Top of the Pops is usually a “If you’re name’s not on the list, you’re not coming in” affair. Don’t ask me why, but it’s the hot-ticket show to be in the audience for at the BBC.
But at the last minute tonight’s performance has become a “no-one’s name’s on the list, so no-one’s coming in” damp-squib.
You see, someone at the BBC has only just discovered it doesn’t have a public performance licence, and so members of the public aren’t legally allowed to watch the bands perform! lol!
Faced with the thought of an empty studio during tonight’s recording, someone asked Mark Thompson himself to send out this email to all staff in London:
From: Mark Thompson
Sent: 11 May 2006 15:30
Subject: Your help needed tonight…This is going to everyone in London
—————————————Dear All,
We’re asking for your help, and also hoping we can offer you some fun at the same time.
A new law came into force recently which requires some public entertainment to be licensed.
The BBC always seeks to operate fully within the law. Contrary to advice originally received, it now appears that the BBC needs a licence for certain audience shows. We are in the process of obtaining this. But while we do so, we need to introduce some restrictions on recording studio shows in front of members of the public.
We can however use audiences drawn from members of staff only, and we’re therefore inviting you to attend the programmes affected – from Strictly Dance Fever to Top of the Pops – which need recording during the time that it will take us to resolve the situation.
Top of the Pops is being recorded this evening – please click here to register attendance. Details of further shows available will be posted on the registration site shortly. We’ll keep you posted.
Regards,
Mark
A bright spark on the BBC News website has even written this article about it!
It’s sad to say but at 24 I’m either too old to recognise most of the performers on tonight’s show or too detached from pop music to like any of them: Ordinary Boys, Katie Melua, Gavin Degraw, The Feeling, The Beautiful South, Sunblock feat. Robin Beck…
I know Preston is the chap from Ordinary Boys and The Beautiful South were that shite band from years back (clearly they have a tax bill or something to pay and need to earn some cash…). But I’m not interested in watching that lot even for a free ticket!
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