Rather Be Top of the Pops

BBC4 is taking us deeper and deeper into the mysterious future tonight. Surely, everyone will be driving around in flying cars and going on holiday to the moon by the time of the 31st of December 2014 edition of Top of the Pops!

 

 Happy New Tonsils

31-12-2014:   Presenters:  Fearne Cotton & Reggie Yates

(21) ED SHEERAN – Sing
(-) JESS GLYNNE – Right Here
(76) THE VAMPS – Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)
(-) PROFESSOR GREEN feat. TORI KELLY – Lullaby
(77) CHERYL – I Don’t Care  (video)
(15) TAYLOR SWIFT – Shake It Off  (video)
(7) MEGHAN TRAINOR – All About That Bass  (video)
(50) CLEAN BANDIT feat. JESS GLYNNE – Rather Be  (video)
(-) ROYAL BLOOD – Ten Tonne Skeleton  (footage from T In The Park 2014)
(19) IDINA MENZEL – Let It Go  (video)
(-) SHAKIRA feat. RIHANNA – Can’t Remember To Forget You  (video)
(66) NICKI MINAJ – Anaconda  (video)
(14) ONE DIRECTION – Steal My Girl  (video)
(59) SAM SMITH – Money On My Mind  (video)
(22) SAM SMITH – Stay With Me  (video)
(-) PAOLO NUTINI – Scream  (footage from Radio 1’s Big Weekend)
(21) GEORGE EZRA – Budapest  (video)
(-) CALVIN HARRIS – Summer  (video)
(27) ED SHEERAN – Sing  (video)
(3) ED SHEERAN – Thinking Out Loud  (video)
(-) LA ROUX – Sexotheque
(48) GEORGE EZRA – Listen To The Man
(69) ARIANA GRANDE  – Problem  (footage from Radio 1 Teen Awards 2014)
(31) ELLA HENDERSON – Yours
(-) LABRINTH – Let It Be
(-) KATY PERRY – Roar  (footage from Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2014)
(-) METALLICA – Enter Sandman  (footage from Glastonbury 2014)
(-) DOLLY PARTON – 9 To 5  (footage from Glastonbury 2014)
(-) KATE BUSH – Running Up That Hill  (video)
(62) COLDPLAY – A Sky Full Of Stars  (footage from Radio 2 In Concert)
(-) THE WANTED – All Time Low  (video)
(-) TAKE THAT & LULU – Relight My Fire  (clip of TOTP 25-12-93)
(-) S. CLUB 7 – S. Club Party  (footage from Children In Need 2014)
(-) DAVID GUETTA feat. SAM MARTIN – Lovers On The Sun  (video)
(73) IGGY AZALEA feat. RITA ORA – Black Widow  (video)
(14) ONE DIRECTION – Steal My Girl  (video)
(48) GEORGE EZRA – Listen To The Man  (video)
(-) ARCADE FIRE – We Exist  (video)
(40) BAND AID 30 – Do They Know It’s Christmas?  (video)
(81) CHARLI XCX  – Boom Clap
(42) THE SCRIPT  – Superheroes
(-) CALVIN HARRIS – Summer  (video)
(-) DAVID GUETTA feat. SAM MARTIN – Lovers On The Sun  (video)
(53) SIGMA feat. PALOMA  FAITH – Changing  (video)
(-) ANDY C & FIORA – Heartbeat Loud  (video)
(-) DVBBS & BORGEOUS feat. TINIE TEMPAH – Tsunami (Jump)  (video)
(16) CLEAN BANDIT feat. JESS GLYNNE – Real Love
(1) MARK RONSON feat. BRUNO MARS – Uptown Funk  (video)

 

Happy New Year everyone!

Next stop, 1992!

Get the Top of the Pops Party Started

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

And now BBC4 takes us even further into the future tonight with the 25th of December 2002 edition of Top of the Pops!

 

Mega Christmas!

25-12-2002:   Presenters:  Lisa Snowdon & Richard Blackwood

(-) PINK – Get The Party Started
(-) ATOMIC KITTEN – The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)
(-) GARETH GATES – Unchained Melody
(-) RONAN KEATING – If Tomorrow Never Comes
(-) NICKELBACK – How You Remind Me 
(1) GIRLS ALOUD – Sound Of The Underground
(13) NELLY feat. KELLY ROWLAND – Dilemma
(-) DARIUS – Colourblind
(-) LIBERTY X – Just A Little
(-) HOLLY VALANCE – Kiss Kiss
(-) ELVIS versus JXL – A Little Less Conversation 
(-) ENRIQUE IGLESIAS – Hero
(-) WILL YOUNG – Evergreen  (and credits)

Viva Top of the Pops

 BBC4 is taking us for a little peek into the future tonight with the quite excellent 25th of December 1998 edition of Top of the Pops!

Spice Christmas

25-12-98:   Presenters:  Kate Thornton, Jamie Theakston & Jayne Middlemiss

SPICE GIRLS – Viva Forever
THE TAMPERER feat. MAYA – Feel It
(62) STARDUST – Music Sounds Better With You  (montage of TOTP clips)
(3) DENISE & JOHNNY – Especially For You
ROBBIE WILLIAMS – Angels
B*WITCHED – C’est La Vie
MOUSSE T. versus HOT ‘N’ JUICY – Horny
(1) SPICE GIRLS – Goodbye
ALL SAINTS – Never Ever/Under The Bridge
FAT LES – Vindaloo
LeANN RIMES – How Do I Live
BOYZONE – No Matter What
CELINE DION – My Heart Will Go On
(10) JANE McDONALD – Cruise Into Christmas
(4) CHER – Believe  (and credits)

The Top of the Pops That I Want

 I got chills, they're multiplying ~ it's the 25th of December 1978 edition of Top of the Pops!

Mary Christmas

25-12-78: Presenter: Noel Edmonds

(-) DARTS – The Boy From New York City

 Darts get Noel's last ever show underway but they were never quite the same after Den left :-(

(-) BONEY M – Rasputin

 Love this song and this performance of it. The band got their name from Boney, an Australian TV drama about a part-aboriginal detective called Bonaparte.

(53) JOHN TRAVOLTA & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN – Summer Nights (danced to by Legs & Co)

The roles of Danny and Sandy in Grease, incidentally, were originally offered to Henry Winkler (the Fonz off Happy Days) and Marie Osmond!

(-) WINGS – Mull Of Kintyre (video)

 I've always preferred this video clip to the one where they are wandering around in the field. This song was the UK’s bestselling single of all time for 7 years, until Band Aid's Do they Know its Christmas in 1984. It’s still 4th in the list with 2.07 million sales.

(-) BROTHERHOOD OF MAN – Figaro

 A new clip - filmed for Swap Shop maybe - as indeed this whole show has a Swap Shop sort of feel about it.

(-) FATHER ABRAHAM & THE SMURFS – The Smurf Song (video)

 Dutch musician Father Abraham’s real name is Petrus Kartner.

(-) THE BEE GEES – Night Fever (movie clip)

Oh dear. When I saw that BBC4 were broadcasting this edition I thought maybe they would show the original version, complete with the movie clips from Saturday Night Fever and Grease. But no. It's the butchered version from 2013 once again. Oh well. Another chance to see Legs & Co's  Saturday Nightie Fever routine.

(-) BRIAN & MICHAEL – Matchstalk Men And Matchstalk Cats And Dogs

 The duo went on to write & produce 1986 novelty hit It's 'Orrible Being in Love (When You're 8½) by Claire & Friends.

(-) BRIGHOUSE & RASTRICK BRASS BAND – The Floral Dance ®

 Perfect for Christmas.

(-) KATE BUSH – Wuthering Heights (video)

 The first showing on TOTP for this wonderful video. Coincidentally, Kate Bush shares a birthday (30 July) with Emily Bronte, author of the novel, Wuthering Heights.

(-) SHOWADDYWADDY – I Wonder Why

 They were Christmas regulars by now and altogether had 23 UK chart hits, including ten in the top 10.

(57) BONEY M – Rivers Of Babylon ®

 This song is a cover of a 1970 song by Jamaican reggae outfit The Melodians, and is the seventh bestselling UK single of all time with 2.02 million copies.

(-) THE COMMODORES – Three Times A Lady (danced to by Legs & Co)

The Commodores picked their name out of the dictionary at random and almost became The Commodes

(-) ABBA – Take A Chance On Me (video)

 Singer Anni-Frid married a German prince in 1992. Her full title is Her Serene Highness Princess Anni-Frid Synni Reuss, Countess of Plauen.

(-) ROSE ROYCE – Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (video)

 The video of this great song shown for the first time.

(-) JOHN TRAVOLTA & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN – You’re The One That I Want (movie clip)

 Should be the clip from Grease here please BBC4.

(1) BONEY M – Mary’s Boy Child – Oh My Lord ®

 Boney M with the Xmas number one ~ originally a number one for Harry Belafonte in 1957 this version is the UK’s 11th best-selling single of all time with 1.86 million sales.

 

(-) JAMES GALWAY – Annie’s Song (and credits)

 With Christmas fairy Sue doing the ballet dancing. Annie’s Song was written by John Denver, as an ode to his wife of the same name. It was a number 1 for him in 1974. James Galway’s wife at this time was also called Annie.

 

Spirit of the Pops

When I die and they lay me to rest, gonna go to the place that's best ~ the 25th of December 1986 edition of Top of the Pops!

Doctor and the Merry Christmases

25/12/86  (Simon Bates, Gary Davies, Janice Long & Peter Powell)

Billy Ocean – “When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going”
Billy gets the Christmas Day show of (almost) exclusively number ones underway with his one and only chart topper, from back in February.

The Communards – “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (video)
A-ha – “The Sun Always Shines On TV” (video)
Europe – “The Final Countdown” (video)

Doctor & The Medics – “Spirit In The Sky”

Cliff Richard & The Young Ones – “Living Doll” (video)
Spitting Image – “The Chicken Song” (video)

Boris Gardiner – “I Want To Wake Up With You”
Boris finally performs his only number one hit in the studio!

Diana Ross – “Chain Reaction” (video)
Berlin – “Take My Breath Away” (video)

Simply Red – “Holding Back The Years”
With the only song on the show not to make number one.

Nick Berry – “Every Loser Wins” (video)
Falco – “Rock Me Amadeus” (video)
George Michael – “A Different Corner” (video)

Pet Shop Boys – “West End Girls”

Madonna – “True Blue” (video)
Madonna – “Papa Don’t Preach” (video)

Chris De Burgh – “The Lady In Red”

The Housemartins – “Caravan Of Love” (video)
Jackie Wilson – “Reet Petite” (video)
Pipping the Housemartins to the top spot, this was the first of four weeks at number one for Jackie Wilson.


Wham! – “Edge Of Heaven” (video/credits)

Saviour of the Pops

 Winter has truly begun and we are waiting for, waiting for the 25th of December 1990 edition of Top of the Pops!

Cliffmas Day

25-12-90:   Presenters:  Mark Goodier & Anthea Turner

(27) KIM APPLEBY – Don’t Worry

Getting Christmas Day underway with her number 2 hit.

 

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – Hangin’ Tough  (video)

KYLIE MINOGUE – Tears On My Pillow  (video)

 

BEATS INTERNATIONAL feat. LINDY LAYTON – Dub Be Good To Me

Back together for one last studio rendition of their number 1 hit.

 

SLADE – Merry Xmas Everybody  (clip of TOTP 25-12-74)

MUD – Lonely This Christmas   (clip of TOTP 25-12-74)

ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No One Quite Like Grandma (clip of TOTP 25-12-80)

(55) THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH – A Little Time

Also back in the studio for a new performance of their recent number 1 song.

ENGLAND/NEW ORDER – World In Motion  (video)
PARTNERS IN KRYME – Turtle Power  (video)

BOMBALURINA – Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

In the studio with their summer number 1. Oh yeah.

BONEY M – Mary’s Boy Child – Oh My Lord  (clip of TOTP 25-12-78)
THE HUMAN LEAGUE – Don’t You Want Me  (clip of TOTP 24-12-81)

ELTON JOHN – Sacrifice  (clip of TOTP 21-6-90)

SNAP – The Power  (video) 

(2) VANILLA ICE – Ice Ice Baby  (video)

KYLIE MINOGUE – Better The Devil You Know 

In the Christmas Day studio with her devilish number 2 hit.

ADAMSKI – Killer

A totally fabulous live studio performance from both Adamski on keyboards and of course Seal on vocals.

STEVE MILLER BAND – The Joker  (video)
THE B52’S – Love Shack  (video)
SINEAD O’CONNOR – Nothing Compares 2 U
SHAKIN’ STEVENS – Merry Christmas Everyone  (clip of TOTP 12-12-85)
CLIFF RICHARD – Mistletoe And Wine  (clip of TOTP 8-12-88)

LONDONBEAT – I’ve Been Thinking About You

In the studio today with their number 2 hit.

(12) THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS – Unchained Melody  (video)
ALANNAH MILES – Black Velvet  (video)
MARIA McKEE – Show Me Heaven  (video)
THE FLYING PICKETS – Only You  (clip of TOTP 25-12-83)
PET SHOP BOYS – Always On My Mind  (clip of TOTP 25-12-87)
JOHNNY MATHIS – When A Child Is Born (Soleado)  (video)
MADONNA – Vogue  (video)

STATUS QUO – The Anniversary Waltz Part 1

Keeping the party in full swing with their number 2 hit. 

(1) CLIFF RICHARD – Saviour’s Day  (and credits) 

And Cliff wears the Christmas number 1 crown for the third year in a row!

Panto of the Pops

 Say it loud, say it clear, it's the 25th of December 1989 edition of Top of the Pops!

Behind you!

25/12/89  (Jakki Brambles, Bruno Brookes & Gary Davies)

Erasure – “Stop”
Getting Christmas Day underway with the ironically named Stop which had peaked at number 2 back in January.

Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan – “Especially For You” (video clip)

Mike & The Mechanics – “The Living Years”
They hadn't made it into the studio at the time in was peaking at number 2 in the charts but they are here for Christmas.

Marc Almond & Gene Pitney – “Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart”
Also in the studio to perform their number one hit.

Michael Ball – “Love Changes Everything” (video clip)
Michael Jackson – “Leave Me Alone” (video clip)
Simple Minds – “Belfast Child” (video clip)
Madonna – “Like A Prayer” (video clip)

Jason Donovan – “Too Many Broken Hearts”
What a year he'd just had and here he is in the studio with this number one hit.

Simply Red – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (video clip)
Bangles – “Eternal Flame” (video clip)
Natalie Cole – “Miss You Like Crazy” (video clip)
Various – “Ferry ’Cross The Mersey” (video clip)
Kylie Minogue – “Hand On Your Heart” (video clip)
Cliff Richard – “The Best Of Me” (video clip)
Prince – “Batdance” (video clip)
Soul II Soul – “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” (video clip)
Jason Donovan – “Sealed With A Kiss” (video clip)

Bros – “Too Much”
A colourful performance in th studio for this song which had peaked at number 2.

London Boys – “London Nights”
More studio acrobatics for what was probably their final appearance on the show to perform their biggest hit which had peaked at number 2.

The Beautiful South – “Song For Whoever”
And another new studio performance for another number 2 hit.

Kylie Minogue – “Wouldn’t Change A Thing” (video clip)
Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers – “Swing The Mood” (video clip)

Sonia – “You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You”
She's only got a snowman to dance with tonight as she performs her number one hit.

Alice Cooper – “Poison” (video clip)
Lil Louis – “French Kiss” (video clip)
Richard Marx – “Right Here Waiting” (video clip)
Jason Donovan – “Every Day (I Love You More)” (video clip)

Black Box – “Ride On Time”
Back in the studio for another rousing performance of the year's biggest selling single.

Milli Vanilli – “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” (video clip)
Technotronic feat Felly – “Pump Up The Jam” (video clip)
Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers – “That’s What I Like” (video clip)

Lisa Stansfield – “All Around The World”
In the studio for a new performance of her number one song.

Phil Collins – “Another Day In Paradise” (video clip)
Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville – “Don’t Know Much” (video clip)
New Kids On The Block – “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” (video clip)
Jason Donovan – “When You Come Back To Me” (video clip)
Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers – “Let’s Party” (video clip)

Band Aid II – “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (video)
And the class of '89 (and Cliff) with their second of three weeks at number one!

Mistletoe and Top of the Pops

With logs on the fire, and gifts on the tree, 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)

Do They Know it's Top of the Pops?

 

It's Christmas time, and BBC4 have run out of 1991, and so we're going back in time to revisit this quite incredible Xmas Day 1984 edition of Top of the Pops!

Tonight Bono it's 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.

The One and Holy Top of the Pops

 I am the one and holy Christmas Day 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

 

 The snow must go on

 

25-12-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie, Claudia Simon & Mark Franklin

SEAL – Crazy

Getting Christmas underway with this number 2 hit from January.

IRON MAIDEN – Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter  (video)
ENIGMA – Sadness Part 1  (video)
QUEEN – Innuendo  (video)
VANILLA ICE – Ice Ice Baby  (video)
CLIFF RICHARD – Saviour’s Day  (video)
JOHN TRAVOLTA & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN – The Grease Megamix  (video)
C & C MUSIC FACTORY feat. FREEDOM WILLIAMS – Gonna Make You Sweat  (video)

NOMAD feat. M.C. MIKEE FREEDOM – (I Wanna Give You) Devotion

Here tonight to perform their number 2 hit from February.

THE KLF – 3 a.m. Eternal  (video)
THE SIMPSONS – Do The Bartman  (video)
MADONNA – Crazy For You  (video)
2 IN A ROOM – Wiggle It  (video)
PRAISE – Only You  (video)
OLETA ADAMS – Get Here  (video)
THE SOURCE feat. CANDI STATON – You Got The Love  (video)

CHESNEY HAWKES – The One And Only

Of course he has to be here today to perform our blog title hit.

THE CLASH – Should I Stay Or Should I Go  (video)
HALE & PACE & THE STONKERS – The Stonk  (video)
ROD STEWART – Rhythm Of My Heart  (video)
ROXETTE – Joyride  (video)
PET SHOP BOYS – Where The Streets Have No Name  (video)

JAMES – Sit Down

Performing their number two hit from April.

CHER – The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)  (video)
THE WATERBOYS – The Whole Of The Moon  (video)

ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Sailing On The Seven Seas

In the studio with their number 3 hit from May.

THE KLF – Last Train To Trancentral  (video)
CRYSTAL WATERS – Gypsy Woman  (video)
BEVERLEY CRAVEN – Promise Me  (video)
ZUCCHERO & PAUL YOUNG – Sensa Una Donna (Without A Woman)  (video)

KENNY THOMAS – Thinking About Your Love

With his number 4 hit from the summer.

COLOR ME BADD – I Wanna Sex You Up  (video)
AMY GRANT – Baby Baby  (video)

ERASURE – Chorus

Hey there! Liking the sexy new keyboard player. Much better than that funny little bold chap.

JASON DONOVAN – Any Dream Will Do  (video)
HEAVY D. & THE BOYZ – Now That We Found Love  (video)
EXTREME – More Than Words  (video)
GUNS N’ ROSES – You Could Be Mine  (video)
C & C MUSIC FACTORY – Things That Make You Go Hmmm  (video)
THE SHAMEN – Move Any Mountain  (video)

RIGHT SAID FRED – I’m Too Sexy

In the stuido with the second biggest seller of the year.

 

(73) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video)

The year's biggest seller, and still in the charts.

 

P.M. DAWN – Set Adrift On Memory Bliss  (video)

THE PRODIGY – Charly  (video)

 

OCEANIC – Insanity

Performing the year's biggest dance record.

SALT-N-PEPA – Let’s Talk About Sex  (video)
PRINCE – Gett Off  (video)
ZOË– Sunshine On A Rainy Day  (video)
ERASURE – Love To Hate You  (video)

THE SCORPIONS – Wind Of Change

Making into the Christmas studio with their number 2 hit from October.

U2 – The Fly  (video)
MONTY PYTHON – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life  (video)
KIRI TE KANAWA – World In Union  (video)

(31) 2 UNLIMITED – Get Ready For This

With their number 2 hit from November.

(11) MICHAEL JACKSON – Black Or White  (video)
(22) VIC REEVES & THE WONDERSTUFF – Dizzy  (video)
(53) K-KLASS – Rhythm Is A Mystery  (video)
(26) ALTERN-8 – Activ-8 (Come With Me)  (video)
KYLIE MINOGUE & KEITH WASHINGTON – If You Were With Me Now  (video)
(42) BIZARRE INC – Playing With Knives  (video)
(3) GEORGE MICHAEL & ELTON JOHN – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me  (video)
(2) DIANA ROSS – When You Tell Me That You Love Me  (video)
(16) EAST SIDE BEAT – Ride Like The Wind  (video)
(4) THE K.L.F. feat. TAMMY WYNETTE – Justified And Ancient  (video)

(1) QUEEN – Bohemian Rhapsody  (video)

The Christmas number one.

 

 

Top of the Pops and Custard

 This edition of Top of the Pops from December 19th 1991 will not be shown on BBC4. So a huge thanks goes to Anonymous for making it available here at WeTransfer.

 

Look up to the skies and see

19-12-91:   Presenters:  Steve Anderson & Adrian Rose

(14) U.K. MIXMASTERS – Bare Necessities Megamix 

At its peak.

(6) BRIAN MAY – Driven By You  (video) 

Also at its peak.

(13) SHAFT – Roobarb And Custard 

Peaked at number 7.

(5) GUNS N’ ROSES – Live And Let Die  (video) 

Got no higher.

(35) LISA STANSFIELD – All Woman 

Peaked at number 20.

(32) SIMON & GARFUNKEL – Hazy Shade Of Winter  (video)   (Breakers)

Went up two more places.

(24) PET SHOP BOYS – Was It Worth It?  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(16) HAMMER – Addams Groove  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 4.

(26) HUMAN RESOURCE – The Complete Dominator 

Peaked at number 18. 

(1) QUEEN – Bohemian Rhapsody  (video) 

First of five weeks at number one. 

December 25th is next.

 

Top of the Kitchen

 Here we go, the table's set, and the oven is hot, come and get the 12th of December 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Cliffmas time

12-12-91:   Presenters:  Claudia Simon & Tony Dortie

(37) CATHY DENNIS – Everybody Move 

Getting us underway and the song peaked at number 25.

(36) DIGITAL – Running Out Of Time 

Their full name was Digital Orgasm, and this one climaxed at number 16.

(19) CLIFF RICHARD – We Should Be Together 

He's in the studio and pulling out all the stops for yet another Xmas number one, but he had to be content with a mere number 10 this year.

(7) KYM SIMS – Too Blind To See It  (video) 

Her only top ten hit and it peaked at number 5.

(15) SALT-N-PEPA – You Showed Me 

Live in the studio tonight but this offering got no higher.

(17) RIGHT SAID FRED feat. JOCELYN BROWN – Don’t Talk Just Kiss 

Performing their second of four top ten hits and it peaked at number 3.

(25) JASON DONOVAN – The Joseph Mega Remix  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 13.

(20) U.K. MIXMASTERS – Bare Necessities Megamix (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 14.

(13) U2 – Mysterious Ways  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(9) NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – If You Go Away  (video)   (Breakers)

Their ninth and final top ten hit, and number 9 was its peak.

(23) MARTIKA – Martika’s Kitchen 

In the studio with what was to be her fifth and final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 17. 

(1) GEORGE MICHAEL & ELTON JOHN – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me  (video) 

Second and final week at number one.

19th of December (another Adrian Rose one) will be next.

Extacy of the Pops

 The sky's the limit, you know you can have the 5th of December 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Supreme

5-12-91:   Presenters:  Elayne Smith & Mark Franklin

(16) SHADES OF RHYTHM – Extacy 

Getting tonight's show underway with what became their second of three top 40 hits when it peaked at number 16.

(15) ERASURE – Am I Right? 

Staking a claim for a Xmas hit but despite all the snow the song got no higher.

(11) SIMPLY RED – Stars

A fine live vocal from Mick of course and the song went up to number 8.

(NEW) GUNS N’ ROSES – Live And Let Die  (video) 

This Wings cover peaked at number 5.

(4) DIANA ROSS – When You Tell Me That You Love Me 

She's live in the studio tonight and the song went up two more places.

(21) CLIFF RICHARD – We Should Be Together  (video)   (Breakers)

Xams must be on the way! This one peaked at number 10.

(17) SALT-N-PEPA – You Showed Me  (video)   (Breakers)

Went up two more places.

(14) BRIAN MAY – Driven By You  (video)   (Breakers)

Became his first of two solo top ten hits when it peaked at number 6.

(13) KATE BUSH – Rocket Man  (video)   (Breakers)

This Elton John cover went up one more place.

(5) THE K.L.F. feat. TAMMY WYNETTE – Justified And Ancient 

Another studio epic and the song peaked at number 2. 

(1) GEORGE MICHAEL & ELTON JOHN – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me  (video)

First of two weeks at number one.

12th of December is next.

Smells Like Top of the Pops

 For some as yet unexplained reason BBC4 will not be showing any editions of Top of the Pops hosted by Adrian Rose. So a huge thanks goes to Anonymous for making this edition from November 28th 1991 available here at WeTransfer (new link version)

Not being on BBC4 really sucks

28-11-91:   Presenters:  Adrian Rose & Tony Dortie

EAST SIDE BEAT - Ride Like The Wind 

Peaked at number 3. 

NIRVANA - Smells Like Teen Spirit 

Such a crying shame this performance isn't being shown on BBC4. Peaked at number 7.

JAMES - Sound 

Peaked at numbe 9. 

GEORGE MICHAEL & ELTON JOHN - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me  (video) 

Will be number one next week. 

ALTERN-8 - Activ-8 (Come With Me) 

Peaked at number 3. 

SIMPLY RED - Stars  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 8.

SHADES OF RHYTHM - Extacy  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 16.

DIANA ROSS - When You Tell Me That You Love Me  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 2. 

MICHAEL JACKSON - Black Or White  (video) 

Second and final week at number one. 

QUEEN - The Show Must Go On  (video) 

A tribute to Freddie Mercury, who died on November 24th 1991. 

5th of December is next.

Is There Any Top of the Pops Out There?

 Come on and spit out your hearty party moon everywhere ~ it's the 21st of November 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Top 30 hat

21-11-91:   Presenters:  Steve Anderson & Mark Franklin

(9) BIZARRE INC - Playing With Knives 

Became their first of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 4.

(31) M-PEOPLE - How Can I Love You More? 

 Making their studio debut, this song peaked at number 29 for now, but will make it to number 8 in 1993.

(5) BASSHEADS - Is There Anybody Out There? 

 Their only top ten hit and number 5 was its peak.

(10) MICHAEL BOLTON - When A Man Loves A Woman  (video) 

Peaked at number 8. 

(21) LOVE DECADE - So Real   

Their first of three top 40 hits and it peaked at number 14.

(Exclusive) THE SCORPIONS - Send Me An Angel 

In the studio tonight to perform their third and final top 40 hit and it peaked at number 27. 

(24) ANTICAPPELLA - 2/231  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(23) ROXETTE - Spending My Time  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 22.

(20) SKID ROW - Wasted Time  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(15) EXTREME - Hole Hearted  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 12. 

(13) SONIA - You To Me Are Everything 

 Performing this Real Thing cover and it peaked at number 13.

(1) MICHAEL JACKSON - Black Or White  (video) 

First of two weeks at number one.

28th of November will be posted next.

Faith in the Power of Top of the Pops

 Brothers always shouting, sister starts to cry, it's the 14th of November 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Red hot

14-11-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Claudia Simon

(22) ROZALLA - Faith (In The Power Of Love) 

Getting tonight's show underway and the song peaked at number 11.

(14) SEAL - Killer 

 This song had been a number 1 last year of course for Adamski, this time Seal took his solo version to number 8.

(Album) TINA TURNER - The Way Of The World 

 From her number 2 greatest hits ablum Simply The Best, this song peaked at number 13.

(11) ALTERN-8 - Activ-8 (Come With Me) 

 Became their first of two top ten hits when it peaked at number 3

(29) SONIA - You To Me Are Everything  (video)   (Breakers)

 Peaked at number 13.

(28) REM - Radio Song  (video)   (Breakers)

 Got ni higher.

(8) BASSHEADS - Is There Anybody Out There?  (video)   (Breakers)

 Peaked at number 5.

(Exclusive) MICHAEL JACKSON - Black Or White  (video) 

 The whole video, including the rather weird bit at the end, and the song will be number one next week.

(1) VIC REEVES & THE WONDERSTUFF - Dizzy  (video) 

 Second and final week at number one.

21st of November is next.

It's Top of the Pops Up North

 Bolton, Barnsley, Nelson, Colne, Burnley, Bradford, Buxton, Crewe - it's the 7th of November 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Green and pleasant band

7-11-91:   Presenters:  Elayne Smith & Mark Franklin

(18) JUSTIFIED ANCIENTS OF MU MU - It's Grim Up North 

Getting tonight's show underway and the tune went up eight more places.

(26) CROWDED HOUSE - Fall At Your Feet 

 Making their studio debut with their second of thirteen top 40 hits and it peaked at number 17.

(8) K-KLASS - Rhythm Is A Mystery 

Performing their only top ten hit and it peaked at number 3. 

(NEW) BELINDA CARLISLE - Do You Feel Like I Feel 

 Peaked at number 29.

(27) INXS - Shining Star  (video) 

 Got no higher.

(24) CONTROL - Dance With Me 

 Their only hit and it peaked at number 17.

(35) METALLICA - The Unforgiven  (video)   (Breakers)

 Peaked at number 15.

(32) CHRIS REA - Winter Song  (video)   (Breakers)

 Peaked at number 27.

(29) MANIC STREET PREACHERS - Love's Sweet Exile  (video)   (Breakers)

 Became their second of 34 top 40 hits when it peaked at number 26.

(28) THE CHARLATANS - Me, In Time  (video)   (Breakers)

 Got no higher.

(Album track) NEIL SEDAKA - Miracle Song 

 From his number 10 greatest hits album, Timeless.

(1) VIC REEVES & THE WONDERSTUFF - Dizzy  (video) 

First of two weeks at number one.

 

 

14th of November is next.

 

Fly of the Pops

 It's no secret that the stars are falling from the sky, it's no secret that this is the 31st of October 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Head of music

31-10-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Mark Franklin

(24) SL2 – D.J.’s Take Control 

Getting this Halloween edition underway with their first of four top 40 hits and it peaked at number 11.

(17) DON McLEAN – American Pie 

Performing live in the studio and this re-release peaked at number 12.

(26) CONGRESS feat. LUCINDA SIEGER – 40 Miles 

Here tonight with their only hit and it got no higher.

(37) ZOË – Lightning 

In the studio with her second and final top 40 hit but it got no higher.

(40) CONTROL – Dance With Me  (video)   (Breakers)

Their only hit and it peaked at number 17.

(28) INXS – Shining Star  (video)   (Breakers)

Went up one more place.

(10) MOBY – Go 

Doing his own dance routine but the tune was now at its peak in the charts.

(19) KYLIE MINOGUE & KEITH WASHINGTON – If You Were With Me Now  (video) 

Peaked at number 4.

(9) GENESIS – No Son Of Mine 

From their number one album We Can't Dance, and this single peaked at number 6. 

(1) U2 – The Fly  (video)

Finally, after sixteen weeks, a new number one! For its first and only week.

 

 

7th of November is next.

 

Uploads of the Pops2

 For the friendly sharing of files.

Everyone welcome

Top of the Pops in Union

 There's a dream I feel, so rare and real, it's the 24th of October 1991 edtion of Top of the Pops!

Good try

24-10-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Mark Franklin

(2) 2 UNLIMITED – Get Ready For This 

Making their second studio appearance and getting the show underway tonight but the tune was now at its peak.

(ALBUM TRACK) KENNY THOMAS – Something Special 

From his top 3 album, Voices.

(6) VIC REEVES & THE WONDERSTUFF – Dizzy 

A zany live performance, with Bob Mortimer too, and on their way to number one.

(19) QUEEN – The Show Must Go On  (video) 

Went up three more places.

(4) KIRI TE KANAWA – World In Union 

Performing the official song of the 1991 rugby union world cup, and it was now at its peak.

(16) CARTER – THE UNSTOPPABLE SEX MACHINE – After The Watershed (Early Learning The Hard Way) 

The duo are live tonight and the song peaked at number 11.

(23) MARIAH CAREY – Emotions 

Making her studio debut, and looking quite fabulous, and the song went up to number 17.

(36) SIMPLE MINDS – Real Life  (video)   (Breakers)

 Went up two more places

(28) DON McLEAN – American Pie  (video)   (Breakers)

Number 2 in 1972, this time around it made it to number 12.

(13) PET SHOP BOYS – D.J. Culture  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(NEW) TIN MACHINE – Baby Universal 

Here they are in the studio again, this time performing their final chart single and it peaked at number 48. 

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

So, after fifteen weeks at number one, it seems there were still enough people out there who must have thought to themselves, 'you know what, I think I'll buy that Bryan Adams song I've been hearing for the past four months,' to keep it at number one for this sixteenth and final week!

31st of October is next. Spooky.

Always Look On the Bright Side of Top of the Pops

 Some things in life are bad, they can really make you sad, but this'll help things turn out for the best, it's the 17th of October 1991 edition of Top of the Pops...

And now for something completely different

17-10-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Mark Franklin

(33) SLADE – Radio Wall Of Sound 

Getting tonight's show off to a banging start, 20 years after their first hit, with Jimmy Lea taking a rare lead vocal, this terrific song was to be their 24th and final top 40 hit, barring xmas re-releases, and it peaked at number 21.

(27) ENYA – Caribbean Blue 

Also performing in the studio (was she really singing live though?) this first single from her number one album, Shepherd Moon, peaked at number 13.

(14) LISA STANSFIELD – Change 

Definitely singing live tonight and this tune became her third of eight top ten hits when it peaked at number 10.

(NEW) U2 – The Fly  (video) 

The song that will finally replace Bryan Adams.

(15) DANNII MINOGUE – Baby Love 

Performing live tonight and the song went up one more place.

(2) THE SCORPIONS – Wind Of Change  (video) 

At its peak.

(ALBUM TRACK) PAUL YOUNG – Don’t Dream It’s Over 

From his number one greatest hits album, From Time to Time, this single peaked at number 20.

(32) CE CE PENISTON – Finally  (video)   (Breakers)

Will peak at number 29 this first time around. But next year it will get to number 2.

(26) MOBY – Go  (video)   (Breakers)

Became his first of three top ten hits when it peaked at number 10.

(3) MONTY PYTHON – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life 

Totally brilliant live performance from Eric Idle and his entourage (I think Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones were in there somewhere). From the 1979 movie, Life of Brian, it had recently become a popular chant on the football terraces, and number 3 was its peak.

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

Nearly there! Fifteenth of sixteen weeks at number one.

24th of October is next.

Top of the Pops Must Go On

 Inside my heart is breaking but my smile still stays on, it's the 10th of October 1991 edition of Top of the Pops.

Zippy lady

10-10-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Mark Franklin

(24) D.J. CARL COX – I Want You (Forever) 

Getting the show underway and the dance tune went up one more place.

(29) MORRISSEY – My Love Life 

Straight in at number 29 but it got no higher.

(35) MARC COHN – Walking In Memphis 

Singing and playing live, this was his first of two top 40 hits and it peaked at number 22.

(NEW) QUEEN – The Show Must Go On  (video) 

Their final hit whilst Freddy was still alive, and it peaked at number 16.

(27) CATHY DENNIS – Too Many Walls 

Singing live tonight and the song went up ten more places.

(ALBUM TRACK) SIMPLY RED – For Your Babies 

From their number one album Stars, and it will be a top ten single next year, peaking at number 9.

(33) OLETA ADAMS – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(32) MARIAH CAREY – Emotions  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 17.

(22) PUBLIC ENEMY – Can’t Truss It  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(11) KIRI TE KANAWA – World In Union  (video)   (Breakers)

The official song of the 1991 Rugby Union World Cup,  it was her only hit and peaked at number 4.

(19) 2 UNLIMITED – Get Ready For This 

 Making their studio debut with the tune that became their first of eight top ten hits when it peaked at number 2.

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

 Fourteenth week at number one.

17th of October is next.

Live Your Life Be Top of the Pops

 If you need me it's alright, come on over baby to the 3rd of October 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Glovely lady

3-10-91:   Presenters:  Tony Dortie & Mark Franklin

(4) ERASURE – Love To Hate You 

Following the new titles and theme tune, Erasure get the Year Zero revamp underway but the song got no higher.

(25) VOICE OF THE BEEHIVE – I Think I Love You 

Also live in the new Elstree studio tonight but this Partridge Family cover was at its beak, I mean peak.

(22) KENNY THOMAS – Best Of You 

In the studio and the song peaked at number 11.

(20) BELINDA CARLISLE – Live Your Life Be Free 

Also performing here tonight, after a quick interview with 17 year old Mark Franklin (lucky boy!) and the song peaked at number 12.

(NEW) STEVIE WONDER – Fun Day  (video) 

An exciting new feaure ~ showing a video. Er.... 

and this long forgotten song peaked at number 63.

(10) JULIAN LENNON – Saltwater 

He's in the studio, he also gets a quick interview, and he was on his way to number 6.

(ALBUM TRACK) STATUS QUO – Let’s Work Together 

Another new feature ~ an album track. Taken from their number 10 album Rock Till You Drop.

(31) D.J. CARL COX – I Want You (Forever)  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 23.

(30) MONTY PYTHON – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life  (video)   (Breakers)

Their only hit single and it peaked at number 3. 

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

Some things don't change ~ thirteenth week at number one. 

10th of October is next.

Top of the Pops of Change

 The future's in the air, you can feel it everywhere on the 26th of September 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Bye bye Gary

26-9-91:   Presenter:  Gary Davies

(25) P.J.B. feat. HANNAH & HER SISTERS – Bridge Over Troubled Water 

Gary's last ever show gets underway with a cover that peaked at number 21.

(19) THE SCORPIONS – Wind Of Change  (video)  (and charts) 

Their only top ten hit, and it peaked at number 2.

(7) ROZALLA – Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) 

Singing live in the studio and the song went up one more place.

(20) REM – The One I Love  (video) 

Peaked at number 16.

(23) TINA TURNER – Nutbush City Limits  (video) 

Got no higher.

(14) BIZARRE INC – Such A Feeling 

Their first of seven top 40 hits and it went up one more place.

(24) MARC ALMOND – Jacky  (video) 

Peaked at number 17.

(8) SABRINA JOHNSTON – Peace 

Back in the studio and singing live for a second time with her only top 40 hit (except for a re-mix of this one)) but it got no higher.

(37) FISH – Internal Exile  (video)   (Breakers)

Got no higher.

(35) OZZY OSBOURNE – No More Tears  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 32.

(32) BELINDA CARLISLE – Live Your Life Be Free  (video)   (Breakers)

Peaked at number 12.

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

Now a record breaking twelfth week at number one. 

(33) BROS – Try  (video)  (and credits) 

Their final hit and it peaked at number 27. 

3rd of October is next.

Top of the Pops Got Me Started

 I'd give it all up for you, yes I would, I'd give it all up for the 19th of September 1991 edition of Top of the Pops!

Star man

19-9-91:   Presenter:  Nicky Campbell

(25) BROTHERS IN RHYTHM – Such A Good Feeling 

Getting tonight's show underway with their only top 40 hit and it peaked at number 14.

(3) SALT-N-PEPA – Let’s Talk About Sex  (video)  (and charts) 

Went up one more place.

(10) UTAH SAINTS – What Can You Do For Me 

Inthe studio for a second time but the tune was now at its peak.

(19) PRINCE – Cream  (video) 

Peaked at number 15.

(4) OCEANIC – Insanity 

Third time in the studio and it went up one more place.

(18) BRYAN ADAMS – Can’t Stop This Thing We Started  (video) 

Peaked at number 12.

(16) SIMPLY RED – Something Got Me Started 

Singing live, of course, the first single from their massive number one album Stars, which was the best selling album of both 1991 and 1992, and it peaked at number 11.

(7) ERASURE – Love To Hate You  (video) 

The scond single from their number one album Chorus, and it peaked at number 4.

(21) NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN – Trust  (video) 

Got no higher.

(38) BROS – Try  (video)   (Breakers)

Their eleventh and final hit, and it peaked at number 27.

(31) TINA TURNER – Nutbush City Limits  (video)   (Breakers)

 The original version made number 4 in 1973, this re-recording peaked at number 23.

(28) REM – The One I Love  (video)   (Breakers)

Had peaked at number 51 in 1987, this time around it reached number 16.

(1) BRYAN ADAMS – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  (video) 

Eleventh of sixteen weeks at number one. 

(29) JULIAN LENNON – Saltwater  (video)  (and credits) 

Peaked at number 6. 

26th of September is next.