Top of the Pops When You Leave

And so an ensemble of Lenny Henry characters host the final edition of Top of the pops of 1984, introducing a selection of songs that didn't quite make it to number one, together with a handful that did.

That's all for 1984 ~ Ohhhhhhhhh Kayyyyyyyyyy!

27/12/84 (Lenny Henry)

Spandau Ballet – “Only When You Leave”
Getting us underway with a song that peaked at number 3 in the summer.

Ultravox – “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes”
Also peaked at number 3 and their final top ten hit.

Slade – “My Oh My”
It made it to number 2 last Christmas.

Neil – “Hole In My Shoe”
A live vocal from Neil, adding amusing festive lyrics to his number 2 hit from the summer.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (video)
Her only number one hit.

Shakin’ Stevens – “A Love Worth Waiting For”
A number two from the beginning of the year.

Bronski Beat – “Smalltown Boy”
Their debut hit from the spring which peaked at number 3.

Paul McCartney – “No More Lonely Nights” (video clip)
Shame Paul didn't come into the studio to perform one of these songs instead of the video clips. This first one got to number 2.

Paul McCartney – “Pipes Of Peace” (video clip)
The first new number one hit of the year.

Bananarama – “Robert De Niro’s Waiting”
Made it to number 3.

Lionel Richie – “Hello” (video)
A very big number one.

Black Lace – “Agadoo”
A very big number two.

The Flying Pickets – “Only You”
Dressed as choirboys this time to perform last year's Christmas number one.

Joe Fagin – “That’s Living Alright”
The number 3 hit from Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (video)
Stevie's only solo number one hit. This also highlights the folly of getting rid of the resident dance troupe. We've already seen this flying toast many times over now, but a Legs & Co routine here would at least have spread a tasty topping on it.

Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (audience dancing/credits)
It peaked at number 2.


Next Friday sees the two launch shows of 1985, with 'The Story of' and 'Big Hits'.  So that means a new name is once again needed for the blog, and all suggestions are now very welcome!

Merry Top of the Pops-mas Everybody

It's December 24th and the Ghost of Top of the Pops Past has come to take us all back in time to Christmas Day 1973!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

25-12-73: Presenters: Tony Blackburn & Noel Edmonds

(-) SLADE – Cum On Feel The Noize
Who better than Slade to get us underway with their fourth of six number ones.

(-) DONNY OSMOND – Young Love (video)
With his first of three number ones.

(-) SUZI QUATRO – Can The Can
And the first of two number one hits for Suzi.

(-) SIMON PARK ORCHESTRA – Eye Level (Theme From The T.V. Series ‘Van Der Valk’)
Made it to number one in September 1973, but it was their only hit.

(-) LITTLE JIMMY OSMOND – Long Haired Lover From Liverpool (video)
Last year's Christmas number one but Little Jimmy didn't have another one.

(-) THE SWEET – Blockbuster
Performing their only number one hit.

(-) DAWN feat. TONY ORLANDO – Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree ®
This was Dawn's second of two number one hits.

(-) GILBERT O’SULLIVAN – Get Down (danced to by Pan’s People)
His second of two number one hits.

(-) GARY GLITTER – I’m The Leader Of The Gang (I Am)
His first of three number ones ~ though will be edited out of the show of course. But I haven't had chance to watch it yet!

(30) DAVID CASSIDY – Daydreamer (video)
His second of two number ones.

(-) 10cc – Rubber Bullets
With their first of three number one hits.

(-) PETERS & LEE – Welcome Home
Their only number one hit, taken from their huge number one album, We Can Make It.

(-) WIZZARD – See My Baby Jive
Performing their first of two number one hits.

(1) SLADE – Merry Xmas Everybody (and credits)
In the year when it was brand new, and it was their sixth and final number one hit.

A huge thanks from me to everyone who reads and contributes to this blog, your efforts and insights are always very much appreciated, and so I'd like to say to you all:

Merry Top of the Pops-mas Everybody!

The Power of Top of the Pops

And so after a few weeks off, it seems the DJs are busy elsewhere, maybe having their office party, leaving the bands to introduce each other, as Top of the Pops returns to BBC4 and it's Christmas Day 1984!

Tonight thank god its me instead of you!

25/12/84

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes”
A mysterious voice introduces this seasonal cold war opener which was number one for nine weeks in the summer. And Holly seems to have a raccoon on his head.

Howard Jones – “What Is Love?”
A live vocal from Howard for his number two hit from the beginning of the year.

Duran Duran – “The Reflex”
Performing their spring number wa wa wa wa one.

Nik Kershaw – “I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”
Performing his biggest hit, which rose to number two.

Culture Club – “The War Song”
Another number two here, the much maligned War Song, although personally I quite like it.

Thompson Twins – “Doctor Doctor”
Sneaking into the party with a lowly number three!

Jim Diamond – “I Should Have Known Better”
He only had the one week at number one, so its good to see him in the studio again.

Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (video)
Jim introduces Wham, explaining that George should have been in the studio, but was feeling under the weather ~ maybe a bit too much Xmas pudding!

Paul Young – “Love Of The Common People”
Paul's come as a lumberjack, but where are the Fabulously Wealthy Tarts?

Duran Duran – “The Wild Boys”
Time for seconds now, starting with this autumn number two hit. And after introducing his 'noisy dressing room neighbours', Paul Young helps them out in the chorus.

George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (video)
Again on video, shame he couldn't make it into the studio to perform this solo number one hit.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “The Power Of Love”
Holly has swapped the raccoon for a black dressing gown, but Paul seems to be sitting this one out, a song that made it to number one for just one week in December.

Thompson Twins – “You Take Me Up”
This time performing a number two hit from the summer.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Relax”
They first appeared in the studio in January performing this tune, then it was banned, seemingly by Mike Read, but in time for Xmas, the power of Top of the Pops has now unbanned it allowing Frankie perform their third number one of the show.

Band Aid – “Do They Know It’s Christmas” (+ credits)
A very ambitious studio performance of the Xmas number one, that was very close to being quite brilliant ~ if only George had made it into the studio, and Bono hadn't mysteriously turned into Paul Weller. But everyone else is here, even Sting has made it in for his bit part, and Sade and Banarama and Marilyn and the Quo - pretty much the whole gang are here for a fabulous finale.



Next up is the final edition of 1984, from December 27th.

Do They Know It's Top of the Pops

Time to get your cracker out and give it a good pull, it's a live edition of Top of the Pops from December 20th 1984!

I wish it could be croak-mas every day!

20/12/84 (Simon Bates & Janice Long)

Roy Wood/Wizzard – “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” (36)
One of many re-entries for what was already a Christmas standard, this year it peaked at number 23.

Paul McCartney & The Frog Chorus – “We All Stand Together” (3) (video)
At its peak, and in its way the end of an era, as Paul would never again get this high up in the charts, not with a proper record anyway.

Bronski Beat – “It Ain’t Necessarily So” (33)
Here they are all wrapped in tinsel and the song peaked at number 16.

Spandau Ballet – “Round & Round” (19) (video)
Went up one more place. But edited out of tonight's early showing.

The Council Collective – “Soul Deep” (37)
It's Paul Weller and gang of course, raising money for the striking miners, and it peaked at number 24.

Foreigner – “I Want To Know What Love Is” (26) (video)
As correctly predicted by Simon, this was a future number one.

Thompson Twins – “Lay Your Hands On Me” (20)
Fresh from playing the keyboards for Foreigner, Tom Bailey also made it to number 13 with this first single from their top five album, Here's To Future Days.

Band Aid – “Do They Know It’s Christmas” (1) (video)
This year's Christmas number one, now in its second of five weeks at the top.

Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (15) (audience dancing/credits)
It had peaked at number 2 back in September, now here it was rising up the charts again, this time reaching number 6!

🎼 Before tonight’s #TOTP at 8.30pm, watch Bob Geldof on Saturday SuperStore, with @MikeReadUK, explaining how he wrote Do They Know It’s Christmas in 15 minutes in the back of a taxi. 🚖 pic.twitter.com/qBMZcfOuBu

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) November 17, 2017

Bob gets all Christmassy

Next up then is Christmas Day 1984.

Another Rock N Roll Top of the Pops

Once again a huge thanks to James2001 for making this edition of Top of the Pops from December 13th 1984, which will not be shown on BBC4 due to an inability to edit out one song by Gary Glitter, available here at WeTransfer.

We came, we saw, we conga-ed

13/12/84 (Peter Powell & Steve Wright)

Black Lace – “Do The Conga” (13)
Went up three more places.

Wham! – “Last Christmas” (2) (video)
The biggest ever selling number 2.

Paul Young – “Everything Must Change” (17)
Peaked at number 9.

Kool & The Gang – “Fresh” (11) (rpt from 29/11/84)
At its peak.

Madonna – “Like A Virgin” (5)
Went up two more places.

Tears For Fears – “Shout” (32) (video)
Peaked at number 4.

Gary Glitter – “Another Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas” (22)
His 12th and final top ten hit, peaking at number 7.

The Toy Dolls – “Nellie The Elephant” (16)
Peaked at number 4.

Band Aid – “Do They Know It’s Christmas” (1) (video/credits)
First of five weeks at number one for what was at the time, and for a long time after, the biggest selling single ever in the UK.


Back to BBC4 next for December 20th.

Lay Your Hands on Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops from 6th December 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 due to Mike Smith. So a huge thanks this time goes to James2001 for making it available here at WeTransfer

Hank you very much!

06/12/84 (Gary Davies & Mike Smith)

Big Country – “Where The Rose Is Sown” (29)
Got no higher.

Thompson Twins – “Lay Your Hands On Me” (30) (video)
Made it to number 13.

Shakin’ Stevens (with Hank Marvin) – “Teardrops” (5)
At its peak.

Murray Head – “One Night In Bangkok” (16) (video)
Went up four more places.

Paul McCartney & The Frog Chorus – “We All Stand Together” (9) (video)
His penultimate solo top ten hit, peaked at number 3.

Alison Moyet – “Invisible” (24)
Peaked at number 21.

Spandau Ballet – “Round & Round” (23)
Peaked at number 18.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “The Power Of Love” (1) (video)
First and only week at number one.

The Kane Gang – “Respect Yourself” (21) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.



December 13th is next.

Top of the Pops Join Hands

Christmas is just around the corner, so get yourself a Feed the World t-shirt, and choo choo choo a train across the floor to the November 29th 1984 edition of Top of the Pops.

You have to hand it to Slade

29/11/84 (Janice Long & Peter Powell)

Nik Kershaw – “The Riddle” (4)
Nik gets tonight's live edition underway, and The Riddle went up one more place.

Eurythmics – “Sex Crime (1984)” (6) (video)
Went up two more places.

Slade – “All Join Hands” (15)
All the scarves come out for this one but unfortunately for Slade they just peaked too early this year!

Tina Turner – “Private Dancer” (31) (video)
She's a strictly come dancer in this video for the title track from her number 2 album, the single peaked at number 26.

Kool & The Gang – “Fresh” (19)
In the studio, with their Feed the World t-shirts, and Fresh peaked at number 11.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “The Power Of Love” (3) (video)
With their Christmas card nativity scene video for their third single and soon to be their third number one.

Madonna – “Like A Virgin” (27) (video)
Shame we'll miss seeing her studio performance of this on BBC4 due to them not screening the 13th December edition. Her second top ten hit of 1984, it peaked at number 3.

Alvin Stardust – “I Won’t Run Away” (11)
Alvin's gone for a bit of a pirate look with his Feed the World t-shirt. The song peaked at number 7.

Jim Diamond – “I Should Have Known Better” (1)
It was good to see all of tonight's studio acts supporting Band Aid, and Jim was no exception, clearly enjoying his one week at the top.

Black Lace – “Do The Conga” (26) (+ credits)
Well, Christmas really is just around the corner! And here are the duo themselves in the studio to play us out, but this was their final top ten hit, peaking at a festive number 10.

In 1984, immediately before tonight’s live edition of #TOTP, @BBCOne broadcast the world premiere of the Band Aid video. Watch how @DavidBowieReal introduced it. pic.twitter.com/z3asNCAd7p

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) November 10, 2017

Bowie introduces Band Aid

So, we come to two more editions that BBC4 won't be screening ~ December 6th hosted by Mike Smith, and equally annoyingly, December 13th because for some reason they can't edit out Gary Glitter!

One Night in Top of the Pops

It's 7.20pm on November 22nd 1984 and tonight Tommy Vance will be hosting Top of the Pops for one final time.

I Fall For You

22/11/84 (John Peel & Tommy Vance)

Nick Heyward – “Warning Sign” (34)
Getting this live edition underway is Nick Heyward performing what would become his final top 30 hit when it reached number 25.

Chicago – “Hard Habit To Break” (8) (video)
At its peak and edited out of tonight's 7.30 broadcast.

The Kane Gang – “Respect Yourself” (38)
Peaked at number 21. And also edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

The Human League – “Louise” (26) (video)
It's a busy time for Phil in the charts at the moment, this third and final single from their top three album Hysteria made it to number 13.

Billy Ocean – “Caribbean Queen” (6)
A second bout of dad dancing from Billy but the song was stuck at number 6.

Murray Head – “One Night In Bangkok” (27)
It's always brave and admirable when somebody performs a live vocal in the studio, especially on a live show, though this seemed somewhat shaky in places, and although the verses were live, the chorus was mimed! But this first song from the Tim Rice/Abba boys musical Chess peaked at number 12.

Shakin’ Stevens – “Teardrops” (24)
Talking of shaky .... here he was with yet another top ten hit, peaking at number 5.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (1) (video)
Third and final week at the top.

Limahl – “Never Ending Story” (4) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.

Before his performance on tonight’s #TOTP, watch @NickHeyward on Pop Quiz in 1984 and see if you can beat him to the answer. pic.twitter.com/7Ffd0G3Xos

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) November 9, 2017

Nick Heyward does Pop Quiz

It's November 29th next.

Top of the Pops Won't Run Away

If you're chasing after the 15th November 1984 edition of Top of the Pops, there's no need to get all out of breath, because it's waiting for you right here!

Top hat of the pops!

15/11/84 (Bruno Brookes & Mike Read)

Matt Bianco – “Half A Minute” (34)
The show gets off to a sophisticated start this week with Matt Bianco's Half a Minute, which peaked at number 23.

Duran Duran – “The Wild Boys” (2) (video)
There's an urban myth that Simon le Bon nearly drowned whilst filming this video! There's dedication for you, but the song couldn't quite make it to the top of the charts.

Slade – “All Join Hands” (38)
Coming in a little too early for Christmas this year, the song peaked at number 15 and was Slade's final top twenty hit. And edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

Eurythmics – “Sex Crime (1984)” (24) (video)
I half expected BBC4 to edit this one out of the early showing, but they bravely left it in! And it made it to number 4.

Jim Diamond – “I Should Have Known Better” (3)
But this future number one was edited out.

The Dazz Band – “Let It All Blow” (28) (video)
And so were the Dazz Band. The song peaked at number 12 and was their only hit.

Alvin Stardust – “I Won’t Run Away” (31)
In the studio showing Billy Ocean how the dad dancing should be done, this was Alvin's seventh and final top ten hit, aptly peaking at number 7.

Nik Kershaw – “The Riddle” (17)
Taken from his top ten album of the same name, The Riddle found its solution at number 3.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (1) (video + brief interview)
Second of three weeks at the top. And she's even in the studio, though for some reason didn't perform her number one song, not even for showing next week.

The Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited” (14) (audience dancing/credits)
Went up three more places.

Tonight's BBC1 lineup

November 22nd is next.

Never Ending Top of the Pops

And so 1984 has now overtaken 2017 as we welcome this live edition from November 8th.

Strictly Come Dad Dancing

08/11/84 (Simon Bates & Richard Skinner)

Limahl – “Never Ending Story” (10)
Limahl (and Mandy Newton) get us off to a dreamy start this week, and the song went up to number 4.

Status Quo – “The Wanderer” (7) (video)
Wandering around in the back of a truck here, but the song wandered no higher in the charts.

Depeche Mode – “Blasphemous Rumours” (29)
Peaked at number 16, but edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

Alison Moyet – “All Cried Out” (8) (video)
At its peak and also edited out of 7.30 tonight.

Billy Ocean – “Caribbean Queen” (9)
We get the first of a mini 1976 invasion now, with Billy showing off his smoothest moves in the studio,and the song went up three more places.

Chicago – “Hard Habit To Break” (21) (video)
And then Chicago with their fifth and final top ten hit, taken from their top 30 album Chicago 17, it peaked at number 8.

Gary Numan – “Berserker” (32)
Gary's suit had more colour than this song, which got no higher in the charts.

Eugene Wilde – “Gotta Get You Home Tonight” (22)
It went up four more places and was Eugene's biggest hit.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (1) (video)
The first of three weeks at number one for Chaka..Chaka...Chaka Kkan

ZZ Top – “Gimme All Your Lovin’” (11) (audience dancing/credits)
Went up one more place.

Before his performance on tonight’s #TOTP, watch @Limahl_Official reveal his haircare secrets to @MikeReadUK on Saturday Superstore in 1984. pic.twitter.com/LTcaUdPTqc

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) November 2, 2017

Limahl talks hair on Saturday Superstore 

Next up is November 15th.

This Top of the Pops is Mine

This live edition of Top of the Pops from November 1st 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 because of Mike Smith. So a huge thanks goes to Gia for making it available here at WeTransfer

I'm glad this hat's not mine!

01/11/84 (Gary Davies & Mike Smith)

Heaven 17 – “This Is Mine” (36)
Their final top 40 hit, aside from re-mixes, peaking at number 23.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (2) (video)
Soon to be number one.

Julian Lennon – “Too Late For Goodbyes” (6)
At its peak.

The Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited” (28) (video)
Peaked at number 11.

Duran Duran – “The Wild Boys” (5)
Following up The Reflex with this atmospheric tune that reached number 2.

Iron Maiden – “Aces High” (32) (video)
The perfect Halloween band made it to number 20 with this effort.

Jim Diamond – “I Should Have Known Better” (40)
His first solo hit after leaving PhD, quite a standout song which made it to number one.

Ultravox – “Love’s Great Adventure” (13) (video)
Went up one more place.

Wham! – “Freedom” (1)
A new performance for their third and final week at number one.

Meat Loaf – “Modern Girl” (17) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.



So back to BBC4 next for November 8th.

Gimme All Your Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops from October 25th 1984 features DLT and so will not be shown on BBC4, despite them having no problem showing him last night on Christmas 1977 With the Sex Pistols! So a huge thanks goes to Neil B for making it available here at WeTransfer

Will the real Limahl please stand up

25/10/84 (Peter Powell & (for the final time) Dave Lee Travis)

Feargal Sharkey (with Madness) – “Listen To Your Father” (30)
His first solo hit, peaking at number 23.

Lionel Richie – “Penny Lover” (22) (video)
Went up four more places.

Alison Moyet – “All Cried Out” (8)
At its peak.

ZZ Top – “Gimme All Your Lovin’” (34) (video)
The first of two top ten hits for ZZ Top, both peaking at number 10.

Limahl – “Never Ending Story” (40)
His only solo top ten hit was also his final hit, peaking at number 4.

Billy Ocean – “Caribbean Queen” (25) (video)
Seven long years after his last top ten hit (Red Light Spells Danger) this one made it to number 6.

Eugene Wilde – “Gotta Get You Home Tonight” (32)
His only top 30 hit, peaking at number 18.

Status Quo – “The Wanderer” (23)
Became their 18th top ten hit when it wandered to number 7.

Wham! – “Freedom” (1) (rpt)
Second of three weeks at number one.

Kim Wilde - "The Second Time" (29) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.


Next up is November 1st.

Top of the Pop's Great Adventure

Once upon a time, on the night when BBC1 finally, after eleven long years of planning and deep thought, launched its successor to Top of the Pops, lots of time travelling people had to wait a whole extra hour on BBC4 to join the 9.95 million who watched the real thing from October 18th 1984.

Glove out of hell!

18/10/84 (Gary Davies & Janice Long)

Spandau Ballet – “Highly Strung” (25)
Almost four years after their debut on the show, Spandau Ballet get us underway with Highly Strung, which peaked at number 15.

Paul McCartney – “No More Lonely Nights” (4) (video)
Went up two more places. And edited out again from the 7.30 showing!

Julian Lennon – “Too Late For Goodbyes” (30)
His first of two top ten hits, and featuring his invisible harmonica, Too Late For Goodbyes peaked at number 6.

Chaka Khan – “I Feel For You” (22) (video)
This Prince cover, featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica and rapping by Melle Mel, would become Chaka's only number one hit.

Jonathan King – US chart rundown: Edited out of course.
The Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited” (video clip)
Chicago – “Hard Habit To Break” (video clip)
Billy Ocean – “Caribbean Queen” (video clip)

John Waite – “Missing You” (10) (video)
Went up one more place.

Meat Loaf – “Modern Girl” (26)
Making his Top of the Pops studio debut, and Modern Girl went up to number 17.

Ultravox – “Love’s Great Adventure” (23)
Their final top 20 hit, re-issues aside, and it peaked at number 12.

Wham! – “Freedom” (1) (rpt from 11/10/84)
First of three weeks at number one.

Giorgio Moroder & Philip Oakey – “Together In Electric Dreams” (5) (audience dancing/credits)
Went up two more places.

Tonight on BBC1

Two banned shows coming up next, the first from October 25th featuring DLT, and the second from November 1st featuring Mike Smith.

Shout To the Top of the Pops

HELLO HELLO HELLO EVERYBODY! I HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A HAPPY EVENING. WELL HERE WE ARE THEN WITH THIS EDITION OF TOP OF THE POPS FROM OCTOBER 11TH 1984! CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Kim suddenly remembers what she's wearing

11/10/84 (Mike Read & Tommy Vance)

Kim Wilde – “The Second Time” (52)
Getting the show underway, despite not even being in the top 50, but she was wearing a rather tight outfit, and the song did get up to number 29.

Sade – “Smooth Operator” (22) (video)
Went up three more places.

Wham! – “Freedom” (3)
Stevie Wonder had replaced George Micheal at number one five weeks prior, and now George was about to return the favour. But edited out of the 7.30 showing.

Stephanie Mills – “The Medicine Song” (29) (video)
At its peak. And also edited out.

Paul Young – “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” (20)
He'd been quiet all year so far, but this would become the first of two number nines for him in 1984. But where were the Fabulously Wealthy Tarts?

Alison Moyet – “All Cried Out” (35)
Became her second top ten hit of the year, reaching number 8. Any more naughty references in this one?

The Style Council – “Shout To The Top” (13)
Became their third top ten hit of the year, reaching number 7.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video)
With his sixth and final week at number one.

Bruce Springsteen – “Cover Me” (38) (audience dancing/credits)
He'd been around for a long time already but just couldn't quite make a breakthrough in the singles chart. This one got no higher for now, but in 1985 it would reach number 16.

TV📺11/10/84 BBC1 6.55:Tomorrow's World 7.20:TOTP 8.0:The Magnificent Evans 8.30:Checkpoint 9.0News 9.25:Morgan's Boy pic.twitter.com/6QN2APBw6g

— Graeme Wood (@woodg31) October 11, 2017

Next is October 18th.

Together in Top of the Pops

And so we reach the point where October 2017 reaches out and takes the hand of Top of the Pops from October 1984.

Boy George shows off the ear rings he borrowed from Sade

04/10/84 (Simon Bates & Richard Skinner)

Bronski Beat – “Why?” (6)
Bronski Beat get the show underway with Why for a second time but it got no higher than number 6.

The Cars – “Drive” (15) (video)
Speeding into the charts with their first top 30 hit for five and a half years, Drive would initially park at number 5, but a year later it would emotively re-enter and peak at number 4.

John Waite – “Missing You” (38)
Last seen on show with The Babys over six years earlier, this American number one hit peaked at number 9 over here, and was his only solo hit. Edited out of the 7.30 showing.

Giorgio Moroder & Philip Oakey – “Together In Electric Dreams” (21) (video)
From the movie Electric Dreams, it peaked at number 3 and was Phil's only top 40 hit away from the Human League. Also edited out of the 7.30 showing.

Culture Club – “The War Song” (3)
This first single from their number 2 album, Waking Up With the House on Fire, went up one more place to also peak at number 2.

Paul McCartney – “No More Lonely Nights” (28) (video)
Taken from his movie and number one album, Give My Regards to Broad Street, this single famously featured Dave Gilmour on guitar and peaked at number 2. Another victim of the 7.30 chop.

The Stranglers – “Skin Deep” (32)
They were just about the last punks standing by now, and Skin Deep made it to number 15.

Adam Ant – “Apollo 9” (13)
Despite giving it full throttle, he couldn't get this one any higher in the charts.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video)
Fifth of six weeks now at number one.

Freddie Mercury – “Love Kills” (10) (audience dancing/credits)
Just as Bronski Beat began the show for the second time and got no higher, now Freddie ends the show for a second time and got no higher.

Tonight’s #TOTP was first broadcast at 7.20pm on 4 October 1984, when BBC1’s line-up included Ronnie Barker and horses jumping fences. 🐎 pic.twitter.com/tIvZRkBfZ7

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) October 19, 2017

Thursday night on BBC1

October 11th is next.

If Top of the Pops Happens Again

This edition of Top of the Pops from September 27th 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 because it features Mike Smith. So many thanks to Gia, and here it is on WeTransfer

Sade shows off what she won in last year's Christmas cracker

27/09/84 (Peter Powell & Mike Smith)

UB40 – “If It Happens Again” (17)
Their only top ten hit of the year, it peaked at number 9.

Shakin’ Stevens – “A Letter To You” (10) (video)
At its peak.

Sade – “Smooth Operator” (29)
The third single from her number 2 album, Diamond Life, and it reached number 19.

U2 – “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” (3) (different video)
At its peak.

Animal Nightlife – “Mr Solitaire” (32)
Their biggest hit, peaking at number 25.

Stephanie Mills – “The Medicine Song” (33) (video)
Her final top 30 hit, reaching number 29.

Big Country – “East Of Eden” (27)
From their number one album, Steel Town, this single reached number 17.

Prince – “Purple Rain” (16) (video)
The follow up to When Doves Cry reached number 8.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video + brief interview)
Fourth of six weeks at number one.

Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (2) (audience dancing/credits)
Couldn't quite make it to the top.


Back to BBC4 next for October 4th.

Apollo Top of the Pops

Ten ... nine ... eight ... seven twenty ... and we have lift off for Top of the Pops 20th September 1984!

One small step for Adam Ant

20/09/84 (Andy Peebles (doing his final show) & Steve Wright)

Bronski Beat – “Why?” (22)
Not risking a live vocal this time but the song became their second top ten hit peaking at number 6.

David Bowie – “Blue Jean” (17) (video)
Perhaps not one of his better known hits, but it came from his number one album Tonight, and it reached number 6. And the video features Andrew Ridgeley's brother, Paul, on drums, and Richard Fairbrass from Right Said Fred on bass!

Sister Sledge – “Lost In Music” (7)
A second studio performance for this re-mix , obviously making up for not coming in the first time around in 1979! It went up four more places.

Queen – “Hammer To Fall” (19) (video)
A run of the mill concert video for this banging fourth single from their number two album, The Works, it made it to number 13.

Nik Kershaw – “Human Racing” (20)
Performing the title track of his number five album, the single crossed the line at number 19.

Jonathan King – US chart rundown: edited out of course.
Scandal – “The Warrior” (video clip)
The Cars – “Drive” (video clip)
John Waite – “Missing You” (video clip)

Adam Ant – “Apollo 9” (28)
Just three years earlier he was the biggest act in the charts, but now he was crashing back to earth, but he was doing it with a great tune! It peaked at number 13.

Level 42 – “Hot Water” (18)
A second performance but the song got no higher.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video)
Third of six weeks for Stevie's only solo number one. Spot the toast in the video!

Freddie Mercury – “Love Kills” (27) (audience dancing/credits)
It's Freddy again, this time with his first solo hit, which peaked at number 10.

Watch Noel Edmonds solve the mystery of that floating piece of toast in the video for I Just Called To Say I Love You. #TOTP 2/2 pic.twitter.com/RDmM6D1gao

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) October 13, 2017

The mystery of Stevie Wonder's toast......

Next up should be September 27th, but Mike Smith presents, so BBC4 will skip to October 4th.

All I Need is Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops from September 13th 1984 features Dave Lee Travis and so will not be shown on BBC4. So a huge thanks goes once again to Neil B for making it available here at WeTransfer

Looks like Dave's used the wrong wash setting again

13/09/84 (Bruno Brookes & Dave Lee Travis)

OMD – “Tesla Girls” (33)
The third single from their top ten album, Junk Culture, and it peaked at number 21.

Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (3) (video)
Went up one more place.

Aztec Camera – “All I Need Is Everything” (34)
Got no higher.

U2 – “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” (8) (video)
The first single from their mega number 1 album, The Unforgettable Fire, it became their biggest hit up to this point, peaking at number 3.

Shakin’ Stevens – “A Letter To You” (23)
Became Shaky's 12th top ten hit in less than four years when it peaked at number 10.

Depeche Mode – “Master & Servant” (11)
Went up two more places.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video)
Second of six weeks at number one.

Miami Sound Machine – “Dr. Beat” (7) (audience dancing/credits)
Went up one more place.



Back to BBC4 next for September 20th.

I Just Called to Say Top of the Pops

Pick up the receiver and don't hang up because it is 6.55pm on September 6th 1984 and Top of the Pops is calling you!

I hope this isn't a reverse charge call, Stevie!

06/09/84 (Janice Long & John Peel, with brief appearance from Bruno Brookes)

Bucks Fizz – “Talking In Your Sleep” (21)
Getting the show underway this week, after being cut short last week due to a train, and the song went up to number 15.

Spandau Ballet – “I’ll Fly For You” (9) (video)
Not quite sure what was happening in this video, but the song flew no higher.

Sister Sledge – “Lost In Music” (32)
This song had peaked at number 17 five years earlier, but now this remixed version did much better and became their third of six top ten hits when it got to number 4.

Level 42 – “Hot Water” (26)
Mark is really working that thumb on this one and Hot Water peaked at number 18.

Alphaville – “Big In Japan” (11)
A second studio appearance and the song went up three more places.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (1) (video)
Not the most imaginative videos this one ~ perhaps he could have at least made a giant plasticine sculpture of Lionel Richie's head? The first of six weeks at number one for Stevie.

Elton John – “Passengers” (5) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.

TV📺6/9/84 BBC1 6.55:TOTP 7.25:'Allo'Allo 8.0:The Magnificent Evans 8.30:Hot Shoe Show 9.0:News 9.25:Bird of Prey 2 pic.twitter.com/ghQmfnnwAA

— Graeme Wood (@woodg31) September 6, 2017

Next up should be September 13th with Bruno Brookes and Dave Lee Travis ...... so BBC4 will skip to September 20th instead.

Top of the Pops & Servant

This unusual edition of Top of the pops from 30th August 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 because it features Jimmy Savile and Mike Smith. So a huge thanks goes to Neil B and Robert Thompson for making it available here at WeTransfer

Watch out for that train, Jay!

30/08/84 (Richard Skinner & Mike Smith, with Simon Bates & Jimmy Savile on a train)

Tears For Fears – “Mothers Talk” (17)
Went up three more places.

Bucks Fizz – “Talking In Your Sleep” (34)
Their penultimate top 40 hit, which peaked at number 15.

Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (2) (video)
Number one next week.

Depeche Mode – “Master & Servant” (24)
50 Shades of Gahan! On its way to number 9.

Howard Jones – “Like To Get To Know You Well” (4) (at Bristol Temple Meads Station)
At its peak.

The Smiths – “William, It Was Really Nothing” (23)
Went up six more places.

George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (1) (video)
Final week at the top.

Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (18) (audience dancing/credits)
Essential tune for Halloween peaked at number 2.


6th September is next on BBC4.

Are You Top of the Pops?

It's August 23rd 1984 so pull a sweatband over your mullet, get your nylon tracksuits on and of course don't forget your shades ~ because tonight you are Top of the Pops!

When you're just so excited by being on Top of the Pops!

23/08/84 (Mike Read & Tommy Vance)

Alphaville – “Big In Japan” (43)
Flying in from Germany to get the show underway this week, with what was their only hit, peaking at number 8, and was it just me, or did anyone else think the lead singer looked a bit like Simon Amstell?

Elton John – “Passengers” (15) (video)
A kind of Caribbean voodoo feel to this second single from his top two album, Breaking Hearts, and it peaked at number 5.

Break Machine – “Are You Ready?” (40)
Their final hit, and in the studio again to do their thing, but this time peaking at number 27.

Miami Sound Machine – “Dr. Beat” (16)
The first of four top ten hits for Miami Sound Machine, it peaked at number 6. But edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

Tracey Ullman – “Sunglasses” (18) (video)
Ade Edmonson helps out in this video for what was Tracey's final top 40 hit, now at its peak.

Spandau Ballet – “I’ll Fly For You” (23)
Their penultimate top ten hit, which soared to number 9.

Rod Stewart – “Some Guys Have All The Luck” (19) (video)
My eyes hurt after watching this video! The song went up four more places.

George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (1)
George is in the studio this week to perform his second of three weeks at number 1.

Laura Branigan – “Self Control” (6) (audience dancing/credits)
Went up one more place.


Next up should be August 30th, but that one features both Jimmy Savile and Mike Smith! So BBC4 will skip along to September 6th.

The More You Live The More You Love Top of the Pops

It's the summer of 1984 again, so get your pineapples out ready for a good push while you jump up and down and to your knees for the 16th August edition of Top of the Pops!

Black Lace won't go hungry at snack time

16/08/84 (Andy Peebles & Steve Wright)

Tears For Fears – “Mothers Talk” (38)
Roland gets his first outing as lead singer with this first single from their number 2 album, Songs From the Big Chair. Mother's Talk peaked at number 14.

Howard Jones – “Like To Get To Know You Well” (10) (video)
Wandering around the streets is Howard getting to know everyone well, and his fourth of six top ten hits peaked at number 4.

Black Lace – “Agadoo” (2)
They've brought their own giant sized fruit with them this week, but not a pineapple in sight! And number 2 was as good as it got.

Iron Maiden – “2 Minutes To Midnight” (27) (video)
Is it Halloween yet? Usual scary sounding song from Iron Maiden and it peaked at number 11.

Jonathan King – US chart rundown: edited out.
The Jacksons – “Human Nature” (live clip + interview)
Bruce Springsteen – “Dancing In The Dark” (video clip)
Dan Hartman – “I Can Dream About You” (video clip)
Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (video clip)

A Flock Of Seagulls – “The More You Live The More You Love” (29)
A second studio performance for this song which went up three more places.

Trevor Walters – “Stuck On You” (15)
And a second performance from Trevor on his way to number 9.

George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (1) (video)
After nine weeks, a new number one! The first of three weeks at the top for George.

The Pointer Sisters – “I Need You” (34) (audience dancing/credits)
Reached number 25.

Tonight's vintage #TOTP was first broadcast on 16 August 1984, when your Thursday night entertainment looked like this... pic.twitter.com/JgPETF2CCb

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) September 29, 2017

Tonight on BBC1

August 23rd is next.

The Top of the Pops Before You Came

It's August 9th 1984, and sandwiched between Olympic Grandstand at 6.20pm, and Hi De Hi at 8pm, we have a sweltering edition of Top of the Pops!

It's hot in the studio tonight!

09/08/84 (John Peel & Richard Skinner)

Tracey Ullman – “Sunglasses” (26)
Well, Tracey and the girls get the show off to a leggy start here, but Sunglasses was to be her final top 40 hit, peaking at number 18.

Windjammer – “Tossing & Turning” (20)
Went up two more places.

Hazell Dean – “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” (8)
A terrific follow up to Searchin, and it did even better in the charts, reaching number 4.

Jeffrey Osborne – “On The Wings Of Love” (15) (rpt from 26/07/84)
Peaked at number 11, but edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

Blancmange – “The Day Before You Came” (22)
It just wouldn't go up any higher for them.

Laura Branigan – “Self Control” (13) (video)
Quite a risque video in parts here but it did the trick because Self Control became her biggest hit, peaking at number 5, though it was also her final top 40 hit.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
Saving their best performance of this Cold Ward soundtrack for their ninth and final week at number one.

Rod Stewart – “Some Guys Have All The Luck” (25) (audience dancing/credits)
Rod took this song up one place better than Robert Palmer's original from two years earlier, when it peaked at number 15.


August 16th is next.

The Closest Thing to Top of the Pops

Here we are then at August 2nd 1984 already as we begin to get a little closer to synchronizing once again with 2017.

Mike lets his hair down for once

02/08/84 (Simon Bates & Gary Davies)

Black Lace – “Agadoo” (19)
Well come on it is a great way to get a show underway! Their second of three top ten hits, Agadoo was their biggest, peaking at number 2.

Prince – “When Doves Cry” (4) (“Purple Rain” clips)
My oh my, some saucy goings on in this video! But number four was it's chart climax.

The Kane Gang – “The Closest Thing To Heaven” (15)
Went up three more places.

Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” (5) (video)
Went up a couple more places.

A Flock Of Seagulls – “The More You Live The More You Love” (43)
A change of hair style for what became the band's final top 30 hit, making it to number 26.

Trevor Walters – “Stuck On You” (44)
Covering a Lionel Richie song that was still in the top 40 itself, and then beating it in the charts by reaching number 9, though it was his final top 40 hit.

George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (12) (video)
Going solo here with what was in fact the second single from Wham's forthcoming number one album, Make it Big. It was of course to be the song to replace Two Tribes at number one.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1) (rpt from 19/07/84)
Eight weeks now at number one. And still one more to go.

Divine – “You Think You’re A Man” (16) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.

Gary with Peri from Dr Ooooooh!

Next up is August 9th.

Hole in my Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops will not be shown on BBC4 due to one of the hosts being DLT, so a huge thanks once again goes to Neil B for making it available here at WeTransfer

Oh no, the fascist capitalist pigs are making me sing on the telly!

26/07/84 (Janice Long & Dave Lee Travis)

Phil Fearon & Galaxy – “Everybody’s Laughing” (12)
Went up two more places.

Queen – “It’s A Hard Life” (23) (video)
This throwback Play the Game soundalike made it to number 6.

Neil – “Hole In My Shoe” (2)
'This one's for you Freddie!' At is BBC4-less peak.

Windjammer – “Tossing & Turning” (33) (video)
Their only hit, peaking at number 18.

Hazell Dean – “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” (35)
Went all the way to number 4.

Jeffrey Osborne – “On The Wings Of Love” (31)
His biggest hit peaking at number 11.

Shakatak – “Down On The Street” (15)
Went up to number 9.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
7th of nine weeks at number one!

Echo & The Bunnymen – “Seven Seas” (16) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.


Back to BBC4 next for August 2nd.

You Think You're Top of the Pops

It's July 19th, so do your hair up and get your best dress on for another live edition of Top of the Pops that is sure to go with a bang!

It's good to see Agnetha from Abba making a comeback

19/07/84 (Peter Powell & Richard Skinner)

The Mighty Wah! – “Come Back” (28)
A big sound to get this live show underway and Come Back rose to a peak of number 20, but it was to be their final hit.

Prince – “When Doves Cry” (5) (video)
Went up one more place.

Billy Idol – “Eyes Without A Face” (33)
Entering the Top of the Pops gurning contest here is Billy Idol with his solo breakthrough hit which peaked at number 18.

The Kane Gang – “The Closest Thing To Heaven” (30)
Peaked at number 12, but edited out of tonight's 7.30 showing.

Blancmange – “The Day Before You Came” (39)
The fourth and final single from their top ten album, Mange Tout, this eastern flavoured cover peaked
at number 22, ten places higher than Abba's magnificent original managed less than two years earlier.

Divine – “You Think You’re A Man” (26)
This was movie cult figure Divine's biggest hit, peaking at number 16.

Thompson Twins – “Sister Of Mercy” (11) (video)
At its peak.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
The boys go all gun toting SAS for this week's performance, their sixth week of nine at number one.

Shannon – “Sweet Somebody” (25) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.

Watch Ped and Nasher from @FGTH_Official recall this infamous #TOTP performance, when the band brandished (replica) firearms. pic.twitter.com/El55jQJTpd

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) September 21, 2017

Ped and Nasher talk guns

Next up should be July 26th but it's a DLT show so BBC4 will skip to August 2nd instead.

Top of the Pops at Heart

It's beating, it's pumping, it's even having an atak! It's Top of the Pops 12th July 1984!

Tope of the Pops!

12/07/84 (John Peel & Tommy Vance)

Shakatak – “Down On The Street” (33)
With what was to be their second and final top ten hit, indeed their final top 40 hit, when it peaked at number 9.

Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” (10) (video)
Went up seven more places.

Neil – “Hole In My Shoe” (5)
Nigel Planer's character from The Young Ones, with his only solo hit, peaking at number two, just like the original by Traffic in 1967 ~ but why did it have to be cut from the 7.30pm showing!

Alison Moyet – “Love Resurrection” (13) (video)
Going to the holy land of course with this video, and the song duly rose to the occasion, and climaxed at number 10.

Phil Fearon & Galaxy – “Everybody’s Laughing” (28)
In the studio and also on its way to a peak of number 10.

Echo & The Bunnymen – “Seven Seas” (26)
Singer Ian is joined by a penguin on drums and a fish on guitar to perform this third single from their top four album, Ocean Rain, and this shanty sailed to number 16.

The Bluebells – “Young At Heart” (14)
They'd seemingly raided the BBC waistcoat department earlier, with Young at Heart on its way to number 8 this time around.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
Fifth of nine weeks at number one! And Relax was also at number 2!

The Jacksons – “State Of Shock” (20) (audience dancing/credits)
Together with Mick Jagger, taken from their top 3 album Victory, this single peaked at number 14.

Watch @LoveTinaTurner teach Russell Harty the ‘Pony Step’ in 1984. Do feel free to join in at home. #TOTP pic.twitter.com/oT0c0S1gRl

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) September 15, 2017

Tina and Russell do the Pony Step!

Next up is July 19th.

Top of the Pops Loud and Clear

This edition of Top of the Pops features both Mike Smith and Jimmy Savile and so won't be shown on BBC4. So a huge thanks once again to Neil B for making it available here at WeTransfer

Sitting down on the job....

05/07/84 (Jimmy Savile & Mike Smith)

OMD – “Talking Loud & Clear” (11)
At its peak.

Cyndi Lauper – “Time After Time” (4) (Montreux clip)
Went up one more place.

Ultravox – “Lament” (32)
Went up ten more places.

Thompson Twins – “Sister Of Mercy” (28)
Their run of top ten hits had come to an end, but this one almost got there, peaking at number 11.

Shannon – “Sweet Somebody” (36)
Peaked at number 25.

Prince – “When Doves Cry” (21) (video)
His breakthrough hit in the UK, and the first of sixteen top ten hits when it reached number 4.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1) (rpt from 21/06/84)
Fourth of nine weeks.

The Pointer Sisters – “Jump (For My Love)” (6) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.



Back to BBC4 next for July 12th.

Top of the Pops Resurrection

It's 28th June 1984, the lights are bright, there's a warm feeling all around, a sense of energy fills the air, and is that the sound of angels singing......?

Despite Billy's best efforts, Steve still can't get the hang of rock, paper, scissors...

28/06/84 (Andy Peebles & Steve Wright)

The Bluebells – “Young At Heart” (36)
Getting us underway this week is a song that will get to number one nine years later! But for now they had to settle for a number 8 peak.

Nik Kershaw – “I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (2) (video)
At its peak, but edited out of tonight's 7.30pm showing.

The Human League – “Life On Your Own” (29)
Phil has gone all stubbly faced for this second single from their top 3 album, Hysteria, which made it to number 16.

Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Waiting In Vain” (33) (video)
This song originally peaked at number 27 in 1977, this time around it got to number 31. Re-released to promote his huge number one greatest hits album, Legend.

Jonathan King - US chart rundown: Edited out of course.
Billy Idol - "Eyes Without A Face" (video clip)
Laura Branigan - "Self Control" (video clip)
Prince - "When Doves Cry" (video clip)
Ronnie and Mike Biggs - brief interview
Mike Biggs & The Magic Balloon Gang - "Superfantastico" (video clip)
Cyndi Lauper - "Time After Time" (video clip)

Billy Idol - turns up now to tell Steve Wright that he is looking for 'somewhere to rock and roll.'

Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” (40) (video)
With perhaps her most celebrated song, which was also her joint biggest hit, peaking at number 3.

Alison Moyet – “Love Resurrection” (28)
Making her solo debut following the demise of Yazoo, this was the first of six top ten hits for Alison, this one peaking at number 10, and taken from her number one album, Alf.

Scritti Politti – “Absolute” (19)
Went up two more places.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1) (rpt)
Third of nine weeks at number one.

Michael Jackson – “Farewell My Summer Love” (7) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.

July 5th should be next, but with Jimmy Savile and Mike Smith hosting, BBC4 will skip along to the 12th instead.

Top of the Pops After Time

BBC4 will not be showing the edition of Top of the Pops from June 21st 1984, presumably because the opening act is Gary Glitter, though why they couldn't edit him out is a mystery, so a huge thanks once again goes to Neil B for making it available here at 4shared

Time for walkies....

21/06/84 (Simon Bates & Gary Davies)

Gary Glitter – “Dance Me Up” (48)
One of his many come backs, this one quite successful compared to many others, peaking at number 25.

OMD – “Talking Loud & Clear” (23) (video)
Despite the minor video malfunction this made it to number 11.

Bronski Beat – “Smalltown Boy” (3) (rpt from 07/06/84)
At its peak.

Cyndi Lauper – “Time After Time” (36) (video)
Our blog title song makes its debut, and it looks like we won't ever get to see it on BBC4, the only other show its on is fronted by Jimmy Savile and Mike Smith!

Associates – “Those First Impressions” (44)
No hit for two years, and this one went up just one more place.

Ollie & Jerry – “Breakin’…There’s No Stopping Us” (35) (video)
With their only top 50 hit, which peaked at number 5.

Lloyd Cole & The Commotions – “Perfect Skin” (40)
The first of six top 40 hits, this debut peaking at number 26.

Elvis Costello & The Attractions – “I Wanna Be Loved” (29)
Peaked at number 25.

The Pointer Sisters – “Jump (For My Love)” (24) (video)
Hugh Grant would be dancing to this nearly twenty years later, but for now it peaked at number 6, and was the sisters' final top ten hit.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
Second of nine weeks at the top.

Change – “Change Of Heart” (19) (audience dancing/credits)
Their first hit for four years was also their final top 30 peaking at number 17.


June 28th is next.

Heaven Knows I'm Top of the Pops Now

Well praise be, it's June 1984 already, and it's paradise for 8.5 million viewers and another edition of Top of the Pops!

Gizza tune!

14/06/84 (Peter Powell & Mike Read)

The Art Company – “Susanna” (20)
Yosser Hughes gets the show underway this week it would seem, with the Art Company's only hit, which peaked at number 12.

Elton John – “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” (8) (video)
Went up one more place, but edited out of tonight's 7.30pm showing.

The Smiths – “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” (10)
Hearing aid in, blouse on and bush in back pocket, but this song just would not go any higher in the charts no matter how silly Morrissey dressed.

Rod Stewart – “Infatuation” (27) (video)
At its peak, and also edited out of the 7.30pm slot.

Scritti Politti – “Absolute” (33)
This follow up to Wood Beez peaked at number 17.

Ozzy Osbourne – “So Tired” (21) (video)
Looking like the disturbed lovechild of Barry Manilow and Kim Wilde in this crazy Phantom of the Opera video, Ozzy took So Tired up one more place.

Nick Heyward – “Love All Day” (31)
'The best song of the summer' got no higher in the charts.

Nik Kershaw – “I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (18)
Became Nik's biggest hit when it just failed to make it to number one.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (1)
And here's the song that stopped it, introduced of course by Mike Read, straight in at number one for the first of an incredible nine weeks.

Michael Jackson – “Farewell My Summer Love” (15) (audience dancing/credits)
Cashing in on his success, this 'long lost' recording of his peaked at number 7.

It should be June 21st next, but that show is being skipped, possibly because the opening act is Gary Glitter, so BBC4 will show June 28th next.

Top of the Pops Before You Go Go

Wakey wakey, rise and shine, it's Top of the Pops 1984 time, and 8.15 million alarm clocks are chiming for June 6th and the last ever show to be presented by the Rhythm Pals.

Have I Got Tonsils For You

07/06/84 (David Jensen & John Peel)

Spandau Ballet – “Only When You Leave” (5)
Getting the show underway with the first single from their number 2 album, Parade, and it peaked at number 3.

Howard Jones – “Pearl In The Shell” (8)
With Jed mark 2 on the saxophone, Pearl in the Shell went up one more place.

Evelyn Thomas – “High Energy” (9)
Performing the sound of the clubs and peaking at number 5.

Bananarama – “Rough Justice” (29)
Perhaps not one of their best known hits, though it had quite a catchy chorus, but it peaked at number 23.

Bronski Beat – “Smalltown Boy” (13)
Making their studio debut with an impressive live vocal from Jimmy Somerville, Smalltown Boy was their first of four top ten hits and peaked at number 3.

Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1)
Clearly enjoying their first number one, but this was its second and final week.

Sister Sledge – “Thinking Of You” (19) (audience dancing/credits)
This was their first top 30 hit since they were Lost in Music in 1979 and it peaked at number 11.

The best songs always end far too soon....

Next up is June 14th.

Top of the Pops with Tears in my Eyes

This edition of Top of the Pops from May 31st 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 due to one of the hosts being DLT (even though his sentence has now long expired!) so a huge thanks goes to D42 for making it available here at Vimeo.

Dancing with a mullet in my ears

31/05/84 (Richard Skinner & Dave Lee Travis)

Hazell Dean – “Searchin’ (I Gotta Find A Man)” (8)
Went up two more places.

Elton John – “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” (22) (video)
The first of two top ten hits for Elton in 1984, this was peaking at number 7.

Ultravox – “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” (6)
Their final top ten hit, went up three more places.

David Sylvian – “Red Guitar” (21) (video)
His final top 30 hit, peaking at number 17.

Madness – “One Better Day” (30)
The top ten hits had dried up, but there was still plenty of top 30 hits to be had, this was making it to number 17.

The Smiths – “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” (19)
Became the first of just three top ten hits for The Smiths, peaking at number 10.

Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1) (video)
The first of two weeks at the top for Wham!

Deniece Williams – “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (2) (audience dancing/credits)
At is peak.


Back to BBC4 next for June 7th 1984.

I Feel Like Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops from May 24th 1984 will not be shown on BBC4 due to one of the hosts being Mike Smith. So a very big thanks goes to Sean Cuthbert for making it available for download here at Mega.nz

Alvin feels like another top ten hit

24/05/84 (Janice Long & Mike Smith)

Status Quo – “Going Down Town Tonight” (23)
Went up three more places.

The Style Council – “You’re The Best Thing” (11) (video)
Became their second of three top ten hits in 1984, peaking at number 5.

Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (4)
On it's way to number one of course ~ surprising it didn't enter the charts at the very top.

Howard Jones – “Pearl In The Shell” (25) (video)
A third top ten hit from his number one debut album, Human's Lib, it peaked at number 7.

Alvin Stardust – “I Feel Like Buddy Holly” (17)
Alvin had two top ten hits in 1984, this was the first of them, peaking at number 7.

Duran Duran – “The Reflex” (1) (video)
Final week at number one.

Evelyn Thomas – “High Energy” (26) (+ credits)
Her only top ten hit, peaking at number 5.


Next up then is May 31st.