Top of the Pops: 50th Anniversary

by Patrick Humphries, Steve Blacknell

This book is aimed at everyone with an interest in popular music over the last fifty years. Through this classic, long-running show, there were many seminal moments in music, including David Bowie's breakthrough performance of "Starman" in 1972 and Nirvana's chaotic 1991 appearance promoting Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Genres: Music

190 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2013

About the author

Writer and journalist Patrick Humphries is the author of acclaimed biographies of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Richard Thompson. He lives in London, England.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully nostalgic book about the phenomena which was Top of the Pops. From its humble beginnings in a church in Manchester to the poptastic music-fest it was in its heyday, this book had all the stories and memories of anyone (like me) who grew up enjoying this fantastic show. Wish there’d been a few more photos but still a great read.

[Mark J C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history (but too many exclamation marks!!!)

I'm one of those annoying people who didn't watch TOTP for 25 years then said how sorry I was to see it go. So, obviously, my main interest was 1964 to late-70s.

The early years are well covered with lots of good insights and anecdotes. These can be a bit repetitious but that's probably unavoidable given nearly everyone has similar fond memories of how the show helped their careers.

For me, the most interesting aspects were how the programme was conceived and executed. The discussion in the final third of the book of how the show was regularly revamped to try and keep it relevant is particularly interesting - some attempts actually hastening TOTP's inevitable decline in the face of music and video streaming.

Only one minor grumble. Every time someone makes an amusing comment it doesn't have to be followed by an exclamation mark.

Otherwise a very readable, fondly nostalgic tribute to a programme that played a major role in our formative years.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book and very informative for readers that grew up with this historic programme from the start detailing the history of TOTP with the bands and artists and presenters that featured, from 1964 till 2006.A fascinating insight.