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Top of the Pops

Music: Classic Pop & Rock

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The biggest stars, iconic performances and outrageous outfits in Britain's best pop show.

The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.

The Story of 1976

Top of the Pops: The Story of 1976

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

01/04/2011

BBC One - Top of the Pops, The Story of 1976

Top of the Pops in 1976, as a barometer of the state of pop and light entertainment TV.

Documentary exploring Top of the Pops in 1976 as a barometer of the state of pop and light entertainment TV, when the charts belonged to Showaddywaddy and Brotherhood of Man.

The nation grew up with Top of the Pops and it was always a talking point, but 35 years ago a particular kind of Top of the Pops programme and tone held sway. This documentary explores Top of the Pops in 1976 - as a barometer of the state of pop and light entertainment TV. 

It celebrates the power of the programme and observes British society of the mid 70s, British TV and the British pop scene. In 1976, glam was over and nothing had replaced it - the charts belonged to Showaddywaddy, Brotherhood of Man and the Wurzels, all to be found on Top of the Pops hosted by the Radio 1 DJs. If you wanted rock you looked to the Old Grey Whistle Test, while outside the charts a new scene was rumbling.

Contributors include Tony Blackburn, David 'Diddy' Hamilton, Paul Morley, Toyah Willcox, Showaddywaddy, Brotherhood of Man, the Wurzels and Dave Haslam.

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