1 9 8 3 – 1 9 8 4 (UK)
16 x 30 minute episodes
Former Melody Maker assistant editor Michael Watts pitched the proposal for this show to the BBC under the working title of Music Week. That was dismissed because there was already a print magazine with that name, and the Beatles-inspired alternative was adopted instead.
Newsnight and Guardian journalist Robin Denselow was installed as host, and the format saw him joined by three guests each week – musicians, video producers, DJs etc – to discuss and review new releases, gigs, TV programmes, music books and so on.
One show featured the combined talents of Neil Arthur, Jools Holland and Bill Wyman. Another brought together Tony Blackburn, George Michael and Morrissey.
Other guests included Billy Bragg, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Julien Temple, Janice Long, Nick Lowe, Sandie Shaw, Noddy Holder and Marc Almond.
With the latest music news, studio performances and interviews with guests about hot issues, the series – which was broadcast live every week on BBC2 in the early evening – broke a little new ground for music on British television.
Host
Robin Denselow