Archive for the ‘1984’ Category
- A brief history of JP on TOTP #3: Alphaville – September 1984
By 1984, JP had become a legendary figure on TOTP, appearing on an almost monthly basis and generally putting his cat among the pop pigeons. This was the seventh program hosted John Peel that year, notably being the first occasion he teamed up with his second long-term sidekick, Janice Long.
Among appearances by Bucks Fizz, Spandau Ballet, Sister Sledge, Level 42, Stevie Wonder and Elton John was this performance of a true ’80s classic from Alphaville with their legendary Big In Japan.
If you have any more info about this show, please add it to the wiki here.
- A brief history of JP on TOTP #2: Howard Jones – June, 1984
Little did we know it back then, but this was the last time the world would see the celebrated Peel / Jensen TOTP partnership. What better way to go out than by introducing this synth-pop classic.
I remember watching this one as well; Jones was a big favourite on the playground that summer. Also featured were Spandau Ballet, Evelyn Thomas, Bananarama, Bronski Beat and Wham! For more info on this show, or to add anything more that you know about it, click here.
- The legend of the TOTP audience
Second in notoriety only to the ‘shake and vac‘ lady are those poor souls who, for better or worse, volunteered their dancing services to Top of the Pops. Remember young ‘uns to look out for your mum or dad in these clips. I apologize profusely for the appearance of Spender at the beginning.
Peel and faithful sidekick Kid Jensen make an appearance at about 8:45 into this televisual delight. I never watched this but I’m guessing mid ’90s, based on the fact that Danny Baker is considerably less fat and unkempt than he is now.
Download and cherish forever?
- Countdown to Festive Season #4: 1984
On to business… 1984 was a big year for me. I moved to the North of England from the South, which had quite an impact on how my life panned out from that point on. Elsewhere, big brother wasn’t watching that closely just yet, although lots of stuff did happen. Hulk Hogan won the World Wrestling Federation Championship from the Iron Sheik, in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Hulkamania was born as a consequence. Konstantin Chernenko succeeded Yuri Andropov as general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and famously appeared in this video with Ronald Reagan, who defeated Walter Mondale to be re-elected in one of the largest electoral landslide in United States election history.
Great video for this year’s FF #25
This also happened in 1984…
Torvill and Dean in Sarajevo
This year’s Festive 50 marked the start of The Smiths’ short-lived but nonetheless remarkable domination of the chart. The Cocteau Twins were also at the height of their FF activity, while elsewhere there were entries for, ahem, Peel favourites The Cult and The Sisters of Mercy. There were also some classic entries from best band ever The Fall, most notably (if you ask me) at #9. The chart was broadcast between 18th December, 1984 and January 1st, 1985. Those of you who are interested in listening to the shows can do so here, here, here, here and here.
My long-lost (now found) half sister Gemma also arrived this year.
- Best Videos Ever #5: Dr. Mabuse – Propaganda
Go on, admit it, you looked like this, didn’t you?
- Lay of the Land on (Old Grey) Whistle Test
This is an epic, epic live performance from November, 1984.
Introduced by a very young looking Andy Kershaw, this is such a powerful performance from Smith and the band. Although I’m no great fan of modern dance I do think the presence of Michael Clark and a few close friends greatly enhances the spectacle.
I love this more every time I watch it, download it here or watch it on youtube here. Mark E Smith noted in a recent BBC documentary that it was really funny because the other members of the Fall had made their parents watch this on telly and all you could see was ‘Michael Clark’s arse.’
This performance happened the same month that the Band Aid single was released. Does anyone know if the Fall were invited to perform at Live Aid?
