Church of Top of the Pops

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight, Thursday April 7th 1983, all 11.45 million of us, to witness a live edition of Top of the Pops, in the presence of Simon Bates, Peter Powell, and the Kids from Fame!

Blimey, Kim Wilde's let herself go.....

07/04/83 (Simon Bates & Peter Powell with the cast of Fame)

Dexys Midnight Runners – “The Celtic Soul Brothers” (24)
Originally released a year earlier but failed to make the top 40, this re-release fared better, peaking at number 20, and it was the band's penultimate hit, though we'd have to wait over three years for their final one.

Culture Club – “Church Of The Poison Mind” (9) (video)
The first single from their forthcoming number one album Colour by Numbers, and helped out on vocals by Helen Terry, Church of the Poison Mind peaked at number 2.

JoBoxers – “Boxerbeat” (3)
This punchy tune was now at its peak.

Twisted Sister – “I Am (I’m Me)” (29)
Jetting in all the way from New York to perform their only top 30 hit, which reached number 18.

Michael Jackson – “Beat It” (30) (video)
The follow up to Billie Jean, and the third single from Thriller, peaked at number 3

Tracie – “The House That Jack Built” (23)
Her only top ten hit, peaking a number 9. But edited out of tonight's 7.30 slot.

F.R. David – “Words” (21)
This was FR David's only top ten hit, peaking at number 2, and helped out here in the studio by an energy efficient dance routine from Zoo.

Nick Heyward – “Whistle Down The Wind” (15)
Braving a second live show after missing his cue last time, but practice makes perfect and Whistle Down the Wind went up two more places.

David Bowie – “Let’s Dance” (1) (video)
First of three weeks at number one.

Big Country – “Fields Of Fire (400 Miles)” (13) (+ credits)
Went up three more places.


Next up is April 14th 1983.

Cry Me a Top of the Tops

There's been good news and bad news from the BBC this week - the good news is that they will definitely be showing 1984 later this year, the bad news is that they will definitely not be showing any editions featuring DLT....
So anyway, here we are at March 31st 1983, the Easter bunny is about and someone's parked a funfair in the studio!

Where's Johnny Pearson's orchestra when you need them?

31/03/83 (Richard Skinner & Steve Wright)

New Order – “Blue Monday” (17)
A very brave start to the show this week with a commendable totally live performance of Blue Monday, though it also highlighted why most acts preferred to mime! The first of seven top ten hits for the band, eventually peaking at number 9 (but not until September!) and spending 38 weeks in the chart.

The Style Council – “Speak Like A Child” (4)
Their studio debut, certainly not playing live, and Speak Like A Child rose no higher.

Mari Wilson – “Cry Me A River” (30)
This cover of Julie London's number 22 hit from 1957 became Mari's second and final top 30 hit, peaking for her at number 27.

U2 – “Two Hearts Beat As One” (24)
This second single from their number one album War, peaked at number 18.

Kajagoogoo – “Ooh To Be Ah” (20)
This slightly odd song was the follow up to Too Shy, and the second of three singles from their top five album White Feathers, Ooh to be Ah peaked at number 7. And nice purple bin bag trousers sported by Limahl.

Tracey Ullman – “Breakaway” (18)
The first of three top ten hits for Tracey, Breakaway was a cover of an Irma Thomas b-side from 1964, it reached a very impressive number 4 for Miss Ullman. Richard Skinner and Steve Wright clearly enjoying her hairbrushes for microphones performance.

Duran Duran – “Is There Something I Should Know?” (1) (video)
Second and final week at number one. Then who should appear in the studio but non other than Sid Snot ~ and the Kenny Everett Television Show was on BBC1 next.

Kenny Everett – “Snot Rap” (27) (audience dancing/credits)
Kenny's only other hit was Captain Kremmen, which made number 32 in 1977, Snot Rap fared better, running all the way to number 9 with its Barry Cryer double entendres.

Today's BBC1 line up

April 7th 1983 is next.

Is There Something Top of the Pops Should Know?

This live edition of Top of the Pops from March 23rd 1983 was broadcast on a Wednesday night to make way for A Song For Europe on the Thursday, won by Sweet Dreams featuring studio cheerleader Carrie Grant.

.......please please tell me now! .....

23/03/83 (David Jensen & John Peel)

JoBoxers – “Boxerbeat” (21)
Looking like a cross between Madness and Dexys Midnight Runners, and making their debut on the show with the first of two knockout top ten hits, Boxerbeat landing the biggest punch reaching number 3.

David Bowie – “Let’s Dance” (5) (video)
Arguably his best known song, Let's Dance became Bowie's fourth (of five) number one.

Orange Juice – “Rip It Up” (9)
A second studio performance, helped out a little this time by Zoo, Rip it Up went up one more place.

Leo Sayer – “Orchard Road” (27) (clip from his TV series)
Leo's final top twenty hit, until the 2006 number one remix of Thunder in my Heart. But edited out of tonight's 7.30 slot.

Jonathan King – US chart rundown: Edited out
After The Fire – “Der Kommissar” (video clip)
Frida – “I Know There’s Something Going On” (video clip)
Golden Earring – “Twilight Zone” (video clip)
Styx – “Mr Roboto” (video clip)
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (video clip)

Big Country – “Fields Of Fire (400 Miles)” (31)
Another debut on the show tonight, though singer Stuart Adamson had of course previously been on the show with The Skids. The first of four top ten hits, peaking at number 10.

Nick Heyward – “Whistle Down The Wind” (26)
Despite the nervous start and the missed cue, this was a terrific first solo single from Nick after leaving Haircut 100, and the first of three top 20 hits from his number 10 album North of a Miracle, peaking at number 13.

Altered Images – “Don’t Talk To Me About Love” (12)
Dancing her way through the jungle of streamers, this song became Clare and the boys' third and final top ten hit, peaking at number 7.

Duran Duran – “Is There Something I Should Know?” (1)
Straight in a number one, their first of two chart toppers. And this performance was pre-recorded three weeks prior to the show!

David Joseph – “You Can’t Hide (Your Love From Me)” (13) (+ credits)
We conclude with a studio performance, aided by Zoo once more, but this song was now at its peak.

Tonight's line up

Tomorrow's line up

Next up is March 31st 1983.

Top of the Pops in Blue

On the 17th March 1983, a 40 year old Tony Blackburn co-hosted Top of the Pops, for the first time since April 1979, and 11.5 million viewers tuned in, making it one of the highest rating editions of 1983!

Come on now, own up, who's nicked my vest?

17/03/83 (Tony Blackburn & Gary Davies)

Bananarama – “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” (5)
Its a hello rather than a goodbye really as Bananarama get tonight's show underway, but this song went up the chart no further.

The Style Council – “Speak Like A Child” (6) (video)
Going back to the 60's and straight in at number 6 for the Style Council's debut single, which went up two more places.

Mezzoforte – “Garden Party” (29)
Tony informs us that their album Surprise Surprise costs £15 in their native Iceland, so we're lucky to live in the UK! Garden Party became the band's only top 30 hit, peaking at number 17.

Jonathan King – European chart rundown: Edited out
Louise Tucker – “Midnight Blue” (video clip)
Taco – “Putting On The Ritz” (video clip)
F.R. David – interview + “Words” (video clip)
Nena – “99 Luftballoons” (video clip)
Peter Schilling – “Major Tom (Coming Home)” (video clip)

Ultravox – “Visions In Blue” (30) (video)
Quite a saucy video here, and a seemingly odd choice for a single, but it did get to number 15, so maybe not so odd after all.

Bucks Fizz – “Run For Your Life” (21)
Going hell for leather here with a slightly scary song that peaked at number 14.

Joan Armatrading – “Drop The Pilot” (28)
Making her first appearance in the studio since 1976, which of course we saw in the early days of these re-runs (is that a sort of double nostalgia now?) Drop the Pilot peaked at number 11 and was Joan's final top 30 hit.

Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (1)
Second and final week at number one.

Forrest – “Rock The Boat” (4) (audience dancing/credits)
Now at its chart peak.

PAGES FROM CEEFAX KLAXON #totp pic.twitter.com/XyBwnqNQbj

— Neil Miles (@neilsmiles) February 10, 2017

Next up is the live edition form Wednesday March 23rd 1983 that flashed up at the end of tonight's credits.

You Can't Hide (Your Top of the Pops from Me)

A big thanks this time goes to Calvin Henderson for making this edition of Top of the Pops from March 10th 1983 available here at Youtube.

It won't be shown on BBC4 due to some ridiculous situation regarding Mike Smith's contract.

Contract issues? Rip it up and start again!

10/03/83 (Mike Smith & Tommy Vance)

Modern Romance – “High Life” (18)
Made it to number 8.

Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” (3) (video)
Went up one more place.

Orange Juice – “Rip It Up” (22)
The band's breakthrough hit was to be their only top ten hit, indeed their only top 40 hit, when it peaked at number 8.

Spandau Ballet – “Communication” (12) (rpt from 24/02/83)
At its peak.

Blancmange – “Waves” (21)
Went up two more places before being all washed up.

David Joseph – “You Can’t Hide (Your Love From Me)” (24)
The first of two top 30 hits for David in 1983, this was the biggest making it to number 13.

Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (1) (video)
The first of two weeks for Bonnie's only number one single, taken from her number one album Faster Than the Speed of Night.

Thompson Twins – “Love On Your Side” (9) (audience dancing/credits)
At its peak.


Back to BBC4 next for March 17th 1983 and the return of a familiar old host...

Top of the Pops Engineering

It's suddenly March 3rd 1983, and an edition of Top of the Pops which failed to make BBC1's own top ten this week.

Now did you remember to write down the name of the song for John.....?

03/03/83 (David Jensen & John Peel)

Icehouse – “Hey Little Girl” (17)
A somewhat cool start to this week's show, with Hey Little Girl now at its peak.

Forrest – “Rock The Boat” (12) (video)
His only top ten hit, peaking at number 4. But it was edited out of tonight's 7.30pm showing.

OMD – “Genetic Engineering” (25)
The first single from their top 5 album Dazzle Ships, Genetic Engineering peaked at number 20, and featured robotic voices provided by a popular toy from the time.....

Bananarama – “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” (21)
This cover of Steam's number 9 hit from 1970 became the first of two top ten hits for the nanas in 1983 when it made number 5.

Patti Austin & James Ingram – “Baby Come To Me” (18) (rpt from 17/02/83)
A live vocal from the duo here of this Rod Temperton song, produced by Quincy Jones, which peaked at number 11.

And next, 'by popular demand' we get the return of the 'Top Ten Video Show' which at least gives BBC4 viewers a chance to catch up with some Yewtreed classics like Sweet Dreams Are Made of This and Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (1) (video/credits)
The one and only week at number one for Billie Jean, but Michael Jackson was now on the verge of mega stardom.

Today's BBC1 schedule

So we run into another problem now, with the edition from March 10th 1983 being co-hosted by Mike Smith, so BBC4 will skip that one and show March 17th instead.

Get the Top of the Pops Right

BBC4, unfortunately, are getting it wrong and will not be screening the 24th February 1983 edition of Top of the Pops, so a huge thanks goes to Gia, for the following link here at WeTransfer.

What? They still won't show DLT?

24/02/83 (Andy Peebles & Dave Lee Travis)

Spandau Ballet – “Communication” (24)
Tony looking very smart in his suit, Communication peaked at number 12.

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (2) (video)
Andy Peebles gets it right, this will be next week's number one.

Thompson Twins – “Love On Your Side” (12)
Went up three more places.

Toto – “Africa” (3) (video)
Now at its peak.

Phil Everly & Cliff Richard – “She Means Nothing To Me” (29)
A rare outing for Zoo here treating us to some leotard acrobatics. The song peaked at number 9.

Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” (21)
Its three years since we last saw Annie and Dave, and now the Tourists have been replaced by the Eurythmics, performing this classic song that peaked at number 2.

Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (14)
Andy Peebles gets it right again, here's the song that would deny the Eurythmics the number one spot, and our first sighting of Bonnie in four years. It probably took her all that time to squeeze into those leather trousers!

Kajagoogoo – “Too Shy” (1) (video)
Final week at number one.

Depeche Mode – “Get The Balance Right” (22) (audience dancing/credits)
Peaked at 13.


Back to BBC4 next then for March 3rd 1983.

Top of the Pops of Love

Whilst Ken Barlow and Mike Baldwin were in the middle of fighting for the love of Deirdre on ITV, Gary Davies and Peter Powell were happy to share Top of the Pops between them on February 17th 1983.

er ... boys ... I think we struck too many matches...

17/02/83 (Gary Davies & Peter Powell)

Wham! – “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” (8)
Its foggy in the studio tonight but Wham get us off to a bright start, although Wham Rap got no higher in the charts.

Tears For Fears – “Change” (4) (video)
At its peak.

Icehouse – “Hey Little Girl” (34)
'Australia's biggest band' on next with what became their only top 30 hit when it peaked at number 17.

Musical Youth – “Never Gonna Give You Up” (16) (video)
The band's second and final top ten hit, which peaked at number 6.

Jonathan King – US chart rundown: Edited out of course.
Pretenders – “Back On The Chain Gang” (video clip)
Lionel Richie – “You Are” (video clip)
Christopher Cross – “All Right” (video clip)
The Stray Cats – “Stray Cat Strut” (video clip)

Patti Austin & James Ingram – “Baby Come To Me” (35)
An American number one, made it to number 11 in the UK. But edited out of the 7.30 showing.

Madness – “Tomorrow’s (Just Another Day)” (24) (video)
Became their 13th top ten hit when it peaked at number 8.

Haysi Fantayzee – “Shiny Shiny” (23)
Peter predicts this will be the duo's biggest hit but it peaked at 16, making it their second biggest, of four.

The Fun Boy Three – “Tunnel Of Love” (14)
Terry looking as happy as ever to be here, Tunnel of Love went up four more places.

Kajagoogoo – “Too Shy” (1) (+ credits)
The first of two weeks at number one.

Tonight's BBC1 schedule.

Next then should be February 24th 1983, but quite incredibly BBC4 are still not showing DLT editions, for goodness sake! So instead they are skipping to March 3rd.

Top of the Pops on Your Side

It's February 10th 1983, and tonight's edition of Top of the Pops was the eighth most watched show on BBC1 this week, with 11.75 million viewers.

Good news lads, we have a booking tonight!

10/02/83 (Janice Long & Pat Sharp)

The Belle Stars – “Sign Of The Times” (3)
The girls get the show underway but Sign of the Times got no higher in the charts.

Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes – “Up Where We Belong” (7) (video)
At its peak. But the first victim of tonight's 7.30 edit.

Thompson Twins – “Love On Your Side” (27)
Making their debut on the show with what would be the first of three top ten hits for the trio in 1983, when it peaked at number 9. But edited out of the 7.30 showing.

Depeche Mode – “Get The Balance Right” (32)
Made it to number 13. And also edited out.

Toto – “Africa” (19) (video)
With their first hit since Hold the Line in 1979, (and seemingly with Chas from Chas and Dave on lead vocals!) Africa became Toto's biggest success peaking at number 3.

Level 42 – “The Chinese Way” (24)
Got no higher than 24.

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (17) (video)
For many people, this is the point where Michael Jackson's career really took off ~ an all time classic video and soon to be number one hit.

Central Line – “Nature Boy” (21)
At its peak.

China Crisis – “Christian” (18)
On its way to number 12.

Men At Work – “Down Under” (1) (video)
Third and final week at number one.

Elvis Presley – “Jailhouse Rock” (29) (audience dancing/credits)
A number one in 1958, this 25th anniversary re-release peaked at 27. And provides a chance for the studio audience to show off their rock n roll dance moves!


Next up is February 17th 1983