so the show would air immediately after the official announcement of the new top 40 chart onRadio 1,as it was thought that by the following Friday, the chart seemed out of date. The finalTop of the Popsto be shown on BBC One (barring Christmas and New Year specials) was broadcast on Monday 11 July 2005, which was edition number 2,166.[citation needed]

The first edition on BBC Two was broadcast on 17 July 2005 at 7.00 pm with presenterFearne Cotton.Following the move to Sundays, Cotton continued to host with a different guest presenter each week, such asRufus HoundorRichard Bacon.On a number of occasions, however,Reggie Yateswould step in, joined by female guest presenters such asLulu,Cyndi LauperandAnastacia.Viewing figures during this period averaged around 11⁄2million. Shortly after the move to BBC Two, Peters resigned as executive producer.[73]He was replaced by the BBC's Creative Head of Music Entertainment Mark Cooper, while producer Sally Wood remained to oversee the show on a weekly basis.

2006: Cancellation[edit]

Snow Patrol,the last live act to appear onTOTP(pictured in concert in America in 2006)

On 20 June 2006, the show was formally cancelled and it was announced that the last edition would be broadcast on 30 July 2006.Edith Bowmanco-presented its hour-long swansong, along withJimmy Savile(who was the main presenter on the first show),Reggie Yates,Mike Read,Pat Sharp,Sarah Cawood,Dave Lee Travis,Rufus Hound,Tony BlackburnandJanice Long.[citation needed]

The final day of recording was 26 July 2006[74]and featured archive footage and tributes, includingthe Rolling Stones– the very first band to appear onTop of the Pops– opening with "The Last Time", theSpice Girls,David Bowie,Wham!,Madonna,Beyoncé,Gnarls Barkley,the Jackson 5,Sonny & CherandRobbie Williams.The show closed with a final countdown, topped byShakira,as her track "Hips Don't Lie"(featuringWyclef Jean) had climbed back up to number one on the UK Singles Chart earlier in the day. The show ended with Savile ultimately turning the lights off in the empty studio.[citation needed]

Fearne Cotton,who was the current presenter, was unavailable to co-host for the final edition due to her filming ofITV'sLove IslandinFijibut opened the show with a quick introduction recorded on location, saying "It's still number one, it'sTop of the Pops".BARBreported the final show's viewing figures as 3.98 million.[75]

As the last episode featured no live acts in the studio, the last act to actually play live on a weekly episode ofTOTPwasSnow Patrol,who performed "Chasing Cars"in the penultimate edition;[5]the last act ever featured visually on a weeklyTop of the PopswasGirls Aloud,as part of the closing sequence of bands performing on the show throughout the years. They were shown performing "Love Machine".[citation needed]

2006–2023: After the end[edit]

The magazine andTOTP2have both survived despite the show's axing, and the Christmas editions also continue. However, theTOTPwebsite is now no longer updated.[citation needed]

Calls for its return[edit]

In October 2008, BritishCulture SecretaryAndy BurnhamandManchesterindie bandthe Ting Tingscalled for the show to return.[76]

On 29 October 2008,Simon Cowellstated in an interview that he would be willing to buy the rights toTop of the Popsfrom the BBC. The corporation responded that they had not been formally approached by Cowell,[77]and that in any case the format was "not up for sale".[11]In November 2008, it was reported byThe Timesand other newspapers that the weekly programme was to be revived in 2009, but the BBC said there were no such plans.[78]

In July 2009,Pet Shop BoyssingerNeil Tennantcriticised the BBC for ending the programme, stating that new acts were missing out on "that great moment of being crowned that week's Kings of Pop".[79]

In early 2015 there was increased speculation of a return of the show including rumours thatDermot O'Learymight present alongside Fearne Cotton. According to a report in theDaily Mirror,a BBC insider stated that "some at the highest level are massive supporters of the plan [of a return] and have given the go-ahead."[80]The move of the UK charts to a Friday due to take place in summer 2015[81]was also said to favour the possibility of a return, making it "the perfect tie-in"[80]and a "perfect start to the weekend",[80]but no weekly return has occurred.

BBC Four reruns[edit]

In April 2011, the BBC began to reshowTop of the Popson Thursday nights onBBC Fourbeginning with the equivalent show from 35 years earlier in a 7:30 pm–8:00 pm slot approximating to the time the programme was traditionally shown.[82]The first programme shown, 1April 1976, was chosen because it was from approximately this episode onwards that most editions remain in the BBC archive. The repeat programmes come in two versions; the first is edited down to fit in the 30-minute 7:30 slot, the second is shown normally twice overnight in the following weekend, and is usually complete. However both the short and longer editions can be edited for a number of reasons.

Potentially offensive content to modern audiences is cut (for exampleThe Barron Knights' in-studio performance of "Food For Thought" on the edition of 13 December 1979 including a segment parodying Chinese takeaways using mannerisms that may now be viewed as offensive), and cinematic film footage can be truncated, replaced or removed entirely due to the costs to the BBC of reshowing such footage. The BBC also makes the repeats available onBBC iPlayer.The repeats are continuing as of 2024 with episodes from 1996, and from 28 October 2022, older episodes from 1976 to 1992 are broadcast at 8pm.[83]

Since October 2012, episodes featuring Jimmy Savile have ceased to be broadcast due to thesexual abuse scandaland subsequentOperation Yewtreepolice investigation.[84]Following the arrest ofDave Lee Travisby Operation Yewtree officers, and his subsequent conviction for indecent assault, episodes featuring Travis were also omitted.[85]FollowingGary Glitter's conviction for sexual assault, episodes featuring him are also not included in the run, or otherwise have Glitter's performances edited out. Episodes featuringR. Kellyare also skipped, or have his performances edited out, following his convictions for sexual abuse.

Mike Smithdecided not to sign the licence extension that would allow the BBC to repeat theTop of the Popsepisodes that he presented,[86]with the BBC continuing to respect his wishes following his death. Adrian Rose also chose not to allow his episodes to be repeated. As a result, episodes featuring Smith and Rose are also omitted.[citation needed]

"Story of" Specials[edit]

Prior to the 1976 BBC reruns shown in 2011, the BBC produced a special programme, "The Story of 1976".[87]This comprised excerpts from the 1976 programmes, interspersed with new interviews with people discussing the time period.

They produced similar programmes for subsequent calendar years, each airing before or during the run of repeats from the particular year.[88][89][43][90][91]These specials went on hiatus following "The Story of 1990" in October 2020, but returned in early 2022 as a weekly series, scheduled up from "The Story of 1991" to "The Story of 1999" in May 2022.

"Big Hits" compilation[edit]

A series of "Big Hits" compilations have been broadcast with on-screen captions about artists.In December 2016, a festive special using the format of the "Big Hits" programmes,Top of the Pops: Christmas Hitswas broadcast on BBC Four, featuring a mix of Christmas music and non-festive songs which had been hits at Christmas time. This effectively replaced the annual Christmas edition ofTop of the Pops 2,which did not run that year.[citation needed]

Christmas and New Year specials[edit]

Although the weeklyTop of the Popshas been cancelled, the Christmas Specials have continued, initially hosted by Fearne Cotton andReggie Yates.The Christmas specials were broadcast on Christmas Day afternoon on BBC One. From 2008[92]to 2021 (apart from 2010 and 2011), a New Year special has also been broadcast. A new logo and title sequence were introduced on the 2019 Christmas special. The BBC's Head of Music Television, Mark Cooper, continued to oversee the programme as executive producer until 2019 when he was replaced by Alison Howe. Meanwhile, Stephanie McWhinnie, who had replaced Wood as producer with effect from Christmas 2011, was replaced by Caroline Cullen (who had previously worked as assistant producer on the show) from Christmas 2020, when both festive shows were recorded with new studio performances but no live audience physically in attendance. On 4December 2017, Yates stepped down from hostingTop of the Popsdue to comments he made regarding Jewish people and rappers.[93]The BBC later announcedClara Amfoas Yates' replacement, she continues to hold the role.[94]Amfo was joined byJordan Northfor the 2021 specials, with him replacing Cotton.[95]

Following a change in format for 2022, the usual studio-based festive editions with new live performances did not return and was replaced by an end-of-year programme,Top of the Pops Review of the Year 2022,to be aired on Christmas Eve on BBC Two with Amfo returning as host alongside fellow Radio 1 DJJack Saunders.[96]This format returned in 2023, with Amfo hosting the review of 2023.[97]

Comic Relief specials[edit]

The show was given a one-off revival (of sorts) forComic Relief2007 in the form ofTop Gear of the Pops,presented byJeremy Clarkson,Richard HammondandJames May.It was filmed at theTop Gearaerodrome studio inSurreyon Sunday, 11 March 2007, although it bore little resemblance to the usualTop of the Popsformat.[citation needed]

On 13 March 2009,Top of The Popswas once again revived, this time in its usual format, for a special liveComic Reliefedition, airing on BBC Two while the main telethon took a break for theBBC News at Tenon BBC One. As with the Christmas specials the show was presented by Radio1 duo Fearne Cotton andReggie Yateswith special guest presenterNoel Fieldingand appearances fromDawn French,Jennifer Saunders,Claudia Winkleman,Jonathan Ross,Davina McCall(dancing in the audience and later as a Flo Rida dancer with Claudia Winkleman and French and Saunders) andDavid Tennant.[citation needed]

Live performances – interspersed with Comic Relief appeal films – included acts such asFranz Ferdinand,Oasis,Take That,U2,James MorrisonandFlo Rida(that week's Number1). Kicking off the show was a performance fromRob BrydonandRuth Jonesin theirGavin & Staceyguises, feat.Tom JonesandRobin Gibbwith "(Barry)Islands in the Stream",the Comic Relief single.[citation needed]

Performers, performances and presenters[edit]

Main articles:List of performers on Top of the Pops,List of performances on Top of the Pops,andList of Top of the Pops presenters
Most frequent performers onTop of the Pops
1975 portrait photo of Cliff Richard
Solo artist:Cliff Richard
Status Quo on stage in 1978
Group:Status Quo

In its extensive history,Top of the Popshas featured many artists, many of whom have appeared more than once on the show to promote many of their records.

Green Dayhold the record for the longestTop of the Popsperformance: "Jesus of Suburbia"broadcast on 6November 2005, lasted 9minutes and 10 seconds. There is uncertainty about what was the shortest performance. In 2005, presenter Reggie Yates announced on the show that it wasSuper Furry Animalswith "Do or Die",broadcast on 28 January 2000, clocking in at 95 seconds. However," It's My Turn "byAngelicwas 91 seconds on 16 June 2000 and, according to an August 2012 edition ofTOTP2,"Here Comes the Summer"bythe Undertoneswas just 84 seconds on 26 July 1979.

Cliff Richardappeared the most times on the show, with almost 160 performances.Status Quowere the most frequent group with 106 performances.[98]

Miming[edit]

Main articles:Lip-syncingandMiming in instrumental performance
Nirvana at the 1992 VMAS
Morrissey in 2005
In 1991, American rock bandNirvana(left, pictured the year after) infamously performed their 1991 hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit",lead singerKurt Cobainsang in a low voice, changing some of the lyrics; Cobain later stated that he wanted to sound likeMorrissey(right, pictured in 2005)

Throughout the show's history, many artistsmimedto backing tracks. Early on, Musicians' Union rules required that groups re-record backing tracks with union members performing when possible.[99][100]However, asThe Guardianrecounted in 2001: "In practice, artists pretended to re-record the song, then used their original tapes."[101]

The miming policy also led to the occasional technical hitch. In an August 1967 edition, asJimi Hendrixprepared to perform "Burning of the Midnight Lamp",the song"The House That Jack Built"by theAlan Price Setwas played in studio instead, reportedly prompting Hendrix to respond: "I don't know the words to that one, man".[102][103]In 1988,All About Eveappeared to perform "Martha's Harbour".Although the song was being played on the television broadcast, it was not being played in studio, so lead singerJulianne Reganremained silent on a stool on stage whileTim Bricheno(the only other band member present) did not play his guitar.[104]

Occasionally bands played live, examples in the 1970s and 1980s beingthe Four Seasons,the Who,Blondie,John Otway,Sham 69,Eddie and the Hot Rods,Jimmy James and the Vagabonds,The Sweet,The Jackson 5,Heavy Metal Kids,Elton John,Typically Tropical,New Order,Whitney HoustonandDavid Bowie.In 1980,heavy metalbandIron Maidenplayed live on the show when they refused to mime to their single "Running Free". Solo artists and vocal groups were supposed to sing live to the Top of the Pops Orchestra.Billy Ocean,Brotherhood of Man,Anita Ward,Thelma Houston,Deniece Williams,Hylda Baker,Boney Mandthe Nolansall performed in this way.

In 1991 the producers of the show allowed artists the option of singing live over a backing track.[105]Miming has resulted in a number of notable moments.[105]In 1991,Nirvanarefused to mime to the pre-recorded backing track of "Smells Like Teen Spirit"with Kurt Cobain singing in a deliberately low voice and altering lyrics in the song, and bassistKrist Novoselicswinging his bass over his head and drummerDave Grohlplaying randomly on his kit.[106][107]In 1995, the Gallagher brothers ofOasisswitched places while performing "Roll with It".[105]During their performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way"the CommunardssingersJimmy SomervilleandSarah Jane Morrisswapped lyrics for part of the song towards the end.[citation needed]Another example of whimsy wasJohn Peel's appearance as themandolinsoloist forRod Stewarton "Maggie May".[citation needed]The new practice also exposed a number of poor live singers.[108]

In its final few years miming had become less and less common, especially for bands, as studio technology became more reliable and artists were given the freedom to choose their performance style. Former Executive ProducerAndi Peterssaid there was no policy on miming and that it was entirely up to the performer whether they wanted to sing live or mime.[109]

Orchestra and backing singers[edit]

From 1966 to 1980,Top of the Popshad an in-studio orchestra conducted byJohnny Pearsonaccompany select musical performances, withThe Ladybirds(later Maggie Stredder Singers) providing backing vocals.[110][37]Credited on the show as musical associate, Derek Warne played piano and provided musicalarrangementsfor the orchestra.[111][112][113]AsThe Telegraphrecounted, Pearson and the orchestraimprovisedaccompaniments with about 20 minutes of rehearsal time per song, and the musicians, "almost all middle-aged, often struggled with the enormous range of rock and pop tunes with which they were presented."[110]In contrast,The Timessaid upon Pearson's passing in 2011 that the orchestra "often elicit[ed] excellent performances with barely enough time beforehand for a couple of run-throughs."[114]

Other notable members of the orchestra include drummerClem Cattini,[115][116]trombonistBobby Lamb,[117]and lead trumpeters Leon Calvert[118]andIan Hamer.[119][120]From 1971 to 1974,Martin Brileyplayed guitar for the orchestra before joining rock groupGreenslade.[121][122]

Following the 1980 Musicians Union strike, the programme resumed broadcast on 7 August 1980 without its orchestra or backing singers.[110][55][123]However, Pearson continued to make occasional contributions as musical director until the 900th episode in the summer of 1981.[110]Afterwards, Warne occasionally made musical arrangements through April 1982.[124]Ronnie Hazlehurstconducted the orchestra from 1982 to 1983.[125]

Promotional films and music videos[edit]

In the 1960s and 1970s, the weeklyrecord chartwas published every Tuesday morning, and the live show was broadcast on Thursday evenings. This created a need for regular studio appearances by the top artists who often had hectic touring schedules that made it difficult for them to be present. As a result, the show's production team faced a complex weekly planning process, involving rescheduling, booking, and rebooking of acts. To ensure that the show featured the top 20 artists of each week, particularly those from America who were expected to rise in the chart, pre-recording of performances became necessary.[17]

When an artist or group was unavailable to perform in studio,Top of the Popswould show amusic video,pre-recorded videos known as 'promotional films' at that time,[126][127]in the acts' place.[128]By the time the Beatles stopped touring in late 1966, their promotional films had become highly sophisticated. In May 1966 they filmed two sets of colour promotional clips for their current single "Rain"(also known as"Paperback Writer") to air onTop of the Popson 2 June.[129]According toQueenguitaristBrian May,the groundbreaking 1975 music video for "Bohemian Rhapsody"was produced so that the band could avoid miming on TOTP since they would have looked off miming to such a complex song.[130]This established the importance of promotional film clips as a means of promoting both emerging acts and new releases by established acts, which contributed to advent of themusic videogenre.

Dance troupes[edit]

January to October 1964 – no dance troupes[edit]

In the era beforepromotional videoswere routinely produced for every charting single, the BBC would frequently have neither the band themselves nor alternative footage available for a song selected for the programme. In the first few months of the show in 1964, the director would just scan across the audience dancing in the absence of any other footage, but by October 1964 a decision was made to at least occasionally bring in adance troupewith a choreographed routine to some of the tracks.[131]

November 1964 to April 1968 – The Go-Jos[edit]

Main article:Go-Jos

An initial candidate troupe was the existing BBC TVBeat Girls,but an ex-dancer from the Beat Girls,Jo Cook,was eventually engaged to create a troupe, the all-femaleGo-Jos,[132][133]with Cook as choreographer. The Go-Jos also worked outside ofTop of the Pops,notably for two years on theVal Doonicanshow – Doonican said in 1968 "I thought the Gojos were fabulous, something really new. When I got my own television series I just had to have them with me."[134]

They were initially a three-piece (Pat Hughes for the first edition only,Linda HotchkinandJane Bartlett), but their number eventually grew to six (Hotchkin,Bartlett,Lesley Larbey,Wendy Hilhouse,Barbara van der HeydeandThelma Bignell) with Cook as full-time choreographer.Luluremembered of their costumes "They mostly wore white boots to the knee and short skirts and the camera would go up the skirt and it was all very risqué."[135]

Cook herself said of working on the Doonican show (of which she was dance director) comparing toTop of the Pops,"Pop steps are limited... With Val we have more scope, and we can work to get more of the feel of ballet into our numbers. "[134]

May to June 1968 – Go-Jos/Pan's People transition[edit]

In April 1968, aTop of the Popschoreographer, Virginia Mason,[136]auditioned for dancers for a routine onTop of The Pops( "Simon Says"by the1910 Fruitgum Company); two of whom that were successful (Ruth PearsonandPatricia "Dee Dee" Wilde) were part of the existing six-female dance troupe, Pan's People.[137]Like the Go-Jos, this group was also partly drawn from ex-members of the Beat Girls.[138]

Although this routine did not make it onto the programme itself, in subsequent weeks, members of Pan's People (Louise Clarke,Felicity "Flick" Colby,Barbara "Babs" Lord,Pearson,Andrea "Andi" Rutherfordand Wilde) started to appear on the programme separately to the Go-Jos. Pan's People were then selected by the BBC over the Go-Jos when they chose a group to be the resident troupe.[139]The Go-Jos' finalTop of the Popsperformance was in June 1968 dancing to "Jumping Jack Flash"bythe Rolling Stones.

July 1968 to April 1976 – Pan's People[edit]

Main article:Pan's People
Dance troupe Pan's People (pictured here onTopPop,AVRO 1971)

As with the Go-Jos, in the first eighteen months of the Pan's People era the dancers were not a weekly fixture on the programme.[140]However, due to group fan mail and good viewing figures, by 1970 the group was on nearly every week.[141]Pay was not high – they were paid the minimumEquityrate of £56 per week.[142]

One of the original Pan's People dancers, Colby, became the full-time choreographer in 1971.[143] Colby spoke of the dancing – "They weren't Broadway-standard routines... we were definitely doing watercolours, not oil paintings. "[144]

May to October 1976 – Ruby Flipper[edit]

Main article:Ruby Flipper

In early 1976, the last remaining of the early members of Pan's People, Ruth Pearson announced her retirement, leaving just four members all of whom who had joined within the last four years;Cherry Gillespie,Mary Corpe,Lee WardandSue Menhenick.Rather than continue with this line up or add additional members, it was decided by Colby and BBC production staff to replace this group[145]with a male and female group created for the programme,Ruby Flipper,choreographed by Colby and managed by Colby with Pearson. Lee Ward left shortly after this decision was made, reportedly saying regarding the change: "It's a big mistake. Men rush home to watch sexy ladies. They do not want to see other men."[146]

Rehearsals for this new group started in March 1976, and the group began appearing onTop of the Popsin May 1976. Whilst producers were aware of the switch to the new group,Bill Cotton,the then head of the light entertainment unit of whichTop of the Popswas part, was not. This group started as a seven-piece with three men (Gavin Trace,Floyd PearceandPhil Steggles) and four women (Menhenick, Gillespie,Patti HammondandLulu Cartwright). Corpe was not invited to join the new troupe. Trace, Pearce, Steggles and Cartwright joined following open auditions, Hammond, an established dancer, was invited to join to complete the "look" following a later individual audition.[147]Colby viewed this gender-mixed group as an opportunity to develop more physical routines including lifts,[148]more duets and generally not have the whole group at each performance.

However, by August the BBC had decided to terminate the group due to perceived unpopularity and being "...out of step with viewers ".[149]Their final appearance was in October 1976.

November 1976 to November 1981 – Legs and Co[edit]

Main article:Legs & Co

The group created to replace Ruby Flipper wasLegs & Co,reverting to an all-female line-up, and once more choreographed by Colby. Three of the six in the initial line-up (Menhenick, Cartwight and Hammond) were taken from Ruby Flipper.[150]withRosie Hetherington,Gill ClarkeandPauline Petersmaking up the six. Despite being an all-female group, on occasion one or more male dancers were brought in, including Pearce several times.[citation needed]

During their run, the group covered the transition from Disco to Punk, Electronic and Modern Romantic music.[151]

December 1981 to September 1983 – Zoo[edit]

Main article:Zoo (dance troupe)

By late 1981, Legs & Co (by this time Anita Chellamah had replaced Peters) had become more integrated into the studio audience, rather than performing set-piece routines, as a result of the 'party atmosphere' brought in byMichael Hurll.Also by this time Colby was particularly keen to work once more with male dancers; feeling it time for a change, Legs & Co's stint was ended, and a twenty-member dance troupe (ten male, ten female), namedZoowas created, with a set of performers drawn from the pool of twenty each week.[152]Colby was now credited as "Dance Director".[148]Three members of previous troupes, Menhenick, Corpe and Chellamah, made at least one appearance each during the Zoo period. The dancers now chose their own clothes, moving away from the synchronised appearance of previous troupes.[153]

October 1983 to 2006 – After Zoo[edit]

By the early 1980s, record companies were offering the BBC free promotional videos, meaning dance troupes no longer fulfilled their original purpose.[154]Zoo's run ended in 1983, and with it the use of dance troupes onTop of the Pops.

After the demise of Zoo, the audience took a more active role, often dancing in more prominent areas such as behind performing acts on the back of the stage, and on podiums. However, the show also employed cheerleaders to lead the dancing.[citation needed]

Dance Troupe chronology[edit]

Titles and theme music[edit]

The originalTop of the Popslogo that appeared on-screen in 1964
TheTop of the Popslogo used between 1998 and 2003

For much of the 1960s, the show's theme music was an organ-based instrumental track, also called "Top of the Pops", by the Dave Davani Four.

  • 1 January 1964 to?: Instrumental percussion piece written by Johnnie Stewart and Harry Rabinowitz and performed by drummer Bobby Midgly.
  • 1965 to 1966: Dave Davani Four's "Top of the Pops" withthe Ladybirdson backing vocal harmonies. Originally the opening theme, this was later played as a closing theme from 1966 up until 1970.
  • 20 January 1966 to 13 November 1969: Unknown instrumental guitar track.
  • 27 November 1969 to 29 October 1970: Unknown brass track played over colour titles with a voiceover proclaiming, "Yes! It's number one! It's Top of the Pops!" There was noTOTPon 20 November 1969 due to theApollo 12Moon landing.
  • 5 November 1970 to 14 July 1977: An instrumental version of theLed Zeppelin-Willie Dixoncomposition "Whole Lotta Love"performed byCCSmembers.
  • 21 July 1977 to 29 May 1980: No opening theme tune; a contemporary chart song was played over the countdown stills. "Whole Lotta Love" (instrumental) featured only in Christmas editions (CCS version used in the 1979 Christmas shows), the 800th edition from 26 July 1979 and the voice-over only edition from 22 November 1979.
  • 7 August 1980: Instrumental version of "Whole Lotta Love" used. Last used in 1977.
  • 14 August 1980 to 2July 1981: No opening theme tune; theCCSversion of "Whole Lotta Love" was played over some of the images of the featured artists and during the countdown stills in the Top 30 and Top 20 sections which were moved later on in the programme. From the edition of 14August 1980 to the edition of 2July 1981, "Whole Lotta Love" was heard only during the chart rundowns.
  • 9 July 1981 to 27 March 1986: "Yellow Pearl"was commissioned as the new theme music. A re-recording of" Yellow Pearl "was played over the chart rundown.
  • 3 April 1986 to 26 September 1991: "The Wizard",a composition byPaul Hardcastle.
  • 3 October 1991 to 26 January 1995: "Now Get Out of That" composed by Tony Gibber.
  • 2 February 1995 to 8 August 1997 (except 27 June & 25 July 1997 and 15 August 1997 to 24 April 1998) and 10 October 1997: the theme was a track called "Red Hot Pop" composed byVince ClarkeofErasure.
  • 27 June and 25 July 1997 then 15 August 1997 to 24 April 1998 (except 10 October 1997): No theme tune; the opening of the first song of the episode was played under the titles and a song from the top 20 (that hadn't already featured on the show) was played under the chart rundown.
  • 1 May 1998 to 21 November 2003: Updated, drum and bass version of "Whole Lotta Love" by Ben Chapman.
  • 28 November 2003 to 30 July 2006 and until 2012 forTOTP2and Xmas specials: A remixed version of "Now Get Out of That" by Tony Gibber.
  • 25 December 2013 to 25 December 2021 forTop of the PopsChristmas and New Year Specials: A mix of both the 1970s "Whole Lotta Love" theme and the 1998 remix.

Lost episodes[edit]

A recording ofthe Beatles' only live performance onTop of the Popsin 1966 was not retained by the BBC (group pictured here in 1963)

Due to the then standard practice ofwipingvideotape, the vast majority of the episodes from the programme's history prior to 1976 are consideredlost media,including any official recording of the only live appearance bythe Beatles.[161]

Of the first 500 episodes (1964–73), only about 20 complete recordings remain in the BBC archives, and the majority of these are from 1969 onwards. The earliest surviving footage dates from 26 February 1964, and consists of performances byBilly J. Kramerand the Dakotas andthe Dave Clark Five.Some programmes exist only partially (largely performances that were either pre-recorded or re-used in later, surviving editions). There are also two examples of rehearsal footage, which are both from 1965, one which includesAlan Freemanintroducingthe Seekers,[162]and another withSandie Shawrehearsing "Long Live Love"—both believed to be for the end-of-year Christmas Special. There are also cases of shows that exist only in their raw, unedited form. The oldest complete episode in existence was originally transmitted onBoxing Dayin 1967 (only five complete recordings from the 1960s survive, two of which have mute presenter links). The most recent that is not held is dated 8September 1977. Most editions after this date exist in full, except a few 1981–85 episodes recorded live feature mute presenter links (These episodes were skipped on the BBC Four re-runs).[citation needed]

The last thirteen minutes of the 19 August 1965 edition of TOTP survives, and features live performances fromHerman's Hermits,Sonny & Cher,Jonathan King,andThe Byrds.[163]

Some off-air recordings, made by fans at home with a microphone in front of the TV speaker, exist in varying quality, includingthe Jimi Hendrix Experienceperforming a live version of "Hey Joe" in December 1966.[citation needed]

Some segments ofTOTPwhich were not retained do survive in some form owing to having been included in other programmes, either by the BBC itself or by foreign broadcasters. What was thought to be the only surviving footage of the Beatles on the programme, for instance, comes from its re-use in episode one of 1965Doctor WhoserialThe Chase.[164]Additionally a number of recordings are believed to exist in private collections.[165]However, in 2019, an 11-second clip of the group's only live appearance onTOTP,from 16 June 1966, was unearthed – this was recorded by a viewer using an8mm camerato film the live transmission on their television.[166]Other individual but complete clips that have surfaced over recent years includeThe Holliesperforming "Bus Stop",andThe Jimi Hendrix Experienceplaying both "Purple Haze"and"The Wind Cries Mary".[citation needed]

Thanks to a deal between the BBC and German television network ZDF around the turn of the 1970s, several TOTP clips were sent over to be shown onDisco,a similar-styled chart show. This meant that performances from the likes ofThe Kinks( "Apeman" ),The Who( "The Seeker" ) andKing Crimson( "Cat Food" ) still exist in German archives.

Two complete episodes from 1967 were discovered in a private collection in 2009, having been recorded at home on an early available open reel to reel video recorder. Whilst the tapes suffered from major damage and degradation of both sound and picture quality, one show featuredPink Floydwith original leaderSyd Barrettperforming "See Emily Play",whilst the second containedDave Daviessinging his solo hit "Death of a Clown".

The programme was forced off the air for several weeks by industrial action by theMusicians' Unionin both 1974 and 1980.

Audio recordings of lost episodes[edit]

Many lost episodes made between 1964 and 1975 survive in either partially-full or complete form due to being recorded off-air by fans on audio recorders. Some of these full audio recording episodes pre-date the Boxing Day special of 1967. The earliest recording of these, which is now believed to be the oldest known form of listening to Top of the Pops that is available to the public, as it pre-dates the two 26/02/64 footage, comes from the third ever edition of TOTP from 15 January 1964. These also include five consecutive episodes between January and February 1966, five consecutive episodes between August and September 1967, all editions from May 1969, and four consecutive between November and December 1969.

These off-air recordings include:

Archive status key:"Partial audio"– around a few minutes or half of the episode survives in audio form /"Few segments missing"– nearly survives in full audio form but is missing either the intro and charts, half of or the entirety of a performance, or the ending credits /No archive status next to the episode– episode survives in full audio form

  • 15 January 1964 (third edition of TOTP) (partial audio)[167]
  • 19 February 1964 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 8 April 1964 (fifteenth edition of TOTP) (few segments missing)[169]
  • 22 April 1964 (few segments missing)[170]
  • 6 May 1964 (few segments missing; parts of the intro are missing)[171][172]
  • 24 June 1964[173]
  • 8 July 1964 (few segments missing; parts ofThe Animalsperformance and ending credits are missing)[174]
  • 29 October 1964 (few segments missing; intro and charts, full performances fromThe Rockin' BerriesandThe Supremes,and parts ofManfred Mannperformance are missing)[175]
  • 12 December 1964 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 24 December 1964 (Christmas Eve 1964)[176]
  • 26 December 1964 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 1 April 1965 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 22 April 1965[163]
  • 15 July 1965[178]
  • 26 August 1965[179]
  • 23 September 1965[163]
  • 25 November 1965 (100th edition of TOTP) (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • Christmas 1965[177]
  • 6 January 1966 (first edition of TOTP from 1966) (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 13 January 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 20 January 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 27 January 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 3 February 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 10 February 1966[177][180]
  • 17 February 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 24 February 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 3 March 1966[181]
  • 30 June 1966[177]
  • 4 August 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 18 August 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 6 October 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 13 October 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 20 October 1966 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 27 October 1966 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 1 December 1966[182]
  • Christmas 1966 - Part 1 (partial audio)[183][184]
  • Christmas 1966 - Part 2[183][185]
  • 2 March 1967 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 6 April 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 27 April 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 18 May 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 8 June 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 29 June 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 24 August 1967 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 13 July 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 20 July 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 17 August 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 24 August 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 31 August 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 7 September 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 14 September 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 5 October 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 26 October 1967 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 9 November 1967 (200th edition of TOTP) (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • Christmas 1967 - Part 1 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 23 May 1968 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 30 May 1968 (few segments missing)[177][180]
  • 25 July 1968[163]
  • 29 August 1968 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 17 October 1968 (domestic audio recording)[168][180]
  • Christmas 1968 - Part 1 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • Christmas 1968 - Part 2 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 6 February 1969 (partial audio)[186]
  • 20 March 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 3 April 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 10 April 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 1 May 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 8 May 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 15 May 1969 (partial audio)[187][188]
  • 22 May 1969[189]
  • 29 May 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 3 July 1969[190]
  • 31 July 1969 (partial audio)[191][192]
  • 4 September 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 11 September 1969 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 2 October 1969 (partial audio)[193][194]
  • 9 October 1969 (David Bowie's first time on TOTP) (partial audio)[195][196]
  • 23 October 1969 (300th edition of TOTP) (partial audio)[197]
  • 27 November 1969 (the first edition of TOTP aired in colour)[198]
  • 4 December 1969[199]
  • 11 December 1969[200]
  • 18 December 1969[201]
  • Christmas 1969 - Part 1[177]
  • Christmas 1969 - Part 2[177]
  • 1 January 1970 (few segments missing; parts of the ending credits are missing)[202][180]
  • 19 February 1970 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 19 March 1970 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • Christmas 1970 - Part 1 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • Christmas 1970 - Part 2 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 21 January 1971 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 25 February 1971[177]
  • 4 March 1971 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 22 April 1971 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 6 May 1971[177]
  • 9 December 1971 (domestic audio recording)[168][180]
  • Christmas 1971 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 9 March 1972 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 16 March 1972 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 4 May 1972 (few segments missing)[177]
  • Christmas 1972 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 22 February 1973 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 11 May 1973 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 18 May 1973 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 4 October 1973 (500th edition of TOTP) (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 3 January 1974 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 24 January 1974 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 7 February 1974 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 3 February 1974 (first edition of TOTP in 1974) (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 14 March 1974 (presenter links only)[177]
  • 23 May 1974 (only one performance recorded)[177]
  • 30 May 1974[180]
  • 29 August 1974 (few segments missing)[177]
  • 11 October 1974 (only one performance recorded)[177]
  • 31 October 1974 (partial audio)[168]
  • 14 November 1974 (partial audio)[177]
  • 12 December 1974 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 23 January 1975 (only one performance recorded)[177]
  • 15 May 1975 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 5 June 1975[181]
  • 21 August 1975 (domestic audio recording)[168]
  • 11 March 1976 (partial audio)[177]
  • 10 February 1977[177]

Archived/missing episode guide[edit]

Note: some of the audio recordings didn't record the entire episode, but are still added onto the "Archived audio recordings" and "Missing" sections, as the latter section includes episodes with no surviving material all together.

Year Archived footage Archived audio recordings Missing
1964 0/53 11/53 42/53
1965 0/52 7/52 45/52
1966 0/52 19/52 33/52
1967 1/54 18/54 35/54
1968 2/53 7/53 44/53
1969 2/51 22/51 27/51
1970 4/50 5/50 41/50
1971 7/53 7/53 39/53
1972 3/52 4/52 45/52
1973 9/51 5/51 36/51
1974 8/46 11/46 27/46
1975 9/53 4/53 40/53
1976 39/54 1/54 14/54
1977 49/53 1/53 3/53

Total archived episodes (footage): 133/727

Total archived episodes (audio recording): 118/727

Total missing episodes: 358/727

Spin-offs[edit]

Top of the Popshad a sister show calledTOTP2which used archive footage from as early as the late 1960s. It began on 17 September 1994. The early series were narrated byJohnnie Walker,beforeSteve Wrighttook over as narrator. In summer 2004 BBC Two's controller, Roly Keating, announced that it was being "rested". Shortly afterUKTV G2began showing re-edited versions of earlier programmes with re-recorded dialogue. Finally after a two-year breakTOTP2returned to the BBC Two schedules for a new series on Saturday, 30 September 2006, in an evening timeslot. It was still narrated by Steve Wright and featured a mixture of performances from theTOTParchive and newly recorded performances. The first edition of this series featured new performances byRazorlightandNelly Furtadorecorded after the final episode ofTop of the Pops.In 2009Mark Radcliffetook over as narrator.[citation needed]TOTP2continued to receive sporadic new episodes from this point onwards, most notably Christmas specials, until 2017 when the show ceased producing new episodes, though previous episodes are still repeated on both BBC Two and BBC Four.

Aired onBBC Radio 1between the mid-1990s and late 2001 wasTop of the Pops: The Radio Showwhich went out every Sunday at 3 pm just before the singles chart, and was presented byJayne MiddlemissandScott Mills.It later reappeared on theBBC World Servicein May 2003 originally presented byEmma B,where it continues to be broadcast weekly in an hourly format, now presented by Kim Robson and produced by former BBC World Service producer Alan Rowett.[citation needed]

The defunct channelPlay UKcreated two spin offs;TOTP+ PlusandTOTP@Play(2000–2001) (until mid-2000, this show was calledThe Phone Zoneand was a spin-off from BBC Two music seriesThe O-Zone).BBC Choicefeatured a show calledTOTP The New Chart(5 December 1999 – 26 March 2000) and on BBC TwoTOTP+(8 October 2000 – 26 August 2001) which featured theTOTP @ Playstudio and presenters. This is not to be confused with the UK Play version of the same name. A more recent spin-off (now ended) wasTop of the Pops Saturdayhosted originally byFearne CottonandSimon Grant,and its successorTop of the Pops Reloaded.This was shown on Saturday mornings on BBC One and featured competitions, star interviews, video reviews and someTop of the Popsperformances. This was aimed at a younger audience and was part of theCBBCSaturday morning line-up. This was to rivalCD:UKat the same time onITV.[citation needed]

Send-ups[edit]

A number of performers have sent up the format in various ways. This was often by performers who disliked the mime format of the show, as a protest against this rather than simply refusing to appear.

International versions[edit]

Europe[edit]

TheTop of the Popsformat was adopted by on several other European broadcasters, such asTopPop(Netherlands)

TheTOTPformat was sold toRTLin Germany in the 1990s, and aired on Saturday afternoons. It was very successful for a long time, with a compilation album series and magazine. However, in 2006 it was announced that the German show would be ending. The Italian version (first broadcast onRai 2and later onItalia 1) also ended in 2006. In February 2010 the show returned on Rai 2, and was broadcast for two seasons before being cancelled again in October 2011. The French version of the show ended by September 2006 on France 2.[citation needed]The short-lived Turkish version was aired onatvin 2000.

In the Netherlands,TopPopwas broadcast byAVRO1970–1988,[211]and a version of the show continued to run onBNNuntil the end of December 2006.[212][better source needed]BBC Primeused to broadcast re-edited episodes of the BBC version, the weekend after it was transmitted in the UK. Ireland began transmittingTop of the Popsin November 1978 onRTÉ2.This was the UK version being transmitted at the same time as on BBC. The broadcasts ceased in late 1993.

United States[edit]

Top of the Popshad short-lived fame in the United States. In October 1987, theCBStelevision network decided to try an American version of the show. It was hosted byNia Peeplesand even showed performances from the BBC version of the programme (and vice versa). The show was presented on late Friday nights as part ofCBS Late Night,and lasted almost half a year.[citation needed]It was originally slated to be a first-run syndicated series, but it was changed whenLionheart Television,the show's producers signed up with the network.[213]

In 2002,BBC Americapresented the BBC version ofTop of the Popsas part of their weekend schedule. The network would get the episodes one week after they were transmitted in the UK. BBC America then tinkered with the show by cutting a few minutes out of each show and moving it to a weekday time slot.[citation needed]

On 23 January 2006,Lou Pearlmanmade a deal to bringTop of the Popsback to the airwaves in the United States. It was expected to be similar to the 1987 version, but it would also utilise theBillboard magazinemusic charts, most notably theHot 100chart. It was supposed to be planned for a possible 2006 or 2007 launch, but with several lawsuits against Lou and his companies (which resulted in his conviction in 2008), as well as the cancellation of the UK version, the proposed US project never went forward. On 19 August 2006,VH1aired the UK series' final episode.[citation needed]

The United States had its own similar series,American Bandstand,which aired nationally onABCfrom 1957 to 1987 (although it would continue in first-run syndication until 1988 and end its run onUSAin 1989). Similar series also includedSoul Train(1970–2006, featuringR&Bartists),Club MTV(1986–92, featuringdance musicacts; hosted byDowntown Julie Brown,an alumnus of TOTP as part of the show's last dance troupeZoo) andSolid Gold(1980–88; like the early TOTP, it also used dance troupes).[citation needed]

Canada[edit]

Canada's version wasElectric Circus(1988–2003) onMuchMusic,which was also seen in the USA throughMuchMusic USA.It had a national chart (mostly of dance music and some pop) as well as live performances, and was based on a local late '70s programme inTorontocalledCITY-TVBoogie.[citation needed]

New Zealand[edit]

TheTop of the Popsbrand has also been exported toNew Zealand.Although the British show has been broadcast intermittently in New Zealand, the country historically relied on music video-based shows to demonstrate its own Top 20, as the major international acts, who dominated the local charts, considered New Zealand too small and remote to visit regularly. This changed to an extent in 2002, when the New Zealand government suggested a voluntary New Zealand music quota on radio[214](essentially a threat that if the stations did not impose a quota themselves then one would be imposed on them). The amount of local music played on radio stations increased, as did the number of local songs in the top 20. Therefore, a new local version ofTop of the Popsbecame feasible for the first time, and the show was commissioned byTelevision New Zealand.[citation needed]

The show was executive produced by David Rose, managing director and owner of Satellite Media, and began airing in early 2004 with host Alex Behan. The hour-long show (as opposed to the 30-minute UK version) which was broadcast at 5 pm on Saturdays onTV2contained a mixture of performances recorded locally on a sound stage in theAuckland CBD,as well as performances from the international versions of the show. The New Zealand Top 20 singles and Top 10 albums charts are also featured. Alex Behan stayed as host for two years before Bede Skinner took over. Despite having a sizeable fan base, in 2006 TVNZ announced thatTop of the Popshad been axed.[citation needed]

Free-to-air music channelC4then picked up the UK version ofTop of the Popsand aired it on Saturdays at 8 pm with a repeat screening on Thursdays. However, since the weekly UK version was axed itself, this arrangement also ended.[citation needed]

Africa, Asia and the Middle East[edit]

An edited version of the UK show was shown onBBC Prime,the weekend after UK transmission.[citation needed]

In addition, a licensed version was shown on theUnited Arab Emirates-basedMBC2television channel.[215]This version consisted of parts of the UK version, including the Top 10 charts, as well as live performances byArabic popsingers.[citation needed]

Latin America[edit]

A complete version of the UK show was shown onPeople+Arts,two weeks after the UK transmission.[citation needed]

Brazilian networkTV Globoaired a loosely based version of the original format in 2018, labeled as 'Só Toca Top', hosted by singerLuan Santanaand actressFernanda Souza.[citation needed]

Compilation albums[edit]

A number of compilation albums using theTop of the Popsbrand have been issued over the years. The first one to reach the charts wasBBC TV's The Best of Top of the Popson the Super Beeb record label in 1975, which reached number 21 and in 1986 the BBC releasedThe Wizardby Paul Hardcastle (the 1986–1990Top of the Popstheme tune) on vinyl under the BBC Records and Tapes banner.

Starting in 1968 and carrying on through the 1970s a rival series ofTop of the Popsalbums were produced, however these had no connection with the television series except for its name. They were a series of budgetcoveralbums of current chart hits recorded by anonymous session singers and musicians released on the Hallmark record label. They had initially reached the charts but were later disallowed due to a change in the criteria for entering the charts. These albums continued to be produced until the early 1980s, when the advent of compilation albums featuring the original versions of hits, such as theNow That's What I Call Music!series, led to a steep decline in their popularity.

In the 1990s, the BBCTop of the Popsbrand was again licensed for use in a tie-in compilation series. Starting in 1995 withSony Music'sColumbia Recordslabel, these double disc collections moved to the special marketing arm ofPolyGram/Universal Music GroupTV, before becoming a sister brand of theNow That's What I Call Music!range in theEMI/Virgin/ Universal joint venture.

Similarly to the roles ofTop of the Popson BBC One and BBC Two in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the compilation albums range featured current hits for the main series and classic hits (such as '70s Rock) for the "Top of the Pops 2" spin-offs.

TheTop of the Popsbrand has now been licensed by EMI who released a compilation series in 2007–08, with one CD for each year thatTop of the Popswas running. The boxset for the entire series of 43 discs was released 7July 2008. A podcast supporting the release of the boxset featuring interviews withMark Goodier,Miles Leonard,Malcolm McLarenandDavid Hepworthis available.

Number One in the Compilation Charts[edit]

These albums in the series reached No. 1:

Top of the Popsmagazine[edit]

Top of the Popsmagazinehas been running since February 1995, and filled the void in the BBC magazine portfolio whereNumber Onemagazineused to be. It began much in the mould ofQmagazine,then changed its editorial policy to directly compete with popular teen celebrity magazines such asSmash HitsandBig,with free sticker giveaways replacingBrett Andersoncovers.[citation needed]

A July 1996 feature on theSpice Girlscoined the famous "Spice" nicknames for each member (Baby,Ginger,Posh,ScaryandSporty) that stayed with them throughout their career as a group and beyond.[216]

The BBC announced that the magazine would continue in publication despite the end of the television series, and is still running.

An earlierTop of the Popsmagazine appeared briefly in the mid-1970s. Mud drummer Dave Mount sat reading an edition throughout a 1975 appearance on the show.[citation needed]

Top of the PopsAwards[edit]

TheTop of the PopsAwards (also known as TOTP Awards) was an annual awards ceremony, with winners chosen by BBC One viewers, from 2001 to 2005.[217][218][219]Hosted at theManchester Arena,the awards was a collaboration between BBC andBBC Worldwide.[220]

In popular culture[edit]

  • The Number 6 track ofthe Kinks' 1970 eighth studio albumLola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part Oneis called "Top of the Pops" and narrates the path to stardom by reaching Number1 in the music charts.
  • Benny Hilldid a parody ofTop of the Popsin January 1971 called "Top of the Tops". It featured satires of many music acts at the time as well as impersonations and spoofed versions of bothJimmy SavileandTony Blackburn.
  • An episode ofEmu's Broadcasting Companyfeatured a parody ofTop of the Popscalled "Top of the Flops", withRod Hull,Emuand other cast members performing a song called "Do the Emu".[221]
  • The Scottish punk bandthe Rezilloslampooned the show in their song "Top of the Pops". The band performed the song on the programme twice when it entered the charts in 1978.
  • In 1984, British Rail HSTpower car 43002was named Top of the Pops, by Jimmy Savile. This followed an edition which was broadcast live on a train, which 43002 was one of the power cars for. The nameplates were removed in 1989.
  • TheSmashie and Nicey1994 TV specialSmashie and Nicey: The End of an Era[222]featured doctored and recreated footage of the two fictional DJs hosting a montage of 1970s editions ofTop of the Pops,including a "Black music" edition, which the pair presented inBlackface.
  • In the opening credits of theSpice Girls' 1997 feature filmSpiceworld: The Movie,the girls perform their hit single "Too Much"on a fictional episode of the show. They also performed it on the show in real life when it became their second Christmas number one in the UK that same year.
  • A 2001 episode ofTweeniesfeatured a parody ofTop of the Pops,complete with Max imitating Jimmy Savile. The episode was unintententionally repeated in January 2013, and received 216 complaints.[223]
  • ANewzoidssketch has theTwelfth Doctor(and a future version of himself) escape the too complicated modern era ofDoctor Who,and travel back to the 1970s (when the show was a lot less complicated). However, the two Doctors are soon horrified to realize that being at the BBC in the 1970s means that they are next door to theTop of the Popsstudio, and flee into the future. A terrified and shakingDalekbegs them to "Take me with you. Take me with you".[224]

Licensing[edit]

In May 2006, following a specialRed Hot Chili Peppersconcert recorded in the car park ofBBC Television Centre,Hammersmith and Fulham Council(which governs the area the centre is located) informed the BBC that it lacked the necessary public entertainment licence (as required by theLicensing Act 2003). Until the BBC could obtain the licence, BBC staff stood-in as audience members for live music programmes.[225]

VHSs and DVDs[edit]

In 2002, a crossover direct-to-video VHS was released betweenTop of the PopsandTweenies,containing footage taken from the episodes where the Tweenies themselves had performed on the show, which the characters watched on a TV screen at their playgroup.

In 2004 there was a DVD released calledTop of the Pops 40th Anniversary 1964–2004 DVD.It features live performances, containing one song for each year, except 1966. (Two tracks from 1965 are featured instead). Also included as extras are seven opening titles, most notably the one with the flying colouredLP's from 1981. This title sequence hadPhil Lynott's song "Yellow Pearl"as the theme. The 1986 and 1989 titles are also featured, withPaul Hardcastle's hit "The Wizard" as the theme. This DVD was to celebrate 40 years since the show started.

There was also a DVD quiz released in 2007 calledThe Essential Music Quiz.There was also a DVD in 2001 calledSummer 2001,a sister DVD to the album of the same name.

See also[edit]

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Further reading[edit]

  • Blacknell, Steve.The Story of Top of the Pops.Wellingborough, Northants: Patrick Stephens, 1985
  • Gittens, Ian.Top Of The Pops: Mishaps, Miming and Music: True Adventures of TV's No.1 Pop Show.London: BBC, 2007ISBN1-84607-327-8
  • Seaton, Pete with Richard Down.The Kaleidoscope British Television Music & Variety Guide II: Top Pop: 1964–2006.Dudley: Kaleidoscope Publishing, 2007ISBN978-1-900203-27-2
  • Simpson, Jeff.Top of the Pops: 1964–2002: it's still number one, its Top of the Pops!London: BBC, 2002ISBN0-563-53476-1

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related toTop of the Pops.
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