The 25th Anniversary Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops from December 31st 1988 will not be shown on BBC4 because one of the hosts is Jimmy Savile. So obvioulsy don't click on any links if you wish to avoid him. Otherwise a big thanks goes to xrayfour for finding a link where you can stream it here, and a link where you can download an mkv file version here on WeTransfer.

Silver haired jubilee!

25th Anniversary, 31/12/88  (Radio 1 DJs)

The Swinging Blue Jeans – “Hippy Hippy Shake”
Manfred Mann – “Mighty Quinn” (clip from 15/02/68)
Procol Harum – “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” (clip from 26/12/67)
The Dave Clark Five – “Bits & Pieces” (clip from 19/02/64)
The Kinks – “Lola” (clip from 18/06/70)
The Animals – “House Of The Rising Sun” (clip)
The Hollies – “I Can’t Let Go” (clip)
The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations” (clip)
Mike Love – brief interview
The Tremeloes – “Silence Is Golden”
Slade – “Merry Xmas Everybody” (clip from 25/12/74)
Gary Glitter – “I Love You Love Me Love” (clip from 15/12/73)
The Jam – “Going Underground” (clip from 27/03/80)
The Police – “Don’t Stand So Close To Me ‘86” (video clip)
Adam & The Ants – “Stand & Deliver” (video clip)
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” (TOTP clip)
Duran Duran – “Is There Something I Should Know?” (clip from 23/03/83)
Village People – “YMCA” (video clip)
Showaddywaddy – “Under The Moon Of Love” (TOTP clip)
Free – “All Right Now” (clip from 04/06/70)
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown – “Fire” (clip from 18/07/68)
Benny Hill – “Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)” (film clip)
Ray Stevens – “The Streak” (clip from 27/12/74)
Sylvia – “Y Viva Espana” (clip from 15/08/74)
Mud – “Tiger Feet”
Moira Stewart – brief interview
Sandie Shaw – “Long Live Love” (rehearsal clip)
Cilla Black – “Anyone Who Had A Heart” (clip)
Madonna – “Like A Virgin” (clip from 13/12/84)
Olivia Newton-John – “A Little More Love” (clip from 07/12/78)
Kate Bush – “Wuthering Heights” (video clip)
Dusty Springfield – “Son Of A Preacher Man” (clip)
Lulu – brief interview
Lulu – “Shout”
Errol Brown – brief interview
Hot Chocolate – “So You Win Again” (TOTP clip)
T.Rex – “Hot Love” (clip from 25/03/71)
Roxy Music – “Virginia Plain” (clip from 24/08/72)
The Jacksons – “Blame It On The Boogie” (video clip)
Abba – “Waterloo” (clip from 25/12/74)
Sex Pistols – “Pretty Vacant” (video clip)
ELO – “Mr Blue Sky” (video clip)
John Denver – “Annie’s Song” (clip)
St Winifred’s School Choir – “There’s No One Quite Like Grandma” (clip from 04/12/80)
Terry Jacks – “Seasons In The Sun” (Musikladen clip)
Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (clip from 07/07/88)
Engelbert Humperdinck – “Release Me”
The Rolling Stones – “Jumping Jack Flash” (clip)
The Rolling Stones – “The Last Time” (clip from 04/03/65)
The Rolling Stones – “Brown Sugar” (clip from 15/04/71)
The Rolling Stones – “Let’s Spend The Night Together” (clip from 26/12/67)
Les McKeown – brief interview
Bay City Rollers – “Bye Bye Baby” (TOTP clip)
Donny Osmond – “Puppy Love” (clip)
Kajagoogoo – “Too Shy” (TOTP clip)
A-ha – “The Sun Always Shines On TV” (video clip)
Bros – “When Will I Be Famous?” (TOTP clip)
David Essex – “Gonna Make You A Star”
Petula Clark – brief interview
Cliff Richard – brief interview
Lulu – brief interview
Maurice & Robin Gibb – brief interview
The Bee Gees – “Massachusetts” (clip from 26/12/67)
Fleetwood Mac – “Albatross” (clip)
Madness – “Our House” (video clip)
The Monkees – “I’m A Believer” (film clip)
The Shadows – “Don’t Make My Baby Blue” (clip from 12/08/65)
The Three Degrees – “When Will I See You Again?” (clip from 15/08/74)
Blondie – “Denis” (video clip)
The Who – “My Generation” (clip)
Dire Straits – “Sultans Of Swing” (video clip)
Gladys Knight & The Pips – “Midnight Train To Georgia” (clip from 29/04/76)
The Four Tops – “Reach Out I’ll Be There”
Brian May & Roger Taylor – brief interview
Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (video clip)
John Lennon – “Imagine” (film clip)
Sonny & Cher – “I Got You Babe” (clip from 12/08/65)
U2 – “Pride (In The Name Of Love” (video clip)
Ultravox – “Vienna” (clip from 25/12/81)
The Boomtown Rats – “I Don’t Like Mondays” (video clip)
Cliff Richard – brief interview
Cliff Richard – “We Don’t Talk Anymore”
Rod Stewart – “Maggie May” (TOTP clip)
Elton John – “Daniel” (clip from 25/01/73)
David Bowie – “Starman” (clip from 06/07/72)
Phil Collins – “You Can’t Hurry Love” (video clip)
Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (video clip)
Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (video clip)
Lionel Richie – “Hello” (video clip)
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (video clip)
Bruce Springsteen – “Born In The USA” (video clip)
Roy Orbison – “Oh Pretty Woman” (film clip)
Tom Jones – “Delilah” (clip from 07/03/68)
Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony & Ivory” (video clip)
Elvis Presley – “The Wonder Of You” (stills)
Shakin’ Stevens – “This Ole House”
Lulu – brief interview
Tom Jones – brief interview
Don McLean – “American Pie” (live clip)
The Righteous Brothers – “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” (clip from 28/01/65)
10cc – “I’m Not In Love” (live clip)
The Supremes – “Baby Love” (clip from 07/10/64)
Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (clip from 21/05/87)
George Michael – “Careless Whisper” (video clip)
Band Aid – “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (clip from 25/12/84)
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards – brief interview
Dexys Midnight Runners – “Come On Eileen” (clip from 25/12/82)
Eurythmics – “You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart” (clip from 23/06/88)
Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (video clip)
Culture Club – “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” (clip from 25/12/82)
Genesis – “Turn It On Again” (clip from 13/03/80)
Soft Cell – “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” (video clip)
Spandau Ballet – “True” (TOTP clip)
The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me” (video clip)
Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (clip from 24/09/81)
The Beatles – “Daytripper” (clip)
The Beatles – “Hello Goodbye” (clip)
The Beatles – “We Can Work It Out” (clip)
The Beatles – “Hey Jude” (clip)
Petula Clark – brief interview
Cliff Richard – brief interview
Lulu – brief interview
Status Quo – “Pictures Of Matchstick Men” (clip from 15/02/68)
Status Quo – “Rockin’ All Over The World” (with credits)


So that's it for 1988 ~ many many thanks once again to all who read and contribute to this blog, have a great Xmas and we will see you back here in 1989!

My Christmassy Sort of Tune

I'd just like to take this chance to wish everyone who reads and contributes to this blog a very Merry Christmas!

I have to admit I'm slightly nervous about posting this, but since it's without a doubt the closest I'll ever get to being on Top of the Pops myself, here is (performed by yours truly in front of the Only Way Is Up laptop) my Christmassy Sort of Tune :-)

Top of the Pops and Wine

We wish you a merry Christmas Day 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

We Three DJs

25/12/88  (Bruno Brookes, Gary Davies & Anthea Turner)

S-Express – “Theme From S-Express”
Pet Shop Boys – “Always On My Mind”

Belinda Carlisle – “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” (video clip)
Tiffany – “I Think We’re Alone Now” (video clip)
Kylie Minogue – “I Should Be So Lucky” (video clip)
Whitney Houston – “One Moment In Time” (video clip)
Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (rpt from 20/10/88)

Aswad – “Don’t Turn Around” 
Fairground Attraction – “Perfect”

Climie Fisher – “Love Changes (Everything)” (video clip)
Bros – “When Will I Be Famous?” (video clip)
Rick Astley – “Together Forever” (video clip)
Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (video clip)
Brother Beyond – “The Harder I Try” (video clip)

Pet Shop Boys – “Heart”
Yazz – “”The Only Way Is Up”

The Timelords & Gary Glitter – “Doctorin’ The Tardis”~ edited out.

Bros – “I Owe You Nothing” (video clip)
Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (video clip)
Phil Collins – “Groovy Kind Of Love” (clip from 08/09/88)
Robin Beck – “The First Time” (rpt from 10/11/88)

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends”
The Hollies – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”

Cliff Richard – “Mistletoe & Wine” (rpt from 08/12/88)
Bros – “Silent Night” (with credits)


Next up is the 31st December.

Loco In Top of the Pops

You won't be pulling out your hair or drowning in despair tonight with the 22nd December 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

The Four Tops of the Pops

22/12/88  (Nicky Campbell & Steve Wright)

The Four Tops – “Loco In Acapulco” (15)
All the way from Heathrow to get tonight's show underway with what became their eleventh and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 7.

A-ha – “You Are The One” (20)
Also in the studio tonight and on their way to number 13.

Kim Wilde – “Four Letter Word” (19)
Looking very respectable and grown up this evening in a very fetching 1940's style frock performing a song that would peak at number 6.

Shakin’ Stevens – “True Love” (28) (breaker)
Peaked at number 23.

Freiheit – “Keeping The Dream Alive” (27) (breaker)
Their only hit and it peaked at number 14.

Neneh Cherry – “Buffalo Stance” (13)
There can't be too many performers who made their studio debut just weeks away from giving birth, and this song became her first of five top ten hits when it peaked at number 3.

Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan – “Especially For You” (2)
Topping off an impressive night in the studio to perform the song that was patiently waiting in line to be number one after Christmas.

Cliff Richard – “Mistletoe & Wine” (1) (rpt from 08/12/88)
Third of four weeks at number one.

Status Quo – “Burning Bridges (On & Off & On Again)” (7) (rpt from 08/12/88 + credits)
Went up two more places.


December 25th is next.

Born To Be My Top of the Pops

Rainy night and we worked all day, we got something they can't take away - the 15th December 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Andy Bells

15/12/88  (Gary Davies & Mark Goodier)

Bon Jovi – “Born To Be My Baby” (22)
They're studio regulars by now and they get tonight's show underway but the song got no higher.

Petula Clark – “Downtown ‘88” (13)
She'd already been around for 34 years by now, and she's doing a live vocal in the studio, and what was to be her final hit went up three more places.

U2 – “Angel Of Harlem” (10) (video)
This second single from their massive number one album Rattle and Hum went up one more place.

New Order – “Fine Time” (15)
Also performing completely live in the sudio tonight - but how was he doing that weird, robotic vocal? But anyway it peaked at number 11.

The Four Tops – “Loco In Acapulco” (23) (breaker)
Became their 11th and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 7.

Kim Wilde – “Four Letter Word” (28) (breaker)
Peaked at number 6.

Londonbeat – “9 AM (The Comfort Zone)” (29) (breaker)
Peaked at number 19.

Erasure – “Stop” (4)
In the studio to perform the lead song from their Crackers International ep and it went up two more places.

Inner City – “Good Life” (6)
Also in the studio tonight and the song also went up two more places.

Cliff Richard – “Mistletoe & Wine” (1) (video)
Second of four weeks at number one.

A-ha – “You Are The One” (25) (video/credits)
Peaked at number 13.


December 22nd will be up here next.

Mistletoe & Top of the Pops

Dreams of Santa, dreams of snow, it's the 8th December 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Crimbo Richard

08/12/88  (Nicky Campbell & Caron Keating)

Status Quo – “Burning Bridges (On & Off & On Again)” (20)
The Quo get things underway tonight with a belter of a  party tune which became their penultimate top ten hit when it peaked at number 5.


Angry Anderson – “Suddenly” (3)
All the way from Scott & Charlene's wedding into the studio but the song couldn't get any higher.


Phil Collins – “Two Hearts” (6) (video)
Another tune from his Buster movie but it was now at its peak.

Petula Clark – “Downtown ‘88” (24) (breaker)
It had peaked at number 2 in 1964, this remix became Petula's twelth and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 10.

New Order – “Fine Time” (23) (breaker)
Peaked at number 11.

Inner City – “Good Life” (22) (breaker)
Peaked at number 4.

Erasure – “Stop” (7) (breaker)
Peaked at number 2.

Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan – “Especially For You” (2) (video)
The Neighbours are taking over the chart. And it will get to number one, but not in time for Christmas.

Cliff Richard – “Mistletoe & Wine” (1)
That's because Cliff has moved in to Christmas number one town, and he'll be there for the next four weeks. And a live vocal I think, or at least a re-recording for the studio.

Bananarama – “Nathan Jones” (15) (rpt from 24/11/88 + credits)
At its peak.


15th December is next

Top of the Pops Among the Pigeons

And so Top of the Pops 1988 is finally about to synchronise with 2019 with this edition from 1st December 1988.

The very last time

01/12/88  (Bruno Brookes & Mike Read)

Rick Astley – “Take Me To Your Heart” (12)
Rick gets the festive month underway and the song peaked at number 8.

Michael Jackson – “Smooth Criminal” (8) (video)
Got no higher.

George Michael – “Kissing A Fool” (24) (breaker)
His sixth single from his number one album Faith, and it peaked at number 18.

Angry Anderson – “Suddenly” (16) (breaker)
His only hit and it peaked at number 3.

Cliff Richard – “Mistletoe & Wine” (7) (breaker)
Will be this year's Christmas number one of course.

Phil Collins – “Two Hearts” (6) (breaker)
At its peak.

Pet Shop Boys – “Left To My Own Devices” (4)
The dynamic duo are in the studio once more but this lastest hit got no higher.

Bros – “Cat Among The Pigeons” (2)
This contender came straight in at number 2, but it is perhaps one of their least memorable tunes, and it got no higher. Craig was ill with ME at this point in time and this was to be his final record with the band.

Robin Beck – “The First Time” (1) (rpt from 10/11/88)
Third and final week at number one.

Humanoid – “Stakker Humanoid” (18) (+ credits)
Some energetic dancing but this was their only top 40 hit and it went up one more place.


8th December is next.

Radio of the Pops

The DJ knows my voice now, he even knows my choice now - it's the 24th November 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Map of the Pops

24/11/88  (Andy Crane & Simon Mayo)

Tiffany – “Radio Romance” (21)
After Andy and Simon reveal their slightly peculiar map of Radio One's latest state of the art stereo transmitters, Tiffany gets us underway with an aptly titled song, and it became her final top 40 hit when it peaked at number 13.

Bomb The Bass featuring Maureen – “I Say A Little Prayer” (19)
I wonder if the Fugees were watching this? And it became their third of four top ten hits when it peaked at number 10.

Deacon Blue – “Real Gone Kid” (8) (rpt)
A third showing for this song, but it got no higher.

Michael Jackson – “Smooth Criminal” (12) (breaker)
Peaked at number 8.

Pet Shop Boys – “Left To My Own Devices” (7) (breaker)
Peaked at number 4.

Iron Maiden – “The Clairvoyant” (6) (breaker)
A breaker? It was already at its peak!

Bananarama – “Nathan Jones” (20)
The girls were looking particularly chic tonight and the song peaked at number 15.

Chris De Burgh – “Missing You” (3) (video)
At its peak.

Robin Beck – “The First Time” (1) (rpt from 10/11/88)
Second of three weeks at number one.

Hithouse – “Jack To The Sound Of The Underground” (25) (video/credits)
His only top 40 hit and it peaked at number 14.


December 1st is next!

Twist In My Top of the Pops

Look my eyes are just holograms, look your love has drawn red from my hands, from my hands you know you'll always be the 17th November 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

See you in 2008?

17/11/88  (Gary Davies & Susie Mathis)

Yazz – “Stand Up For Your Love Rights” (2) (rpt from 03/11/88)
A repeat showing of Yazz to get tonight's show underway but the song could go no higher.

All About Eve – “What Kind Of Fool” (29)
A silky live vocal in the studio but the song was at its peak.

INXS – “Need You Tonight” (4) (video)
Went up two more places.

Mica Paris – “Breathe Life Into Me” (28)
Went up two more places.

Tanita Tikaram – “Twist In My Sobriety” (22)
Tanita is in the building, but the song went up no higher.

Robin Beck – “The First Time” (1) (rpt from 10/11/88)
First of three weeks at number one for this one hit wonder.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Twist & Shout” (12) (video/credits)
On their way to number 4.


24th November is next.

Real Gone Top of the Pops

And maybe now baby, maybe now baby, it's the 10th November 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Top of the Woh Ooh Woh Ooh Wohs!

10/11/88  (Bruno Brookes & Sybil Ruscoe)

Brother Beyond – “He Ain’t No Competition” (8)
Became their second and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 6.

Bryan Ferry – “Let’s Stick Together” (12) (video)
At its 1988 peak.

Robin Beck – “The First Time” (5)
In the studio and on her way to number one.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Twist & Shout” (22) (breaker)
Became their second of five top ten hits when it peaked at number 4.

INXS – “Need You Tonight” (18) (breaker)
Became the band's only top ten hit when it peaked at number 2.

Chris De Burgh – “Missing You” (15)
In the studio to perform what became his second and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 3.

Deacon Blue – “Real Gone Kid” (10)
A second studio performance and the song went up two more places.

Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (1) (rpt from 20/10/88)
Third and final week at number one.

Prince – “I Wish U Heaven” (26) (video/credits)
Went up two more places.

 
November 17th is next.

Stand Up For Your Top of the Pops

Do it, do it, do it, now don't be afraid, don't let things stand in your way of the 3rd November 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Hurrying up the charts

03/11/88  (Nicky Campbell & Mark Goodier)

Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – “1-2-3” (24)
Getting tonight's show off to a lively start with a live vocal in the studio and the song peaked at number 9.

Robert Palmer – “She Makes My Day” (8) (video)
Went up two more places.

Tanita Tikaram – “Twist In My Sobriety” (26)
This song reminds me a little bit of Elvis Presley's Fever, and it went up four more places, but was Tanita's final top 40 hit.

Bryan Ferry – “Let’s Stick Together” (28) (breaker)
It got to number 4 in 1976, this remixed version made it to number 12.

Robin Beck – “The First Time” (17) (breaker)
Will be number one in two weeks time.

Kylie Minogue – “Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi” (2) (video)
At its peak.

Yazz – “Stand Up For Your Love Rights” (4)
Another energetic performance in the studio and the song went up two more places.

Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (1) (rpt from 20/10/88)
Second of three weeks at number one.

Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome To The Jungle” (25) (video/credits)
Went up just one more place.




10th November is next.

Orinoco Top of the Pops

From Bissau to Palau, in the shade of Avalon, from Fiji to Tyree and the 27th October 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Enya is soft, strong and very very long

27/10/88  (Simon Mayo & Anthea Turner)

Milli Vanilli – “Girl You Know It’s True” (10)
The boys are in fine voice tonight ... ahem .... and this song went on to peak at number 3.

The Art Of Noise & Tom Jones – “Kiss” (19)
This somewhat eccentric offering, with a live vocal from Tom of course, became the third and final top ten hit for Art of Noise when it peaked at number 3.

Royal House – “Can You Party?” (17)
Jetting into the studio from America and the tune went up three more places.

Tanita Tikaram – “Twist In My Sobriety” (29) (breaker)
Her second and final top 40 hit and it peakedd at number 22.

Robert Palmer – “She Makes My Day” (18) (breaker)
Became his third of five top ten hits when it peaked at number 6.

Yazz – “Stand Up For Your Love Rights” (11) (breaker)
On her way to number two.

Deacon Blue – “Real Gone Kid” (21)
A belting studio performance of the song that became their biggest hit up that point when it peaked at number 8.

Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (1) (video)
Her first of three top ten hits and her first of three weeks at number one.

The Beatmasters & PP Arnold – “Burn It Up” (14) (video/credits)
At its peak.


November 3rd is next.

We Call It Top of the Popseeed

You turn on, you tune in and its the 20th Ocotober 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Can I have an E please Bob?

20/10/88  (Caron Keating & Steve Wright)

D Mob featuring Gary Haisman – “We Call It Acieed” (3) (video)
We kick off with a video this week and this was the first of three top ten hits for D Mob and it was now at its peak.

The Christians – “Harvest For The World” (9) (video)
Went up one more place.

Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (5)
Making her studio debut here with a song that will sail away to number one next week.

Deacon Blue – “Real Gone Kid” (29) (breaker)
Became their first of three top ten hits when it peaked at number 8.

Milli Vanilli – “Girl You Know It’s True” (20) (breaker)
Became their first of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 3.

Erasure – “A Little Respect” (4) (rpt from 06/10/88)
At its peak.

Kylie Minogue – “Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi” (11)
I don't know why the title of this song is in French, but Kylie is in the studio tongith and the song peaked at numero deux.

Whitney Houston – “One Moment In Time” (1) (video)
Second and final week at the top.

The Wee Papa Girl Rappers – “Wee Rule” (6) (rpt from 06/10/88 + credits)
At its peak.


Next up is October 27th

Secret Top of the Pops

Pssssst! Have you heard? It's the 13th October 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Smokin'!

13/10/88  (Bruno Brookes & Gary Davies)

The Beatmasters & PP Arnold – “Burn It Up” (16)
Getting tonight's show underway and the song peaked at number 14.

Sabrina – “All Of Me” (31)
Bouncing into the studio to perfrom what became her final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 25.

T’Pau – “Secret Garden” (19)
Perhaps not their best known song and it went up one more place.

Enya – “Orinico Flow” (29) (breaker)
Will be number one in two weeks time.

The Christians – “Harvest For The World” (21) (breaker)
Peaked at number 8.

D Mob featuring Gary Haisman – “We Call It Acieed” (20) (breaker)
Peaked at number 3.

Kim Wilde – “Never Trust A Stranger” (15)
Kim turns the heat up a notch and this raging tune was on its way to number 7.

Sinitta – “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (25)
A second studio performance and it went up three more places.

Whitney Houston – “One Moment In Time” (1) (video)
Quite surprising that this song displaced U2, but this was her first of two weeks at number one.

Bananarama – “Love, Truth & Honesty” (23) (rpt from 29/09/88 + credits)
At its peak.


20th October is next.

Don't Worry, Be Top of the Pops

In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double, don't worry, be the 6th of October 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Here's a little song he wrote, and he sings every note

06/10/88  (Simon Mayo & Richard Skinner)

The Pasadenas – “Riding On A Train” (13)
Setting the template for the deluge of boy bands that will follow in their footsteps, but the song got no higher than number 13.

Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (11) (video)
Featuring Robin Williams no less in the video, this was Bobby's only top 40 hit and it peaked at number 2.

The Wee Papa Girl Rappers – “Wee Rule” (17)
In the studio to perform what became both their only top ten hit and final top 40 hit when it peaked at number 6.

Spear Of Destiny – “So In Love With You” (36) (breaker)
Their final hit and it got no higher.

The Beatmasters & PP Arnold – “Burn It Up” (35) (breaker)
Peaked at number 14.

Kim Wilde – “Never Trust A Stranger” (32) (breaker)
Peaked at number 7.

Erasure – “A Little Respect” (12)
In the studio to perform this storming third single from their number one album The Innocents, and it peaked at number 4.

Rick Astley – “She Wants To Dance With Me” (7) (rpt from 22/09/88)
Went up one more place.

U2 – “Desire” (1) (video)
Just the one week at number one.

Duran Duran – “I Don’t Want Your Love” (14) (video/credits)
At its peak.


13th October is next.

Love, Truth & Top of the Pops

I didn't trust her one little bit. She'd let me down so many times before. But there was a certain sexy smile on her lips that told me to give her one last chance. So I gazed into her deep, blue eyes, and do you know what I saw?  - It was the 29th September 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Head Girls

29/09/88  (Gary Davies & Mark Goodier)

Sinitta – “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (38)
Getting the show underway with a typically lively dance routine and it peaked at number 22.

U2 – “Desire” (3) (video)
Will soon become their first of seven number one hits.

Hazell Dean – “Turn It Into Love” (29)
In the studio to perform what was to be her final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 21.

Alexander O’Neal – “Fake ‘88” (24) (breaker)
Had peaked at number 33 last year, but this remix made it to number 16.

Duran Duran – “I Don’t Want Your Love” (20) (breaker)
Peaked at number 14.

Erasure – “A Little Respect” (19) (breaker)
Ever try to hit those high notes on Singstar? It peaked at number 4.

Whitney Houston – “One Moment In Time” (8) (video)
This ballad about fast athletes was slowly making its way to number one.

Bananarama – “Love, Truth & Honesty” (28)
Doing their usual thing in the studio and this song peaked at number 23.

The Hollies – “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother” (1)
You just couldn't keep them away from the studio, but it was their second and final week at number one.

T’Pau – “Secret Garden” (37) (video/credits)
Carol looks to be having an a-mazing time, and the song peaked at number 18.



October 6th is next.

He Ain't Heavy He's Top of the Pops

The road is long with many of winding turns which leads us to the 22nd September 1988 edtion of Top of the Pops!

Allan wishes he hadn't washed his jacket on such a high setting

22/09/88  (Nicky Campbell & Andy Crane)

Pet Shop Boys – “Domino Dancing” (9)
Going all Latin to get tonight's show underway and the song peaked at number 7.

Womack & Womack – “Teardrops (3) (rpt from 01/09/88)
A repeat showing but the song got no higher.

Bill Withers – “Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix)” (4)
The original version had peaked at number 7 ten years earlier, but this time Bill turned up in the studio and this remix peaked at number 4.

Transvision Vamp – “Revolution Baby” (30) (breaker)
Sounding a lot like Blondie but it got no higher.

Whitney Houston – “One Moment In Time” (24) (breaker)
On its way to number one.

Bon Jovi – “Bad Medicine” (18) (breaker)
Went up just one more place.

Rick Astley – “She Wants To Dance With Me” (16)
Rick's in the studio to perform his self-penned song which peaked at number 6

The Hollies – “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother” (1)
In the studio again to perform their eighteenth top ten hit and their first of two weeks at number one.

The Pasadenas – “Riding On A Train” (20) (video/credits)
Peaked at number 13.

29th September is next.

I'm Gonna Be Top of the Pops

After eleven years the time has come to wave a fond farewell to Peter Powell on this 15th September 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

That's what friends are for

15/09/88  (Simon Mayo & Peter Powell)

Bros – “I Quit” (4)
Bros fly in from Italy, where they seemed to have multiplied, with this aptly named song for Peter's final show, but it got no higher than number 4.

The Commodores – “Easy” (17) (video)
It had got to number 9 in 1977, this time around it reached number 15, but we did finally get to see some footage, which if I remember rightly, we missed out on eleven years prior.

The Proclaimers – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” (14)
In the studio to perform this stonking tune and it peaked at number 11.

The Pasadenas – “Riding On A Train” (29) (breaker)
Peaked at number 13.

Coldcut featuring Junior Reid – “Stop This Crazy Thing” (25) (breaker)
Peaked at number 21.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Shake Your Thang (It’s Your Thing)” (22) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Jason Donovan – “Nothing Can Divide Us” (13) (video)
Hot on Kylie's heels with his first of ten top ten hits and it peaked at number 5.

The Hollies – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (2)
It had originally peaked at number 3 in 1969, but nineteen years later it made it all the way to number one, where it will be next week, or in a couple of hours if you're watching it tonight.

Phil Collins – “Groovy Kind Of Love” (1) (rpt from 08/09/88)
Second and final week at the top.

Inner City – “Big Fun” (20) (video/credits)
Became the first of four ten ten hits for them when it peaked at number 8.




September 22nd is next.

Groovy Kind of Top of the Pops

If you hear some things that go bump in the night, don't scream, it's just the 8th September 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Mick or Treat?

08/09/88  (Andy Crane & Mike Read)

Marc Almond – “Tears Run Rings” (28)
Getting tonight's show underway with one of his less memorable tunes, and it went up two more places.

Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – “Anything For You” (15) (video)
This syrupy ballad was on its way to number 10.

Spagna – “Every Girl & Boy” (23)
In the studio to perform this fine tune but it was her final hit and it got no higher.

Anthrax – “Make Me Laugh” (26) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Bill Medley – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (25) (breaker)
Were people buying this version by mistake? Either way, it got no higher.

The Proclaimers – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” (19) (breaker)
This song would eventually become their only number one hit, but in 1988 it peaked at number 11.

Michael Jackson – “Another Part Of Me” (16) (video)
This sixth single from his Bad album went up one more place.

Yello – “The Race” (8) (video)
This clever and eccentric record went up one more place.

Phil Collins – “Groovy Kind Of Love” (1)
He's in the studio to perform his first of two weeks at number one.

Jane Wiedlin – “Rush Hour” (13) (video/credits)
This dolphin-tastic tune went up one more place.


September 15th is next.

Teardrops of the Pops

Footsteps on the dance floor remind me baby of the 1st September 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Snog of the Pops

01/09/88 (Mark Goodier & Steve Wright)

Level 42 – “Heaven In My Hands” (18)
Getting tonight's stereo show off to an upbeat and long-haired start with a song that peaked at number 12

Julio Iglesias & Stevie Wonder – “My Love” (5) (video)
Now at its peak.

Womack & Womack – “Teardrops” (7)
In the studio to perform their only top ten hit and it went up four more places.

Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (24) (breaker)
A famous song for the band of course, but for time being it got no higher. It would be next year when it would re-chart and peak at number 6.

Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – “Anything For You” (19) (breaker)
Peaked at number 10.

Yello – “The Race” (14) (breaker)
Became their only top ten hit when it peaked at number 7.

A-ha – “Touchy” (12)
They were studio veterans by now and this latest offering went up one more plac.

Bomb The Bass – “Don’t Make Me Wait” (6)
In the studio but the song went up no further.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (1) (video)
Fifth and final week at number one.

Phil Collins – “Groovy Kind Of Love” (9) (video/credits)
Will be number one next week.

8th September is next

Top of the Pops All Over the World

And I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it ~ it's the 25th August 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Oh here we are and here we are and here we go-go

25/08/88  (Nicky Campbell & Gary Davies)

Big Country – “King Of Emotion” (16)
Getting us underway with their new sound but this was to be the band's final top 20 hit and it was now at its peak.

Jane Wiedlin – “Rush Hour” (21)
The former Go-Go is in the studio to perform what was her only top 40 hit and this bouncy song peaked at number 12.

Brother Beyond – “The Harder I Try” (3)
Back in the studio with their first of two top ten hits and it went up one more place.

Bomb The Bass – “Don’t Make Me Wait” (20) (breaker)
Became their second of four top ten hits when it peaked at number 6.

Womack & Womack – “Teardrops” (18) (breaker)
Became by far the duo's biggest hit when it peaked at number 3.

Status Quo – “Running All Over The World” (17) (video)
It was this year's Sport Aid single but it got no higher than number 17.

Breathe – “Hands To Heaven” (4)
Also back in the studio tonight but their only top ten hit was now at its peak.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (1) (rpt)
Fourth of five weeks at number one.

Tanita Tikaram – “Good Tradition” (10) (video/credits)
At its peak.


September 1st is next.

Top of the Pops on the Beach

Upon a summer wind there's a certain melody takes me back to a show that I know ~ the 18th August 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Harry Potter's mum?

18/08/88  (Simon Mayo & Mike Read)

Aztec Camera – “Working In A Goldmine” (31)
Tonight's show gets off to a taking it easy kind of start but this song got no higher in the charts.

Kylie Minogue – “The Loco-Motion” (2) (video)
Ran out of steam at number 2.

Chris Rea – “On The Beach ‘88” (19)
'Cuddly' Chris's original version only made number 57 in 1986, but this re-recording fared much better and peaked at number 12.

Status Quo – “Running All Over The World” (30) (breaker)
This year's Sport Aid single peaked at number 17.

Van Halen – “When It’s Love” (28) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Big Country – “King Of Emotion” (24) (breaker)
Peaked at number 16.

Fairground Attraction – “Find My Love” (7)
Back in the studio a second time but the song was now at its peak.

Julio Iglesias & Stevie Wonder – “My Love” (17) (video)
Became Julio's third and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 5.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (1)
A new studio performance for Yazz's third of five weeks at number one.

Robbie Robertson – “Somewhere Down The Crazy River” (22) (video/credits)
This rather eccentric song (that Jimmy Nail must've listened to very closely I think) peaked at number 15.

Next up is August 25th.

The Only Way is Top of the Pops

Everyone deserves a second chance, especially the 11th August 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Sax Machine

11/08/88  (Bruno Brookes & Liz Kershaw)

Mica Paris featuring Courtney Pine – “Like Dreamers Do” (26)
Getting tonight's definitely not live show underway but this song got no higher.

All About Eve – “Martha’s Harbour” (15)
Accepting an invitation to return to the studio after last week's diastrous technical issues, this time the duo perform it live and the song peaked at number 10.

Breathe – “Hands To Heaven” (17)
Making their debut with a classy power ballad that became their only top ten hit when it peaked at number 4.

Iron Maiden – “The Evil That Men Do” (6) (video)
The second single from their number one album Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, and it went up one more place.

Tanita Tikaram – “Good Tradition” (23)
Making her debut with what became her only top ten hit when it peaked at number 10.

Brother Beyond – “The Harder I Try” (24)
Another band making their studio debut with what became their biggest hit when it peaked at number 2 for these Bros-a-likes.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (1) (video)
Second of five weeks at number one.

BVSMP – “I Need You” (4) (video/credits)
Went up one more place.


August 18th is next.

Martha's Top of the Pops

You might want to hide behind the sofa! It's the infamous 4th August 1988 live edition of Top of the Pops!

Flop of the Pops

04/08/88 (Mark Goodier & Janice Long)

Kylie Minogue – “The Loco-Motion” (2)
Making her studio debut and getting tonight's unforgettable show underway with her second of three number two hits in 1988.

Fairground Attraction – “Find My Love” (14)
Eddi must have been hot in that big coat, but it was worth the sweat becasue the song went up seven more places.

Voice Of The Beehive – “I Say Nothing” (25)
Also in the studio tonight and the song went up three more places.

Kim Wilde – “You Came” (4) (rpt from 21/07/88)
Went up one more place.

The Funky Worm – “Hustle (To The Music)” (17)
Making their debut with what would be their only top 40 hit when it peaked at number 13.

All About Eve – “Martha’s Harbour” (22)
It's still awkward to watch even after all these years, but the studio audience were very supportive, and it all turned out alright in the end because the song deservedly went up twelve more places.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (1) (rpt from 28/07/88)
Well, Yazz was clearly in the studio tonight but it looks like this performance itself was a repeat from last week. But anyway, this was her first of five weeks at number one.

S Express – “Superfly Guy” (6) (video/credits)
Went up one more place.


August 11th is next

Top-of-the-Pops-A-Boo

I can see you! I know what you're doing! You're watching the 28th July 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Top Hat of the Pops

28/07/88  (Nicky Campbell & Gary Davies)

Shakin’ Stevens – “Feel The Need In Me” (26)
Someone's had too much weetabix for breakfast this morning! So much energy but sadly his top ten days were behind him and despite all his exersions this rock n roll disco cover got no higher.

BVSMP – “I Need You” (22) (video)
Their only hit and it peaked at number 3.

Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Peek-A-Boo” (30)
Sporting a white top hat and a zebra stripe dress, this rather cute tune became Siouxsie and the band's final top 20 hit when it peaked at number 16.

Voice Of The Beehive – “I Say Nothing” (37) (breaker)
Peaked at number 22.

All About Eve – “Martha’s Harbour” (36) (breaker)
One week away from their infamous studio appearance, the song would peak at number 10.

Steven Dante – “I’m Too Scared” (34) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Julia Fordham – “Happy Ever After” (39) (breaker)
Peaked at number 27.

Pat Benatar – “All Fired Up” (23) (video)
Became her final top 40 hit when it peaked at number 19.

Yazz & The Plastic Population – “The Only Way Is Up” (10)
In the studio to debut our 1988 blog title and it will be number one next week.

Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (1) (rpt from 07/07/88)
Fourth and final week at number one.

Fairground Attraction – “Find My Love” (32) (video/credits)
This summery song became their second of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 7.


4th August is next.

I Don't Want To Talk About Top of the Pops

But if I stay here just a little bit longer, I'll be listening to the 21st July 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Sabrina? Who's she?

21/07/88  (Andy Crane & Peter Powell)

S Express – “Superfly Guy” (20)
Andy Crane's first show gets underway with what became the second of three top ten hits for S-Express when it peaked at number 5.

Def Leppard – “Love Bites” (12) (video)
Went up one more place.

Everything But The Girl – “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” (3)
A second studio performance, and this time they have brought their string section along, but the song was now at its peak.

The Mac Band featuring the McCampbell Brothers – “Roses Are Red” (8)
Making their studio debut here but this song was also at its peak.

Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers – “Tomorrow People” (22)
And another studio debut, but again the song went up no higher.

Michael Jackson – “Dirty Diana” (4) (video)
Yet another song at its peak.

Kim Wilde – “You Came” (16)
Did she record this the other week when she gave the birthday cake to Glenn Medeiros? The song was a big hit for her and it peaked at number 3.

Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (1) (video)
Third of four weeks at number one.

George Michael – “Monkey” (13) (video/credits)
The fifth single from his number one album Faith, and number 13 was as high as it climbed.


July 28th is next.

I Want Your Top of the Pops

This edition of Top of the Pops is not being shown on BBC4 because of sound issues, so a massive thanks goes to Acer Ben and xrayfour for making it available here at WeTransfer.

Transvision Amp

14/07/88 (Simon Bates & Bruno Brookes)

Transvision Vamp – “I Want Your Love” (15)
Cooooooor! Peaked at number 5.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Push It” (2) (video)
At its peak.

UB40 & Chrissie Hynde – “Breakfast In Bed” (7) (rpt from 23/06/88)
Went up one more place.

Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers – “Tomorrow People” (28) (breaker)
Peaked at number 22.

Def Leppard – “Love Bites” (20) (breaker)
Went up to number 11.

Pat Benatar – “All Fired Up” (30) (breaker)
Her final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 19.

Debbie Gibson – “Foolish Beat” (18) (video)
Became her second and final top ten hit when it peaked at number 9.

The Wee Papa Girl Rappers – “Heat It Up” (29)
Peaked at number 21.

Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car” (5) (video)
At its peak.

Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (1) (rpt from 07/07/88)
Second of four weeks at number one.

Michael Jackson – “Dirty Diana” (14) (video/credits)
Peaked at number 4.




July 21st is next.

Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For Top of the Pops

Not even Kim Wilde personally delivering me a birthday cake could keep me away from this 7th July 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Number one in the charts, just turned 18, and getting a kiss from Kim Wilde - am I jealous? Yes.

07/07/88 (Janice Long & Simon Mayo)

The Communards – “There’s More To Love” (20)
Getting the show underway with what was to be their final hit and it got no higher.

The Mac Band featuring the McCampbell Brothers – “Roses Are Red” (16) (video)
Their only top ten hit and it peaked at number 8.

Everything But The Girl – “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” (23)
This sumptuous Crazy Horse cover became the duo's first of four top ten hits when it peaked at number 3.

INXS – “Never Tear Us Apart” (24) (video)
This dramatic song was their biggest so far but somehow it got no higher than number 24.

Eighth Wonder – “Cross My Heart” (22)
The whole band are here this time but this was to be their final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 13.

Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (1)
Performing a live vocal in the studio on his 18th birthday, this was his first of four summer weeks at number one.

Transvision Vamp – “I Want Your Love” (32) (video/credits)
Became their first of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 5.


Next up is July 14th, but it's another one with dodgy sound issues, so it seems BBC4 are skipping it.

Top of the Pops Will Be With You

Summer's here and the time is right for the 30th June 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

When I Knees You

30/06/88  (Gary Davies & Peter Powell)

Hazell Dean – “Maybe (We Should Call It A Day)” (18)
Hazell gets this live show off to a high energy start and the song went up three more places.

Bruce Springsteen – “Tougher Than The Rest” (15) (video)
And The Boss went up two more places.

Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car” (10) (video)
Taken from her eponymous mega number one album, Fast Car peaked at number 5.

Matt Bianco – “Don’t Blame It On That Girl” (14)
Their final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 11.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Push It” (7) (video)
With their debut hit and it went all the way to number two.

T’Pau – “I Will Be With You” (17)
This storming power ballad was the fifth and final single taken from their number one album Bridge of Spies, and it peaked at number 14.

The Fat Boys & Chubby Checker – “The Twist (Yo Twist)” (2) (video)
Now at its peak, this was the second and final top ten hit for the Fat Boys, and the third and final top ten hit for Chubby Checker.

Bros – “I Owe You Nothing” (1) (rpt from 16/06/88)
Second and final week at number one.

Glenn Medeiros – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” (11) (video/credits)
It couldn't really fail to get to number one, and it will get there next week.

July 7th is next.

I Owe You Top of the Pops

Unfortunately this edition of Top of the Pops from June 23rd cannot be broadcast on BBC4 due to issues with the sound quality, so a huge thanks to xrayfour and Robert Thompson for putting this restored version up here at WeTransfer.
And a newer link here.

And now here it is on Google Dive.

After the screaming starts

23/06/88  (Nicky Campbell & Mark Goodier) 

The Pasadenas – “Tribute (Right On)” (6)
Went up one more place.

Phil Collins – “In The Air Tonight” (8) (video)
The original version got to number 2 in 1981, this remix made it to number 4.

UB40 & Chrissie Hynde – “Breakfast In Bed” (9)
Peaked at number 6.

Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car” (26) (breaker)
Peaked at number 5.

The Communards – “There’s More To Love” (27) (breaker)
Their final hit and it peaked at number 20.

Salt ‘N’ Pepa – “Push It” (24) (breaker)
Peaked at number 2.

Bruce Springsteen – “Tougher Than The Rest” (21) (breaker)
Peaked at number 13.

Maxi Priest – “Wild World” (5) (rpt from 09/06/88)
At its peak.

Eurythmics – “You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart” (18)
Went up two more places.

Bros – “I Owe You Nothing” (1) (rpt from 16/06/88)
First of two weeks at number one.

The Fat Boys & Chubby Checker – “The Twist (Yo Twist)” (4) (video/credits)
Went up two more places.


Next up is June 30th.

Top of the Tardis

Thankfully the Daleks couldn't exterminate this 16th June 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

We are the superior popstars

16/06/88  (Gary Davies & Mike Read)

Sabrina – “Boys (Summertime Love)” (4)
Bouncing into the studio to get tonight's show underway with her only top ten tit ~ I mean hit ~ and it went up one more place.

Erasure – “Chains Of Love” (11)
In the studio this week with Andy disguised as a parrot but the song flew no higher.

The Sisters Of Mercy – “Lucretia My Reflection” (20)
Straight into the charts at number 20 but it went up no higher.

The Fat Boys & Chubby Checker – “The Twist (Yo Twist)” (19) (breaker)
Peaked at number 2.

Eurythmics – “You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart” (25) (breaker)
Peaked at number 16.

A-ha – “The Blood That Moves The Body” (26) (breaker)
Went up one more place.

Sade – “Paradise” (29) (breaker)
Went up no higher.

Matt Bianco – “Don’t Blame It On That Girl” (21)
Featuring some energetic dancing this was their biggest hit and also their final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 11.

Bros – “I Owe You Nothing” (2)
In the studio to perform the song that will be number one next week.

The Timelords – “Doctorin’ The Tardis” (1) (rpt from 09/06/88)
Their first and only week at number one.

The Pasadenas – “Tribute (Right On)” (16) (video/credits)
Became their first of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 5.


June 23rd is next, but it won't be shown on BBC4 due to sound issues with it.

Everyday Is Like Top of the Pops

Is everyday silent and grey? Not when we've got the 9th June 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Ear we go

09/06/88  (Simon Mayo & Peter Powell) 

The Timelords – “Doctorin’ The Tardis” (4)
Tonight's show gets underway with the record that will be number one next week.

Five Star – “Another Weekend” (18) (video)
Looking and sounding like five Michael Jacksons, but the song got no higher.

Voice Of The Beehive – “Don’t Call Me Baby” (23)
Making their debut on the show and the song peaked at number 15.

Mica Paris – “My One Temptation” (7)
Making a second studio appearance but the song got no higher.

Fields Of The Nephilim – “Moonchild” (28) (breaker)
Their biggest hit but it got no higher.

Sabrina – “Boys (Summertime Love)” (24) (breaker)
This bouncy number peaked at number 3.

James Brown – “I’m Real” (31) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Maxi Priest – “Wild World” (15)
Singing a live vocal in the studio, this Cat Stevens cover became his first of three top ten hits when it peaked at number 5.

Morrissey – “Everyday Is Like Sunday” (12)
In the studio to perform his second single from his number one album Viva Hate, and it peaked at number 9.

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (1) (rpt from 12/05/88)
Fourth and final week at number one.

Erasure – “Chains Of Love” (19) (video/credits)
The second single from their number one album The Innocents, and it peaked at number 11.


June 16th is next.

Somewhere In My Top of the Pops

Somewhere in the studio someone had found some asbestos, and that's why we're stuck in a corridor watching videos for the 2nd June 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Flat-top of the pops

02/06/88  (Nicky Campbell & Peter Powell)

Aswad – “Give A Little Love” (18) (video)
Getting tonight's cobbled together show underway with a song that peaked at number 11.

Desireless – “Voyage Voyage” (14) (video)
With her only hit and it peaked at number 5.

Tiffany – “I Saw Him Standing There” (23) (video)
She even sings live in her videos! This Beatles cover became her third and final top ten hit when it reached number 8.

The Timelords – “Doctorin’ The Tardis” (22) (breaker)
Will be number one in two weeks time.

Voice Of The Beehive – “Don’t Call Me Baby” (27) (breaker)
Thier biggest hit and it peaked at number 15.

Five Star – “Another Weekend” (25) (breaker)
On its way to number 18.

Aztec Camera – “Somewhere In My Heart” (5) (rpt from 19/05/88)
Went up two more places.

Rod Stewart – “Lost In You” (21) (video)
Got no higher.

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (1) (rpt from 12/05/88)
Third of four weeks at number one.

Belinda Carlisle – “Circle In The Sand” (4) (video/credits)
At its peak.


Next up is June 9th.

With a Little Top of the Pops From My Friends

Lend me your ears and I'll give you the 26th May 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Wet a little help from my friends

26/05/88  (Mark Goodier & Steve Wright)

Debbie Gibson – “Out Of The Blue” (19)
Girl next door Debbie gets tonight's show underway but the song got no higher.

LA Mix – “Check This Out” (13) (video)
With some nice touches of humour this was their only top ten hit and it peaked at number 6.

Ofra Haza – “Im Nin’Alu” (15)
Bringing some eastern promise (and a stack load of tellies) into the studio but like Debbie before her the song got no higher.

Climie Fisher – “This Is Me” (22) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Aswad – “Give A Little Love” (25) (breaker)
Peaked at number 11.

The Style Council – “Life At A Top People’s Health Farm” (28) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Hothouse Flowers – “Don’t Go” (11)
Making their studio debut but this was another song already at its peak.

Mica Paris – “My One Temptation” (17)
Another studio debutante and this song became her only top ten hit when it peaked at number 7.

Scritti Politti – “Oh Patti (Don’t Feel Sorry For Loverboy)” (18)
This understated little number peaked at number 13.

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (1) (rpt from 12/05/88)
Second of four weeks at number one.

Heart – “What About Love” (14) (video/credits)
And another song at its peak.


Next up is June 2nd.

She's Leaving Top of the Pops

Thursday evening at seven o' clock and the show begins - it's the 19th May 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

What did we do that was wrong?

19/05/88  (Simon Bates & Gary Davies)

Prefab Sprout – “The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll” (14)
Getting tonight's show underway with what became their biggest hit when it peaked at number 7.

Kylie Minogue – “Got To Be Certain” (4) (video)
Went up two more places.

Derek B – “Bad Young Brother” (16)
Gives it some energy in the studio but the record was at its peak.

Aztec Camera – “Somewhere In My Heart” (17)
Performing their only top ten hit - it was a great tune and it peaked at number 3.

Heart – “What About Love” (19) (breaker)
Peaked at number 14.

Ofra Haza – “Im Nin’Alu” (25) (breaker)
Peaked at number 15.

Hothouse Flowers – “Don’t Go” (22) (breaker)
They got their big break as the interval act on this year's Eurovision, and this song was their biggest hit peaking at number 11.

Debbie Gibson – “Out Of The Blue” (27) (breaker)
Peaked at number 19.

Belinda Carlisle – “Circle In The Sand” (12) (video)
On its way up to number 4.

Billy Bragg with Cara Tivey – “She’s Leaving Home” (1)
Bravely performing totally live in the studio, this was the flip side of the Childline charity single, and was Billy's (and Cara's) only number one.

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (1) (rpt from 12/05/88)
And here's a snippet of the other side - the first of four weeks at number one.

Liverpool FC – “Anfield Rap (Red Machine In Full Effect)” (3) (video/credits)
The Crazy Gang of Wimbledon had beaten them in the FA Cup final, and thankfully the record got no higher in the charts.


May 26th is next.

Top of the Pops Emotions

You just won't know whether to laugh or cry when you watch the 12th of May 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

Wad of the Pops!

12/05/88  (Simon Mayo & Mike Read)

Harry Enfield – “Loadsamoney (Doin’ Up The House)” (4)
Cashing in on his popular Friday Night Live comedy character, this was Harry's only hit and number four was its peak.

Prince – “Alphabet Street” (9) (video)
Got no higher.

The Adventures – “Broken Land” (23)
Making their studio debut and the song went up three more places.

Narada – “Divine Emotions” (16)
He'd had a number 8 hit in 1980 with I Shoulda Loved Ya, and now here he was in the studio eight years later with his second and final top ten hit, which also peaked at number 8.

Liverpool FC – “Anfield Rap (Red Machine In Full Effect)” (13) (breaker)
Peaked at number 3.

Belinda Carlisle – “Circle In The Sand” (31) (breaker)
Peaked at number 4.

Derek B – “Bad Young Brother” (26) (breaker)
Peaked at number 16.

Prefab Sprout – “The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll” (28) (breaker)
Became their only top ten hit when it peaked at number 7.

Star Turn On 45 Pints – “Pump Up The Bitter” (12)
In the studio and they do seem to be doing live vocals, but the record got no higher, thank goodness!

Wet Wet Wet – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (5)
Will be number one next week.

Fairground Attraction – “Perfect” (1)
First and only week at number one.

Kylie Minogue – “Got To Be Certain” (15) (video/credits)
On her way to number 2.




May 19th is next.

Start Talking Top of the Pops

Quiet at the back please! It's time for the 5th May 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

The ice-cream of the crop

05/05/88 (Bruno Brookes & Adrian John)

Joyce Sims – “Walk Away” (24)
Joyce gets the show off to a frilly dress start but the song got no higher.

New Order – “Blue Monday ‘88” (10) (video)
It only seems like yesterday that this song was first in the charts, and then once again, and now here it is for a third time! This remixed version actually did best of all, and peaked at number 3.

Magnum – “Start Talking Love” (29)
Making their debut next are Birmingham's answer to Bon Jovi, performing what becam their biggest hit, and it peaked at number 22.

Harry Enfield – “Loadsamoney (Doin’ Up The House)” (17) (breaker)
On its way to number 4!

The Adventures – “Broken Land” (30) (breaker)
Their biggest hit, peaking at number 20.

Narada – “Divine Emotions” (22) (breaker)
Peaked at number 8.

Prince – “Alphabet Street” (18) (breaker)
Peaked at number 9.

The Christians – “Born Again” (26)
They were studio regulars by now, and this song went up one more place.

Primitives – “Out Of Reach” (25)
Also in the studio tonight but this one got no higher

S-Express – “Theme From S-Express” (1)
A new performance tonight for their second and final week at number one.

Star Turn On 45 Pints – “Pump Up The Bitter” (15) (video/credits)
Er.... this comedy medley peaked at number 12.



12th May is up next.

A Top of the Pops Supreme

Oh, that's bad ...... no, that's good ...... it's the 28th April 1988 edition of Top of the Pops!

I got the top of the hots for you

28/04/88  (Nicky Campbell & Gary Davies)

Pat & Mick – “Let’s All Chant” (15)
Getting us underway tonight is a former presenter, but it's all for charidee and it went up four more places.

James Brown – “The Payback Mix” (14) (video)
This weird medley went up two more places.

Fairground Attraction – “Perfect” (12)
Making their group debut in the studio with a song that will be number one in three weeks time.

Brenda Russell – “Piano In The Dark” (23) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Primitives – “Out Of Reach” (26) (breaker)
Went up one more place.

Luther Vandross – “I Gave It Up (When I Fell In Love)” (28) (breaker)
Got no higher.

Joyce Sims – “Walk Away” (29) (breaker)
Peaked at number 24.

Bananarama – “I Want You Back” (5)
In the studio again for a second performace but the song was now at its peak.

Will Downing – “A Love Supreme” (16)
Making his studio debut and this John Coltrane cover went up two more places.

S-Express – “Theme From S-Express” (1) (rpt from 21/04/88)
First of dos weeks at number one.

Scott Fitzgerald – “Go” (not in chart) (rpt from 07/04/88 + credits)
Came second in Eurovision but only made it to number 52 in the charts.


May 5th is next.

Top of the Pops's Prayer

Our father, who art at BBC TV Centre, give us this day the 21st April 1988 edition of Top of the Pops! Amen!

Ian gets his teeth into the song

21/04/88  (Simon Bates & Peter Powell)

S-Express – “Theme From S-Express” (3)
Will be number one next week.


George Michael – “One More Try” (14) (video)
This fourth single from his Faith album peaked at number 8.

Danny Wilson – “Mary’s Prayer” (15)
The group's only top ten hit, peaking at number 3.


Pat & Mick – “Let’s All Chant” (19) (breaker)
Peaked at number 11.

Will Downing – “A Love Supreme” (21) (breaker)
Peaked at number 14.

James Brown – “The Payback Mix” (25) (breaker)
Peaked at number 12.

Patrick Swayze & Wendy Frazer – “She’s Like The Wind” (24) (breaker)
Peaked at number 17.

Jermaine Stewart  -“Get Lucky” (17)
Peaked at number 13.


Hazell Dean – “Who’s Leaving Who” (6)
Went up two more places.


Pet Shop Boys – “Heart” (1) (video)
Third and final week at number one.

Michael Jackson & Jackson Five – “I Want You Back ‘88” (10) (video/credits)
Peaked at number 8.


Next up is April 28th