Rebellious Jukebox

1 9 8 3 (UK)
2 x 60 minute episodes

Produced by Miles Copeland and directed by Lol Creme and Kevin Godley of 10cc , Rebellious Jukebox was a “rock sitcom” made for American cable TV.

Set in a fictitious London club with Meat Loaf as the stetson-wearing owner and Jools Holland from The Tube (in his acting debut) as Richard Dido, his sleazy, grovelling management toady, episodes mixed comedy sketches with live performances from the likes of UB40, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Lords of the New Church, The Fixx, General Public and Spandau Ballet, and videos from artists such as Howard Jones, The Residents and Godley and Creme themselves.

Other artists featured included The Police, A Flock of Seagulls, Devo, Wall of Voodoo, Gary Numan, and Gang of Four.

Beehived singer Mari Wilson played the cloakroom attendant at the club. Comic Strip veterans The Oblivion Boys (Stephen Frost and Mark Arden) provided most of the comedy links. Dance troupe Hot Gossip also appeared.

Despite grand intentions, the series never made it past the first two episodes. The episodes finally aired in the UK in 1985 on Channel 4.

Owner of The Rebellious Jukebox
Meat Loaf
Manager (Richard Dido)
Jools Holland
Cloakroom Attendant
Mari Wilson
The Oblivion Boys
Stephen Frost
Mark Arden
Ludo the Bartender
Robert Pereno
Dancing Hairdo
Barbie Wilde

Video