Programme Index

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: Fri 13^th Oct 2017, 21:00 on BBC FourLatest broadcast: Fri 11^th Feb 2022, 23:50 on BBC Four HD

Available for years

Watch now

Nile Rodgers reveals how he became the go-to producer of the 80s, creating signature sounds for Diana Ross, Carly Simon, David Bowie, Madonna and Duran Duran. Show more

Contributors

Narrator:: Nile Rodgers
Narrator:: Nina Sosanya
Participant:: Carly Simon
Participant:: Kathy Sledge
Participant:: Paul Gambaccini
Participant:: Krissi Murison
Participant:: Kate Mossman
Participant:: Nick Rhodes
Participant:: Keith Harris
Executive Producer:: Philip Armstrong-Dampier
Director:: Christopher Bruce
Series Editor:: Nigel Timperley

Genres

Citizens of Boomtown: The Story of The Boomtown Rats

Duration: 1 hour, 31 minutes

First broadcast: Sat 23^rd May 2020, 21:20 on BBC Two Northern Ireland HDLatest broadcast: Mon 31^st Oct 2022, 22:00 on BBC Four HD

The story of The Boomtown Rats who fought a conservative Ireland, broke through the UK punk scene, scored global No 1 hits, and with Bob Geldof’s Live Aid, revolutionised the world. Show more

Contributors

Interviewed Guest:: Bob Geldof
Interviewed Guest:: Sting undefined
Interviewed Guest:: Sinéad O’Connor
Interviewed Guest:: Bono
Interviewed Guest:: Jools Holland
Interviewed Guest:: David Mallet
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: Bob Gruen
Interviewed Guest:: David Fricke
Interviewed Guest:: Neil McCormick
Interviewed Guest:: Dave Stewart
Interviewed Guest:: Charles Shaar Murray
Interviewed Guest:: Pete Briquette
Interviewed Guest:: Simon Crowe
Interviewed Guest:: Garry Roberts
Interviewed Guest:: Gerry Cott
Director:: Billy McGrath
Producer:: Billy McGrath
Editor:: Michael O'Sullivan
Production Manager:: Pamela Lee
Animator:: Anna K Wright
Composer:: Pete Briquette

Genres

Formats

Documentaries

Brian Pern

Brian Pern: A Life in Rock

Episode 3

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Mon 22^nd Dec 2014, 22:30 on BBC Two HDLatest broadcast: Fri 13^th Nov 2015, 01:30 on BBC Four HD

Spoof documentary following ageing rocker Brian Pern, former frontman of the prog rock group Thotch. Brian records a charity Christmas record in aid of bipolar polar bears. Show more

Contributors

Brian Pern:: Simon Day
John Farrow:: Michael Kitchen
Eddie Mount: Drummer:: Al Murray
Michael Banks:: Philip Pope
Pat Quid / Pierre Sac:: Paul Whitehouse
John:: David Cummings
Tony Pebblé:: Nigel Havers
Jess Hunt:: Anna Maxwell Martin
Ken LeGrange:: Roger Allam
Pepita Sanchez / Xanadu:: Lucy Montgomery
Pern Band: Bassist:: Dean Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Himself:: Peter Gabriel
Himself:: Alan Yentob
Himself:: Roy Wood
Himself:: Tony Blackburn
Himself:: Rick Parfitt
Himself:: Paul Gambaccini
Himself:: Roger Taylor
Himself:: Alexis Petridis
Herself:: Chrissie Hynde
Herself:: Annie Nightingale
Himself:: Tim Rice
Himself:: David Arnold
Herself:: Melanie C
Himself:: Billy Bragg
Himself:: Rick Wakeman
Himself:: Simon McCoy
Writer:: Rhys Thomas
Writer:: Simon Day
Producer:: Rhys Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Executive Producer:: Richard Webb

Genres

ComedySpoof

Brand

Brian Pern: Brian Pern: A Life in Rock

Series

Brian Pern

Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Episode 2

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Thu 21^st Jan 2016, 22:00 on BBC FourLatest broadcast: Fri 22^nd Jan 2016, 02:10 on BBC Four HD

Spoof rockumentary series. How Brian broke America with the success of his classic album Shelf Life. Brian returns to Los Angeles where he is reunited with his family and ex-wife. Show more

Contributors

Brian Pern:: Simon Day
John Farrow:: Michael Kitchen
Documentary Director:: Rhys Thomas
Michael Banks:: Philip Pope
Pat Quid:: Paul Whitehouse
Tony Pebblé:: Nigel Havers
Ripple:: Shelley Longworth
Tallow:: Adam Longworth
Pepita/Lyndsie Symon:: Lucy Montgomery
Cindi:: Jane Asher
Band Member:: Craig Christiaens
Band Member:: Stephen Holbrook
Serge Maddox:: Lloyd Day
Luke Dunmore:: Christopher Eccleston
Himself:: Ian Wright
Himself:: Paul Gambaccini
Himself:: Roger Taylor
Himself:: Martin Kemp
Writer:: Rhys Thomas
Writer:: Simon Day
Producer:: Rhys Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Executive Producer:: Richard Webb

Genres

ComedySpoof

Brand

Brian Pern: Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Series

HARDtalk

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini

BBC News Channel

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Tue 15^th Sep 2015, 20:30 on BBC NewsLatest broadcast: Fri 18^th Sep 2015, 04:30 on BBC News Channel HD

For a year, broadcaster Paul Gambaccini was under investigation, accused of sexual abuse. The case has now been dropped. What lessons can be learned from Gambaccini's experience? Show more

Contributors

Interviewer:: Stephen Sackur
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini

Genres

News

Formats

Discussion & Talk

Brand

HARDtalk

For One Night Only

Series 1

Benjamin Britten's War Requiem

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: Tue 2^nd Dec 2003, 13:30 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Mon 26^th Jan 2004, 00:15 on BBC Radio 4 FM

Available for over a year

For One Night Only: Series 1

Paul Gambaccini goes behind the scenes of the first performance of Britten's masterpiece, performed to mark the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: Peter Pears
Interviewed Guest:: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Genres

MusicClassic Pop & Rock

Brand

For One Night Only

Series

The Everly Brothers: Harmonies from Heaven

Duration: 58 minutes

First broadcast: Fri 22^nd Apr 2016, 21:00 on BBC FourLatest broadcast: Sun 13^th Aug 2023, 00:55 on BBC Two Wales

Available for 1 month

Watch now

Documentary that celebrates the legendary harmony duo who ruled the charts in the late 1950s and early 60s with hits like Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie and Cathy's Clown. Show more

Contributors

Production Company:: 1515 Productions
Production Company:: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Director:: George Scott
Producer:: Nick de Grunwald
Producer:: Celia Moore
Participant:: Don Everly
Participant:: Michael McCall
Participant:: Art Garfunkel
Participant:: Graham Nash
Participant:: Tim Rice
Participant:: Dave Edmunds
Participant:: Jake Bugg
Participant:: Will Oldham
Participant:: Paul Gambaccini
Participant:: Waddy Wachtel
Participant:: Del Bryant
Participant:: Lucy O'Brien
Participant:: Teddy Thompson
Participant:: Paul du Noyer
Participant:: Keith Harris
Participant:: Anthony DeCurtis
Participant:: Albert Lee
Participant:: Bill Harlan
Participant:: Keith Richards

Genres

Formats

Documentaries

Kaleidoscope

Rocket Man and the Chipolata Fingers

Episode 2

Kaleidoscope: Rocket Man and the Chipolata Fingers

Duration: 29 minutes

First broadcast: Fri 19^th Sep 1997, 19:20 on BBC Radio 4 FM

Elton John talks to Paul Gambaccini about the highs and lows of his career. With enormous commercial success in the 1980s came isolation, drug addiction and eating disorders. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: Elton John

Genres

FactualArts, Culture & the Media

Formats

Magazines & Reviews

Brand

Kaleidoscope

Series

Kaleidoscope

Rocket Man and the Chipolata Fingers

Episode 1

Kaleidoscope: Rocket Man and the Chipolata Fingers

Duration: 29 minutes

First broadcast: Sat 13^th Sep 1997, 19:20 on BBC Radio 4 FM

Elton John talks candidly to Paul Gambaccini about the highs and lows of his career, in which music has remained a point of focus and hope in times of difficulty. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: Elton John

Genres

FactualArts, Culture & the Media

Formats

Magazines & Reviews

Brand

Kaleidoscope

Series

Brian Pern

Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Episode 1

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Thu 14^th Jan 2016, 22:00 on BBC Four HDLatest broadcast: Fri 15^th Jan 2016, 02:10 on BBC Four

Spoof rockumentary series. Brian is making a comeback - he's appearing on Desert Island Discs and at the the Isle of Wight Festival, he has a new album, a new look and a new wife. Show more

Contributors

Brian Pern:: Simon Day
John Farrow:: Michael Kitchen
Documentary Director:: Rhys Thomas
Michael Banks:: Philip Pope
Pat Quid:: Paul Whitehouse
Tony Pebblé:: Nigel Havers
Astrid Maddox Pern:: Suranne Jones
Luke Dunmore:: Christopher Eccleston
Pepita Sanchez:: Lucy Montgomery
Ned, Brian Pern's Driver:: Tony Way
Band Member:: Dean Thomas
Band Member:: David Cummings
Band Member:: Stephen Holbrook
Serge Maddox:: Lloyd Day
Perry Boothe:: John Thomson
Train Driver:: Lorraine Cheshire
Himself:: Martin Freeman
Herself:: Kirsty Young
Himself:: Dermot O'Leary
Himself:: Martin Kemp
Himself:: Rick Wakeman
Himself:: Paul Gambaccini
Himself:: Chas Hodges
Himself:: Dave Peacock
Writer:: Rhys Thomas
Writer:: Simon Day
Producer:: Rhys Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Executive Producer:: Richard Webb

Genres

ComedySpoof

Brand

Brian Pern: Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Series

Brian Pern

Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Episode 3

Duration: 40 minutes

First broadcast: Thu 28^th Jan 2016, 22:00 on BBC FourLatest broadcast: Fri 29^th Jan 2016, 02:20 on BBC Four HD

Spoof rockumentary series. The original Thotch line-up are forced to reform after they are sued by their former manager Basil Steel for non-payment of royalties. Show more

Contributors

Brian Pern:: Simon Day
John Farrow:: Michael Kitchen
Documentary Director:: Rhys Thomas
Michael Banks:: Philip Pope
Pat Quid:: Paul Whitehouse
Tony Pebblé:: Nigel Havers
Barry Patmoor:: Denis Lawson
'Big' Basil Steel:: Alan Ford
Bennet St John:: Simon Callow
Security Guard:: Christopher James
Brian Pern's Mother:: Angela Thorne
Brian's Pern's Father:: Peter Bowles
Himself:: Noddy Holder
Himself:: Paul Gambaccini
Himself:: Roger Taylor
Himself:: Peter Gabriel
Writer:: Rhys Thomas
Writer:: Simon Day
Producer:: Rhys Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Executive Producer:: Richard Webb

Genres

ComedySpoof

Brand

Brian Pern: Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll

Series

Brian Pern

A Tribute

Duration: 40 minutes

First broadcast: Wed 29^th Mar 2017, 22:00 on BBC FourLatest broadcast: Wed 29^th Mar 2017, 22:00 on BBC Four HD

Following the death of musician Brian Pern, film-maker Rhys Thomas presents an exclusive, cobbled-together tribute to the star with whoever he could get hold of at short notice. Show more

Contributors

Brian Pern:: Simon Day
John Farrow:: Michael Kitchen
Tony Pebble:: Nigel Havers
Pat Quid:: Paul Whitehouse
Astrid:: Suranne Jones
Himself:: Peter Davison
Basil Steel:: Alan Ford
Himself:: Monty Don
Himself:: David Arnold
Himself:: Paul Gambaccini
Himself:: Mike Read
Himself:: Mike Batt
Luke Dunmore:: Christopher Eccleston
Himself:: Peter Gabriel
Pepita:: Lucy Montgomery
Roy Baker-Thomas:: Matt Lucas
Cindi Batt:: Jane Asher
Himself:: David Baddiel
Himself:: Angus Deayton
Ned:: Tony Way
Producer:: Rhys Thomas
Director:: Rhys Thomas
Executive Producer:: Ben Caudell
Writer:: Rhys Thomas
Writer:: Tony Way

Genres

ComedySpoof

Brand

For One Night Only

Series 1

George Harrison - The Concert for Bangladesh 1971

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: Tue 25^th Nov 2003, 13:30 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Mon 19^th Jan 2004, 00:15 on BBC Radio 4 FM

Available for over a year

For One Night Only: Series 1

Paul Gambaccini remembers this 1971 concert, which set the benchmark for pop music charity events and featured a remarkable live set fromBob Dylan. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: George Harrison
Interviewed Guest:: Ravi Shankar
Interviewed Guest:: Bob Geldof
Interviewed Guest:: Robert Christgau

Genres

MusicClassic Pop & Rock

Brand

For One Night Only

Series

Last Word

Prince, Ray Fitzwalter, Victoria Wood, June Jolly, Phil Sayer

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: Fri 22^nd Apr 2016, 16:00 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Sun 24^th Apr 2016, 20:30 on BBC Radio 4 LW

Available for over a year

Matthew Bannister analyses and celebrates the lives of rock star Prince, World In Action editor Ray Fitzwalter, comedian Victoria Wood, nurse June Jolly and announcer Phil Sayer. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Matthew Bannister
Producer:: Neil George
Interviewed Guest:: Fergus Dudley
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: Roger Corke
Interviewed Guest:: Vikki Stone
Interviewed Guest:: Margaretta Jolly
Interviewed Guest:: Sue Burr
Interviewed Guest:: Elinor Hamilton

Genres

FactualLife Stories

Brand

Last Word

For One Night Only

Series 2

The Who Live at Leeds

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: Tue 18^th Jan 2005, 13:30 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Sat 13^th Aug 2005, 10:30 on BBC Radio 4 FM

Available for over a year

For One Night Only: Series 2

Paul Gambaccini uncovers the stories behind the Who's 1970 album, often cited as one of the best live rock albums of all time. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Paul Gambaccini

Genres

MusicClassic Pop & Rock

Brand

For One Night Only

Series

Last Word

Jean Nidetch, Baroness Ruth Rendell, Geoff Duke OBE, Katharine Worth, Errol Brown

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: Fri 8^th May 2015, 16:00 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Sun 10^th May 2015, 20:30 on BBC Radio 4 LW

Available for over a year

Matthew Bannister on Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch, novelist Baroness Rendell, motorcyclist Geoff Duke, drama professor Katharine Worth and Hot Chocolate's Errol Brown. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Matthew Bannister
Interviewed Guest:: Peter Duke
Interviewed Guest:: Elizabeth Schafer
Interviewed Guest:: Tim Pigott-Smith
Interviewed Guest:: Lauren Cohen
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini
Producer:: Neil George

Genres

FactualLife Stories

Brand

Last Word

Front Row

Aretha Franklin remembered, David Suchet, Laura Mvula and Ben Okri

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Thu 16^th Aug 2018, 19:15 on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: Thu 16^th Aug 2018, 19:15 on BBC Radio 4 LW

Available for over a year

Aretha Franklin, the 'Queen of Soul', known for hits like Respect and Natural Woman, has died aged 76. Paul Gambaccini and Kevin Le Gendre assess her life and work. Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Samira Ahmed
Participant:: Paul Gambaccini
Participant:: Kevin Le Gendre
Interviewed Guest:: David Suchet
Interviewed Guest:: Laura Mvula
Interviewed Guest:: Ben Okri
Presenter:: Hilary Dunn

Genres

FactualArts, Culture & the Media

Formats

Magazines & Reviews

Brand

Front Row

Ken Dodd: How Tickled We Were

Duration: 1 hour, 14 minutes

First broadcast: Wed 26^th Dec 2018, 21:00 on BBC Two ScotlandLatest broadcast: Sun 17^th Sep 2023, 22:05 on BBC Four HD

Available for 8 months

Watch now

A celebration of the life and work of one of Britain's favourite entertainers, Sir Ken Dodd, as told in his own words and with testimony from friends and family. Show more

Contributors

Interviewed Guest:: Russ Abbot
Interviewed Guest:: Michael Billington
Interviewed Guest:: Stephanie Cole
Interviewed Guest:: Lorna Dickinson
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini
Interviewed Guest:: David Hamilton
Interviewed Guest:: Norma Hornby
Interviewed Guest:: Alex Horne
Interviewed Guest:: Roy Hudd
Interviewed Guest:: Julia Jesson
Interviewed Guest:: John Lewis
Interviewed Guest:: Linda Lewis
Interviewed Guest:: Ryan Lewis
Interviewed Guest:: John Martin
Interviewed Guest:: Roger McGough
Interviewed Guest:: Dara O Briain
Interviewed Guest:: Joe Pasquale
Interviewed Guest:: Barry Reeves
Interviewed Guest:: Peter Rogan
Interviewed Guest:: Stephen Shakeshaft
Interviewed Guest:: Ian St John
Interviewed Guest:: Claire Sweeney
Interviewed Guest:: Jimmy Tarbuck
Interviewed Guest:: Ricky Tomlinson
Interviewed Guest:: Tim Vine
Interviewed Guest:: Anne Dodd
Executive Producer:: Mark Wells
Producer:: Tony Nicholson
Production Company:: undefined Double Yellow Television
Executive Producer:: Laurie Mansfield

Genres

Formats

Documentaries

HARDtalk

Paul Gambaccini

BBC World News

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Tue 15^th Sep 2015, 20:30 on BBC News EuropeLatest broadcast: Sat 19^th Sep 2015, 04:30 on BBC News North America

Paul Gambaccini spent a year as a suspect of historical sexual abuse before the case against him was dropped. What are the lessons of what he calls his twelve months of trauma? Show more

Contributors

Interviewer:: Stephen Sackur
Interviewed Guest:: Paul Gambaccini

Genres

Factual

Formats

Discussion & Talk

Brand

HARDtalk

Celebrity Eggheads

Series 2

Episode 1

Celebrity Eggheads: Series 2

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: Mon 7^th Dec 2009, 18:00 on BBC Two ScotlandLatest broadcast: Mon 25^th Jul 2011, 18:30 on BBC Two England

Dermot Murnaghan hosts the quiz show. Can a team of BBC Radio 2 DJs featuring Paul Gambaccini, Suzi Quatro, Richard Allinson, Clare Teal and Alex Lester triumph for charity? Show more

Contributors

Presenter:: Dermot Murnaghan
Participant:: Paul Gambaccini
Participant:: Suzi Quatro
Participant:: Clare Teal
Producer:: Rob Dean
Executive Producer:: David Young
Executive Producer:: Andy Culpin

Genres

Entertainment

Formats

Games & Quizzes

Brand

Celebrity Eggheads

Series