The BBC have been releasing these specials for the past few years. They started with 1976 in 2011, but as soon as they hit the 80s, they have been releasing two a year - one in Jan and one in June. 1988 was the last one released earlier this year.

I think they are really great insights into the music of the day - especially from a British perspective. I loved watching TOTP and as a kid I used to watch the 80s/90s Christmas TOTP on repeat on VHS. So comforting!

Here's a link to 1981 if you're interested. Most are on youtube, so check out others too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrUywenkCYk

Due to the unfortunate events that rocked the pop music industry and several Disk Jockeys lost their jobs on the radio and television, not all clips from Top Of The Pops are available for viewing having been withdrawn by the BBC.

Due to the unfortunate events that rocked the pop music industry and several Disk Jockeys lost their jobs on the radio and television, not all clips from Top Of The Pops are available for viewing having been withdrawn by the BBC.


For the 70s ones I watched, they very wisely did not include a certain few DJs that you are speaking of. I know Operation yewtree didn't start until 2012 - I haven't watched the '75 , '76  or '77 episodes as I'm not a huge 70s fan - but the 80s ones are really worth a watch.

For the 70s ones I watched, they very wisely did not include a certain few DJs that you are speaking of. I know Operation yewtree didn't start until 2012 - I haven't watched the '75 , '76  or '77 episodes as I'm not a huge 70s fan - but the 80s ones are really worth a watch.
These programs do bring back memories for me, and in these shows when a band/singer is performing is information still displayed?

These programs do bring back memories for me, and in these shows when a band/singer is performing is information still displayed?


No 'pop up' captioned facts like TOTP2 does. It's all in voice over with Mel Giedroyc providing the info. They're so good; every time I hear there's a new one I think - it can't be as good as the last - and I'm quickly proven wrong! I highly recommend watching them on Youtube or even in BBC Iplayer if any are available. 

These programs do bring back memories for me, and in these shows when a band/singer is performing is information still displayed?


What was your favorite group from Top Of The Pops?

What was your favorite group from Top Of The Pops?
I have no real favourite group from Top of the Pops, it is favourite moments (clips) for me.

Just watch the miming and fake playing of the mandolin from guest performer DJ John Peel for "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart and the Faces, from 1971.
kcoWUt51zaU

Or even not miming and it sounding awful. I love new Order but man, this was a wrong choice for them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTb2rZ0SBg4

Or even not miming and it sounding awful. I love new Order but man, this was a wrong choice for them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTb2rZ0SBg4

The BBC have been releasing these specials for the past few years. They started with 1976 in 2011, but as soon as they hit the 80s, they have been releasing two a year - one in Jan and one in June. 1988 was the last one released earlier this year.

I think they are really great insights into the music of the day - especially from a British perspective. I loved watching TOTP and as a kid I used to watch the 80s/90s Christmas TOTP on repeat on VHS. So comforting!

Here's a link to 1981 if you're interested. Most are on youtube, so check out others too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrUywenkCYk


I'm really enjoying The Top Of The Pops stories, brings back nostalgia.

I have no real favourite group from Top of the Pops, it is favourite moments (clips) for me.

Just watch the miming and fake playing of the mandolin from guest performer DJ John Peel for "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart and the Faces, from 1971.
kcoWUt51zaU
For the record, it was musician Ray Jackson (of Lindisfarne) that played the mandolin for this record, and threatened legal action against Stewart in 2003, claiming that he should have been credited as co-composer of "Maggie May" alongside Stewart and guitarist Martin Quittenton for writing the musical "hook" of the song.

I'm really enjoying The Top Of The Pops stories, brings back nostalgia.


You should def watch all the documentaries - they're so good. Plus, you might find some songs that you had either forgotton about, or maybe never heard of from the UK!

You should def watch all the documentaries - they're so good. Plus, you might find some songs that you had either forgotton about, or maybe never heard of from the UK!


I just finished watching 1981 and I will watch more later on in the week.

I just finished watching 1981 and I will watch more later on in the week.


Good stuff - did you enjoy it? :)

Good stuff - did you enjoy it? :)


I liked it, just surprised The female dancers Legs And Co after the early to mid 80's were no longer needed.  :(

Due to the unfortunate events that rocked the pop music industry and several Disk Jockeys lost their jobs on the radio and television, not all clips from Top Of The Pops are available for viewing having been withdrawn by the BBC.


Like the Jimmy Saville incident?

Like the Jimmy Saville incident?
Indeed, and with those personalities connected.

Yes I've been watching all the 80s ones. Shame that the reruns with Mike Smith can't be aired. A lot of classic performances can't be shown. All a bit silly in my opinion, but I know opinion is divided.

Yes I've been watching all the 80s ones. Shame that the reruns with Mike Smith can't be aired. A lot of classic performances can't be shown. All a bit silly in my opinion, but I know opinion is divided.


The next one should be released in Jan - looking forward to it.

The next one should be released in Jan - looking forward to it.


Which one is it?

Which one is it?


I think it's 1989!