BBC Radio 2 unveils its Autumn line-up, featuring Johnny Marr’s new series.
- Listeners vote for the Ultimate British Group; The Beatles lead the chart.
- National Album Day on October 19 celebrates favorite British groups.
- Johnny Marr’s series will highlight influential British bands from the 60s to today.
- The Great British Groups That Broke America expands the series’ narrative.
BBC Radio 2 has unveiled its anticipated Autumn programming schedule, prominently featuring a new series by Johnny Marr. This initiative showcases Marr’s selections of eminent British bands, spanning decades from the 60s to the present. The series is set to captivate audiences with a curated playlist of iconic tracks that have shaped the music landscape.
In conjunction with Marr’s series, a listener-driven poll was conducted to determine the Ultimate British Group. Predictably, The Beatles emerged at the top, reflecting enduring popularity and influence. This event coincides with the annual National Album Day on October 19, where fans celebrate influential British groups.
The selection process involved Radio 2 presenters like Jo Whiley, Sara Cox, and Trevor Nelson, among others. They collaborated to craft a list from a comprehensive lineup of nearly 100 bands. The final compilation of 54 bands mirrors the evolution of British music through the decades, including stalwarts such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd.
Johnny Marr’s contribution, ‘Johnny Marr’s Great British Groups,’ is a four-part series airing on select dates. Marr will explore tracks from albums close to his heart, including possibly his own collaborations. He comments on the series’ concept, emphasizing the inspiration drawn from bands aspiring to greatness.
Further enriching the line-up, ‘The Great British Groups That Broke America’ segment examines bands that significantly impacted the US market, highlighting artists like The Beatles, Queen, and the Spice Girls. This complements Marr’s exploration, offering a broader perspective on British musical excellence.
This new series by Johnny Marr promises to enrich BBC Radio 2’s offerings with a tribute to British musical heritage.
