The most iconic gigs in rock history, told by the people who were there. From the artists to the roadies, the producers to the fans, whether onstage, backstage or in the crowd, we hear the incredible stories of those at the heart of these events who can say ‘I Was there’. We’ll find out what they witnessed, how it changed their lives and how these legendary festivals, momentous tours or classic concerts, went down in music history.
Sex Pistols, Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall, 4th June 1976
As much a gig as it is now stuff of myth and folklore, an estimated 40 people paid 50p to see a band that would change their lives and send shockwaves throughout the music world. The entire history of Manchester music of the past 45 years can be traced to this gig.
Pamela ‘Jordan’ Rooke, Infamous Sex Pistols groupie
Peter Hook, future Joy Division & New Order bassist
Steve Diggle, Buzzcocks member
John Berry, audience member
David Nolan, music writer
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Pink Floyd, The Wall Tour, 1980-81
One of the most ambitious, theatrical albums, brought to life on stage for an equally ambitious and theatrical tour. Who thinks to build a physical wall between band and audience? Pink Floyd.
Marc Brickman, Pink Floyd lighting designer
Jason Sawford, Australian Pink Floyd keyboard player
Mark Blake, Pink Floyd writer and the Wall Tour attendee aged 15
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Nirvana, Reading Festival, 30th August 1992
In the midst of personal struggles and band turmoil, Nirvana defied those who doubted they would even show up, to triumph in their final ever UK appearance and prove why they were the band of their generation.
Danny Goldberg, Kurt Cobain’s manager
Michael Azerrad, Rolling Stone writer and Nirvana biographer who attended the gig
Antony Hodgkinson, Nirvana’s on-stage dancer
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Isle of Wight Festival, 26th - 31st August 1970
The most infamous year of a historic music festival. 500,000 descended on the Isle of Wight, bringing the island to a standstill for what would be the last large gathering for over 30 years. What’s it like performing in front of an audience that size? What’s it like to manage an event like that, that’s deteriorating in front of your very eyes? And what was it like in the crowd?
Rikki Farr, Isle of Wight MC
Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull
Brian Hinton & Roger Simmons, attendees
Ray Foulk, Original Isle of Wight organiser
John Giddings, Current Isle of Wight organiser and 1970 attendee
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Woodstock, 15th - 18th August 1969
A musical event that needs no introduction, it’s the most iconic music festival of all time, one that all gigs are now compared to. With historic performances from Jimi Hendrix, the Who and Janis Joplin, this weekend is synonymous with the 60s and hippy culture.
Bob Gruen, Rock and Roll photographer
Chip Monck, Woodstock MC
Nick & Bobbi Ercoline, the couple in the iconic Woodstock album photograph
Burk Uzzle, photographer who took the photo of the Ercolines
Jorma Kaukonen, Jefferson Airplane guitarist
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Oasis, Knebworth, 10th & 11th August 1996
Two and a half million people applied for tickets to see the biggest British band since the Beatles play two huge shows at Knebworth. It was a weekend that marked the pinnacle of Britpop and the defining musical event of the 90s.
Claire Sturgess, Radio presenter and gig attendee
Andre Barreau, George Harrison in the Bootleg Beatles opening Knebworth
Mike Lowe, Oasis sound engineer
With contributions from Noel Gallagher
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Kate Bush, The Tour of Life, 1979
The first and (up until very recently) last tour of a mercurial pop superstar. A show that aimed to combine music, dance, poetry, mime, burlesque, magic and theatre, was it too ambitious for its own good? Or did it change what could be achieved in pop?
Anthony Van Laast, Kate Bush choreographer
Richard Ames, Tour manager
Graeme Thomson, Kate Bush writer
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
The Rolling Stones, Altamont, 6th December 1969
A day that should have seen one of the world’s biggest bands put on the Woodstock of the East. Instead, anarchy ensued. We remember the gig that ended in the loss of life and the counterculture.
Joel Selvin, music critic and Altamont writer
Langdon Winner, contributing writer to the significant Rolling Stone article on Altamont
Bill Owens, photographer of the carnage
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Bob Marley & The Wailers, Lyceum Theatre, 17th & 18th July 1975
“All the way from Trenchtown, Jamaica – Bob Marley and the Wailers”, this introduction 45 years ago announced reggae arrival in Britain. With them they brought optimism, love and a music to unite!
Chris Blackwell – Island Records founder and Bob Marley producer
Danny Holloway – worked for island records and produced/recorded the show
Roger Steffens – Bob Marley writer, archivist and lecturer
Philip Norman – Journalist who reviewed the gig for the Times
Dennis Morris, Bob Marley photographer
Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore – Guitarist and celloist with Third World, Bob Marley’s support act
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
26 Nov 2020
Live Aid, 13th July 1985
Can music change the world? Those at the heart of Live Aid recall the event that changed music’s role in the world, charity and celebrity culture forever, 35 years on.
Bob Geldof, Live Aid organiser
Harvey Goldsmith, Live Aid promoter
Paul Gambaccini, Live Aid broadcaster
And contributions from Live Aid performers such as Martin Kemp, Alison Moyet and Brian May
Any opinions expressed in this podcast are that of contributors, not of Absolute Radio.
We do not own any of the clips used, credit to rightful owners.
9 Nov 2020
Trailer
The most iconic gigs in rock history - from Live Aid and Altamont, to Bob Marley at the Lyceum and Kate Bush's Tour of Life - all told by the people who were there.
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