BBC Radio 2 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.

BBC Radio 2

Sarah Kennedy

The show for early risers - Pause for Thought, Swing Time, Showtune,& entertainment news.

The show for Dawn Patrollers with Pause for Thought, Swing Time, the Showtune,& entertainment news.

The show for Dawn Patrollers with news, Pause for Thought, Swing Time, the Showtune, your comments, travel and entertainment news.

Sarah Kennedy: 28/08/2009

28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Sarah Kennedy, 28/08/2009

Richard Allinson sits in for Sarah Kennedy on the Dawn Patrol.

Richard Allinson sits in for Sarah Kennedy on the Dawn Patrol. With a review of the newspapers and Pause for Thought.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

Wake Up to Wogan

Terry Wogan's regular morning broadcast, featuring music, news and chat

Wake Up to Wogan: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Wake Up to Wogan, 28/08/2009

Johnnie Walker sits in for Terry Wogan with music and chat. Includes Pause for Thought.

Johnnie Walker sits in for the Togmeister, with a pre-weekend blast of music, news, travel and banter.

Johnnie Walker

Ken Bruce

The best in music every weekday with Ken Bruce, with live sessions.

Ken Bruce: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Ken Bruce, 28/08/2009

With Popmaster, the Album of the Week and Tracks of My Years from Paolo Nutini.

With Popmaster, the Love song, Record and Album of the Week, and Tracks of My Years from Paolo Nutini, who picks songs by Jimmy Cliff and The Drifters.

Ken Bruce gets another 150 minutes older and simultaneously provides more radio gaga magic. Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini chooses classics by Jimmy Cliff and The Drifters for his final two selections on Tracks Of My Years. Plus we play you a love song and there's the final hand-picked selection from the Album Of The Week.

Jeremy Vine

Jeremy Vine and guests discuss the news headlines and talk to the people making them

Jeremy Vine: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Jeremy Vine, 28/08/2009

Matthew Bannister sits in for Jeremy Vine and discusses kidnapping, sailing and lodgers.

Matthew Bannister sits in for Jeremy Vine and discusses the American girl who was kidnapped in 1991, the 13-year-old girl who wants to sail the world and taking in lodgers.

Matthew Bannister

Steve Wright in the Afternoon

Steve Wright's afternoon show with special guests, music and a host of other features

Steve Wright in the Afternoon: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Steve Wright in the Afternoon, 28/08/2009

Ask Elvis joins Steve and the Oldies are chosen by Paul Courtney from Ambrosden.

Ask Elvis joins Steve and the team and the Oldies are chosen by Paul Courtney from Ambrosden in Oxfordshire.

Steve Wright with the Non Stop Oldies, fascinating Factoids, showbiz news, the latest sport and traffic updates, all the coolest music and top celebrity guests.

Steve Wright

Chris Evans

Kicking off Radio 2's Bank 
Holiday Beatles weekend with a show devoted to Beatles requests. See also 7pm, 10pm and 11pm 
Radio features: pages 118-119

Chris Evans' drivetime slot, with laughter-inducing chat and music

Chris Evans: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Chris Evans, 28/08/2009

It's a Beatles All Request Friday, with listeners invited to nominate their Fab Four favourites.

It's your chance to launch Radio 2's Beatles Bank Holiday with a bang! 

We wrap up the week with a very special All Request Friday and the chance to choose your all time favourite Fab Four tunes!

Don't Start Me Talking...about The Beatles

Don't Start Me Talking...about The Beatles: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 2 - Don't Start Me Talking...about The Beatles, Episode 1

The story of The Beatles in the words of their fans.

The story of The Beatles in the words of their fans, offering an unique insight into the way the Fab Four affected the everyday and the commonplace.

Another chance to hear the story of The Beatles in the words of their fans. Radio 2's oral history series offers a unique insight into the way the Fab Four impacted on the everyday and the commonplace. 

 

First broadcast in June 2008.

The story of The Beatles in the words of their fans

The story of The Beatles in the words of their fans, offering an unique insight into the way the Fab Four impacted on the everyday and the commonplace

Don't Start Me Talking -about the Beatles

A chance to hear a 2008 programme of Beatles fans' memories.  
Radio features: pages 118-119

Sunday Night is Music Night

The world's longest-running live orchestral programme featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra

The world's longest-running live orchestral music programme on radio, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and broadcast from locations throughout the UK

Friday Night is Music Night

Sunday Night is Music Night: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Sunday Night is Music Night, 28/08/2009

Sir Michael Parkinson presents a musical evening recorded at the 2009 Henley Festival.

John Barrowman, Kerry Ellis and Cantabile join the BBC Concert Orchestra for a touch of movie magic at the 2009 Henley Festival. Presented by Michael Parkinson.

Join Sir Michael Parkinson as he presents an unforgettable evening - Pure Gold From The Silver Screen - from this year's Henley Festival. 

Mr Entertainment himself, John Barrowman takes centre stage and joining him, fresh from her sell out success as Elphaba in Wicked, is the darling of the West End stage, Kerry Ellis. Together with singing quartet Cantabile and the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Larry Blank, they'll trip the light fantastic as they take you on a trip to the movies.

Friday Night Is Music Night

A movie-music special featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra with stage stars John Barrowman and Kerry Ellis and string quartet Cantabiie.

The Adventures of Sexton Blake

The Adventures of Sexton Blake: Episode 5

Episode 5

BBC Radio 2 - The Adventures of Sexton Blake, Episode 5

The iconic British sleuth Sexton Blake stars in a series of thrilling adventures.

Britain's iconic sleuth explodes into action in a series of thrilling adventures packed with incident and hilarity. Starring Simon Jones, Wayne Forester and June Whitfield.

Sexton Blake! The name that spells hurtling adventure and doom for villainy. Britain's iconic and most prolifically chronicled sleuth explodes back into action in a brand new series of thrilling adventures; 40 years after his last public incarnation.

In a series of thrilling adventures packed with incident and hilarity, Sexton Blake (Simon Jones), and his plucky assistant Tinker (Wayne Forester), aided by Mrs Bardell (June Whitfield) battle diabolical masterminds, bewitching thieves and sinister fiends, out-thinking them in the head and out-punching them in the jaw! 

This cinematic audio romp is a period-set re-invention of Blake's glory years - during the 1920s and 30s and includes a cameo appearance by BBC Radio's 1960s Sexton Blake - the late, legendary and coolly dashing William Franklyn.

Britain's iconic sleuth stars in a series of thrilling adventures

Britain's iconic and most prolifically chronicled sleuth explodes back into action in a brand new series of thrilling adventures, starring Simon Jones, Wayne Forester and June Whitfield

Listen to the Band

Showcase for brass and military band music, looking at new CD releases and old favourites

Showcase for brass and military band music, looking at new CD releases and old favourites and updating the traditional image of banding

Listen to the Band: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Listen to the Band, 28/08/2009

Frank Renton presents The Kirkintilloch Band with conductor Allan Ramsay.

Frank Renton presents music especially recorded for the programme by The Kirkintilloch Band, with conductor Allan Ramsay.

Frank Renton presents music from The Kirkintilloch Band, who are affectionately known as 'Kirkie' and one of Scotland's premier bands.

Kirkintilloch play music by Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand and a young composer on everyone's lips, Paul Lovatt-Cooper.  They are conducted by Allan Ramsay.

The Day John Met Paul

14/06/2008

BBC Radio 2 - The Day John Met Paul

A recreation of the moment when John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met in 1957.

Recreating the moment when John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time, at a Quarrymen gig at a garden fete in Woolton, Liverpool, on 6 July 1957.

Featuring an interview with Sir Paul McCartney and the music and memories of John Lennon's group the Quarrymen, this programme recreates the moment when John and Paul met for the first time at a Quarrymen gig at a sunny garden fete in Woolton, Liverpool on 6 July 1957.

Made with the help of Colin Hall, custodian of John Lennon's childhood home 'Mendips', and with the support of the Liverpool music community.

First broadcast in June 2007, The Day John Met Paul marked the 50th anniversary of a day that changed music for ever.

When John Met Paul

Bob Harris marks the 50th anniversary of the day when Paul McCartney first met John Lennon. First broadcast in 2007.

In the Beginning

BBC Radio 2 - In the Beginning

Holly Johnson visits Hamburg to explore the origins of the Beatles.

Holly Johnson visits Hamburg to explore the origins of the Beatles. Includes new interviews with Astrid Kirchherr, Tony Sheridan and Stuart Sutcliffe's sister Pauline.

Holly Johnson visits Hamburg to explore how marathon sessions in smoky cellars, and friendships with local teenagers, helped create the incredible chemistry that turned a British beat group into the all-conquering Beatles. 

The invasion of British bands into the red light district of Hamburg began in 1960 when German promoters realised that British rock 'n' rollers were cheaper to hire than American ones. They were a five piece group when they arrived in the Reeperbahn in the back of manager Allan Williams' van in August 1960. John, Paul and George were accompanied by Stuart Sutcliffe on bass and Pete Best on drums. 



From August to October 1960, the Beatles were the house band at the Indra Club where they played four hour sessions every night for 30 marks each and slept in a tiny room above a local cinema. From October to the end of the year, they were promoted to the nearby Kaiserkeller. Not only were the Fab Five improving their sound during these marathon gigs, they were also developing friendships and the identity that would set them apart.

At the time, young people in Hamburg were typically members of one of two distinct tribes: the Rockers and the Exis (Existentialists). They were 'enemies' occupying separate territories - the 'rock caves' and the jazz clubs. When Exi Klaus Voorman was walking through the Grosse Freiheit on night in October 1960, he stopped outside the Kaiserkeller club to listen to the music. Liking what he heard, he went inside to see Rory Storm & The Hurricanes (featuring Richard Starkey on drums) in full flight. After the break, fellow Liverpudlians The Beatles took to the stage. Klaus was so impressed that he turned up for the group's next gig with girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr and best friend Jurgen Vollmer in tow.

The day after first seeing The Beatles at the Kaiserkeller, Astrid arranged a photo session with them at the city fun-fair. These stark candid images, which would be endlessly reprinted, established a distinct style for the group, as would Jurgen Vollmer's photos of the band. A Vollmer picture of John standing in the doorway in the port district would later adorn the cover of Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll album, accompanied by the strap-line: 'You shoulda been there!'

It was an unlikely collision of young people from different cultures that would create a world-beating chemistry. Where The Beatles had the sound, the Exis had the style. Exis always wore black, with white collars or ruffs and their hair was "pilzen kopf" - "mushroom head" in style. "The Beatle haircut was in fact a Jurgen haircut" says Paul McCartney.

Astrid began a relationship with Beatles bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and they were engaged by the time The Beatles returned to Liverpool in November. They were back in Hamburg the following spring for 98 performances at the Top Ten Club. And in June, they made their first professional recordings, with fellow British rocker Tony Sheridan. The band recorded Ain't She Sweet, the instrumental Cry For A Shadow (a rare Harrison/ Lennon composition) and backed Sheridan on his version of My Bonnie. Sheridan's single would reach the German Top 30 and would alert Brian Epstein to the existence of The Beatles when he was asked for a copy in his record shop in Liverpool.

Stuart Sutcliffe left the Beatles to stay in Hamburg with Astrid and pursue his career as a painter. The Beatles returned to the city in April 1962 for a final residency at the Star Club only to learn of Sutcliffe's premature death when they met Astrid at Hamburg airport. Love Me Do was just six months later.

The impact of Hamburg on The Beatles and the friendships they made there would endure. Astrid continued to photograph the group after Sutcliffe's death while Klaus Voorman designed the sleeve for Revolver and later became a member of the Plastic Ono Band. Richard Starkey left Rory Storm and The Hurricanes to become Ringo Starr. And as far as John Lennon was concerned, the band were never better than when in the thick of an all night session on the Reeperbahn.

The documentary includes new interviews with, Astrid Kirchherr, Tony Sheridan and Stuart Sutcliffe's sister Pauline.

Holly Johnson (ex-Frankie Goes to Hollywood) tells the story of The Beatles' pre-fame residence in Hamburg's Reeperbahn, where they met Klaus Voorman who later designed the Revolver LP cover, and his photographer girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr. Features new interviews with Kirchherr, fellow British rocker Tony Sheridan and Stuart Sutcliffe 's sister, Pauline. Producer Owen McFadden

Mark Lamarr

Mark Lamarr presents the best music you never knew you loved from the last 70 years.

Mark Lamarr presents the best music you never knew you loved from the last 70 years, alongside the finest live sessions.

Mark Lamarr presents the best music you never knew you loved from the last 70 years, alongside the finest live sessions. 

This is where garage meets soul, punk meets country, and 30s yodelling collides with 70s dub and 90s hip hop...

...painting the world with sunshine, one record at a time!

Mark Lamarr: 28/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Mark Lamarr, 28/08/2009

Joining Mark in session are veteran rockers The Blockheads.

Mark Lamarr brings three hours of happiness to airwaves with his collection of musical curiosities. Joining him in session at Maida Vale are veteran rockers The Blockheads.

Mark Lamarr brings three hours of happiness to airwaves with his collection of musical curiosities. In session at Maida Vale this week Mark is joined by veteran rockers The Blockheads.

Richard Allinson

Richard Allinson in his early-morning weekend residency with music and features

Richard Allinson in his early-morning weekend residency with three hours of music and features

Richard Allinson: 29/08/2009

29/08/2009

BBC Radio 2 - Richard Allinson, 29/08/2009

With chat and music, including archive tracks from Radio 2's Great British Songbook.

With music and features. Richard celebrates British songwriting with an hour of classic songs, revisiting a Great British Songbook cover from The Feeling.

Another chance to be part of the 3.46 club with your early morning host Richard Allinson. 

As Radio 2's Beatles Bank Holiday weekend continues, Richard revisits a Great British Songbook cover from The Feeling. There's also music from Adele, Duran Duran, Edwyn Collins, Squeeze and the Album Of The Day is from Toto.

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Chris Evans

Chris Evans

28/08/2009

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