Steve Lillywhite

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.

Described by Bono as 'the Noel Coward of our generation’, the singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl would have turned 65 this year had her life not been tragically cut short in December 2000. Signed at the age of just 19 after being the backing singer for a failed punk band, Kirsty went on to write and record songs that spanned genres, including rockabilly, pop and South American. She had hits like A New England and Days and sang a key part in one of the nation’s favourite Christmas songs, Fairytale of New York. Respected by those who worked alongside her, including Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Jools Holland and many others, she has left a legacy that is still valued today. This programme brings together performances that highlight the wit and intelligence of this unique performer

A documentary on the recording of the song "Towers of London" and a brief behind-the-scenes look at the making of the "Generals and Majors" video. Recorded at Richard Branson's mansion, August 1980.

Bp Fallon has always lived at the heart of rock history. From his beginnings on Irish television, to his adventures in London's electric rock scene, Fallon was everywhere – working for the Beatles, whispering in the ears of legends like Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, and U2. He wasn't just a witness to rock history; he was the guy making it happen backstage.  Then, in a twist worthy of a rock 'n' roll fairytale, Bp grabs the mic in his 70s, recording raw, poetic tracks with none other than Jack White. After a lifetime in the shadows of giants, the eternal hipster finally takes centre stage – and owns it. 

A breakthrough commercial success for the band, the record peaked at number 1 in the UK Albums Chart on 18 February 1984, and reached the top 20 in New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Australia. Receiving mostly positive reviews in the United Kingdom and the United States, Sparkle in the Rain was ultimately certified platinum in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry, and significantly increased media interest in the band. A Blu-Ray Audio package was released in 2015 that contained the original 1984 stereo mix along with Steven Wilson's 2014 stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes.

A documentary tribute to the singer/songwriter who died on 18th December, 2000.

Follow 30 Seconds to Mars as they record their latest album, This Is War, and their battle against record label EMI.

A look at the creation of The Pogues' song "Fairytale of New York".

Recorded at the Barrowlands in Glasgow New Year’s Eve 1983/4

Release in March 1987, U2's The Joshua Tree quickly became the fastest-selling album in British chart history, selling almost 250,000 copies within the first week of release. In the US, it was equally successful, topping the Billboard album chart for nine weeks, spending 58 weeks in the Top 40 there and earning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The story of the making of The Joshua Tree is told here, via interview and archive film footage, with contributions from band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. U2’s long-time manager Paul McGuinness reveals how the album catapulted the band into the category of rock superstars, and there are contributions from Elvis Costello in the role of a major U2 fan, re-mix producer Steve Lillywhite, and of course co-producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Packed with reminiscences and powerful performances, this is the story of one of the most famous and best records of the Eighties, a true Classic Album.