BBC Four - Stiff Nights

[Paul Webster]

All on BBC 4 next weekend

Ian Dury: On My Life
BBC 4
Friday 15th September 2006 21:00 to 22:00
Ian Dury reflects on his life and his musical comeback. Key figures include
his mentor Peter Blake and his band, The Blockheads. First shown in 1999.
Strong language.



If It Ain't Stiff...
BBC 4
Friday 15th September 2006 22:00 to 22:45
1/2
First of two documentary films telling the story of the maverick Stiff
Records.
By the mid-1970s music had become a corporate affair, so thank goodness for
Stiff, a tiny, ramshackle independent that took music from out of the
boardroom and gave it back to the fan.
Founded by two penniless visionaries, Stiff invented the new wave with Nick
Lowe, put punk on vinyl with The Damned and gave the world Elvis Costello
and Ian Dury.
With contributions from Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Captain Sensible, Stiff
fan Jonathan Ross and label founders Dave Robinson and Jake Riviera.
Narrated by Adrian Edmondson.



Stiff at the BBC
BBC 4
Friday 15th September 2006 22:45 to 23:15
1/2
A nostalgic hour's romp through the Top of the Pops archive featuring
appearances from inimitable Stiff artists such as Madness, Ian Dury, The
Pogues, Lene Lovich and Jona Lewie.



So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star
BBC 4
Friday 15th September 2006 23:15 to 00:35
Melvin Bragg presents a portrait of a professional rock band, the Kursaal
Flyers, on the road as they tour a series on gigs in Aberdeen, Glasgow and
Middlesbrough. First shown in 1976. Strong language.



Stiff at the BBC
BBC 4
Saturday 16th September 2006 21:00 to 22:00 (starting in 6 days)
Duration: 1 hour.
2/2
A second hour of music from the BBC's archive, featuring appearances from
inimitable Stiff artists such as Madness, Ian Dury, The Pogues, Lene Lovich
and Jona Lewie.



If It Ain't Stiff
BBC 4
Saturday 16th September 2006 22:00 to 22:45
2/2
Concluding the story of Stiff Records.
The departure of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and founder Jake Riviera after
only 18 months almost spelt disaster for Stiff Records. But label boss Dave
Robinson turned its fortunes around with Ian Dury, Madness, The Pogues and
Tracey Ullman.
With contributions from Suggs, Shane MacGowan, Tracey Ullman, Charlie
Gillett, Pete Waterman and label boss Dave Robinson. Narrated by Adrian
Edmondson.



Young Guns Go for It: Madness
BBC 4
Saturday 16th September 2006 22:45 to 23:25
Members of the band Madness reflect on their formation, brushes with the
National Front, the hits, the splits and their reunion concert. Originally
shown in 2000.



The Great Hunger: The Songs of Shane MacGowan
BBC 4
Saturday 16th September 2006 23:25 to 00:25
An unflinching portrait of The Pogues' frontman, and his remarkable journey
from north London punk outsider to one of Ireland's most respected
balladeers.
Contributing their versions of MacGowan's songs are Nick Cave, Sinead
O'Connor, Christy Moore and Ronnie Drew.



Son of Stiff Tour Movie
BBC 4
Sunday 17th September 2006 00:25 to 01:15
In 1979 Stiff Records sent five of its up-and-coming bands around Europe on
one bus. This documentary, filmed at the time, captures the inevitable
mayhem that ensued.



Some of the shows are repeated a few houes after showing.

Paul Webster
Backroom at Dandelion Radio
http://www.dandelionradio.com