BBC MUSIC REVEALS AUTUMN PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

When Blondie Came to Britain on BBC Two delves into Blondie’s symbiotic and enduring relationship with Britain.

This captivating documentary reveals how one of the most iconic bands in global music history left an indelible mark on British pop culture, whilst also highlighting how the UK was instrumental in catapulting Blondie to stardom.

Produced by Wise Owl Films, the documentary traces the band’s early footsteps across the country – from their first UK gig at the Students’ Union in Bournemouth in 1977, to their ground-breaking television debut on Granada TV, courtesy of the legendary broadcaster and label owner, Tony Wilson. The narrative culminates with Blondie’s electrifying performance on Glastonbury’s esteemed Pyramid Stage in 2023.

Featuring in the programme are new interviews with band members past and present including Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Gary Lachman AKA Valentine, Jimmy Destri, Frank Infante and Nigel Harrison. There are also contributions from musicians and producers including Jools Holland, Johnny Marr, Mike Chapman, Pauline Black and Don Letts.

On Thursday 7th September from 9pm on BBC Four, Lauren Laverne will host live coverage of this year’s Mercury Prize Awards Show from the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London in Mercury Prize 2023 with FREENOW: Album of the Year.

The shortlist for 2023, which was announced live on BBC Radio 6 Music in July, comprises twelve albums which reflect the diverse nature of British and Irish music over the past year and cover a wide range of contemporary genres. All of the shortlisted albums will be celebrated through live performance, culminating in the announcement of 2023’s overall winner.

The winner is selected by an esteemed panel of judges, comprised of previous winners and industry tastemakers. The panel includes musicians and broadcasters including Anna Calvi, Hannah Peel, Jamie Cullum, Jamz Supernova and Mistajam. The chair of the panel is Jeff Smith, Head of Music for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

Later in autumn, BBC Two presents a brand new series of Later…with Jools Holland, which returns to the historic Alexandra Palace. The previous series of Later, in spring 2023, featured performances from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Jessie Ware, Gaz Coombes, Alison Goldfrapp and Gabriels. This series will bring more unique performances from the eclectic mix of artists the show is famed for.

Two special compilation episodes of Later…with Jools Holland will also air this autumn on BBC Two: one dedicated to Amy Winehouse, which will be broadcast on Saturday 9th September (9pm), just before what would have been Amy’s 40th birthday.

It will feature her debut performance on the show of Stronger Than Me (2003); and one showcasing the Women of Hip Hop and Soul, including classic performances on the show from Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Jorja Smith, Kelis, Little Simz, Mary J. Blige, Ms. Dynamite and Stefflon Don.