Modern-English-Peel-Session-Nov.-11-1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Early glimpses of New Wave tonight, by way of Modern English, a band who not only pioneered a new genre in music, but also achieved hit-making cross-over status. Formed in 1979, Modern English were a four-piece from Colchester who bore a strong resemblance to
The Vapors in concert from Guildford and recorded by BBC Radio 1 on February 11, 1981. Sadly, The Vapors, like many bands from the beginnings of Rock n’ Roll, were often relegated to “one-hit wonder” status – it certainly wasn’t their fault. As is evidenced by this concert, The Vapors
The Housemartins – in session for John Peel – BBC Radio 1 – November 3, 1987 – Further evidence the 80s produced a wide playing field of bands and artists. The Housemartins described themselves as Christian-Marxists, but the Press said they were Jangle Pop who moved into Alternative as their
Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine tonight – recorded live at the Kilburn National in London in 1991 by the venerable BBC for their In Concert series. Further evidence music was all over the map, and getting further out there by the time the 90s arrived. Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine
Blossoms – Glastonbury 2016. Recorded on June 24th by the venerable (and always amazing) BBC 6 Music. It occurred to me that I ran another Blossoms concert earlier this month and one last year. Okay, I’m a fan and it’s good to hear them get the audience and the press
Shakespears Sister in concert tonight – further evidence the 90s were all over the map musically. Initially part of the all-girl Pop Group Bananarama, singer-songwriter Siobhan Fahey broke with the band and went solo in 1988, citing disillusionment and a change in direction she didn’t want to be part of.
Jethro Tull – in session for John Peel – June 16, 1969 – BBC Radio 1 – Jethro Tull, winding up the week of Prog/Glam/musical revolutions. Together since 1967, Jethro Tull were initially a Blues-Rock band, with a certain leaning in the direction of Herbie Mann and Jazz flute (via
T. Rex – In Session for Top of The Pops – October, 1970 – BBC Radio 1 – Before they shortened it to T. Rex, Tyrannosaurus Rex were a duo, consisting of singer-songwriter/former lead singer for John’s Children Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took, whose percussion consisted of bongos, African
Gentle Giant – In Session – August 28, 1973 – BBC Radio 1 – Gentle Giant tonight. A band, like King Crimson just before them, who captured the imaginations and made it okay to explore a lot of different music under the rapidly expanding tent of Rock. Gentle Giant took
The 1975 – In Concert at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend – Exeter – May 29, 2016 – BBC Radio 1 – As the Spring Festival season gears up for the upcoming week, we’re still savoring those moments of last weekend with The 1975 and their enthusiastically received set during
