1 9 6 8 – 1 9 6 9 (UK)
26 x 25 minute episodes
When Rediffusion’s Five O’Clock Club ended in 1966, producer Muriel Young moved to Granada and created Discotheque – or The Discotheque, as it was sometimes billed.
This showcase for chart hits debuted on 1 November 1968 and was hosted by Billy J Kramer and his backing band – initially The Factory then The Remo (or The Remo Four as they had been known during their Merseybeat days).
The Four Spots were the resident dance group and Diane Greaves (pictured above and below with Billy J Kramer) was the show’s “Disc Dolly”.
After a few months, Kramer was replaced by singer Graham Bonney – best known for his 1966 hit Supergirl – and Greaves later gave way to an up-and-coming vocalist named Ayshea.
The guest list included The Move; The Troggs; Amen Corner; The Idle Race; Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich; Billy Fury; Long John Baldry; The Love Affair; and Elton John.
The show lasted just six months. Encouraged, though, by the relative success of the show, Muriel Young gave the format a tweak and relaunched it under the title Lift Off, featuring the same hosts – Graham Bonney and Ayshea – although Bonney left after one series.
Hosts
Billy J Kramer
Diane Greaves
Graham Bonney
Ayshea Brough
