The Rise and Fall of ...

1. Oh Well Whatever, Nevermind: The Birth of Britpop 30.07.2023 20分

What was life like before Britpop? Join Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley as they rewind the tape to hear how the UK sounded at the start of the 90’s. Britpop emerged at a very specific time in British History, recession and war had dominated the headlines, the Iron Lady left Downing Street for the final time and the UK’s music scene was fractured. Rave was still in relatively rude health, terrifying the tabloids and the parents of teenagers, Morrissey had felt the wrath of music fans after appearing on stage in a Union Jack and the Manic Street Preachers were bringing their own unique blend of rock n roll to the world. But there was one genre that dominated the airwaves and co-opted the ears of the UKs Youth... Grunge. In Episode 1 of The Rise and Fall of Britpop, Steve and Jo have new interviews, never before heard archive and more giving us a warts and all look back at the genesis of the scene. Discovering how these different elements collided to create the perfect conditions for a big bang which saw a new wave of British creativity spewed into existence. Warning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of self-harm and suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionlineListen only on BBC Sounds.

2. Rock and Roll Star: The Month That Changed It All 30.07.2023 17分

Britpop, as a term landed in the spring of 1993 but it was a full year later, that everything changed over the course of just twenty days. In Episode 2 of The Rise and Fall of Britpop, Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley revisit the key moments on the road to Britpop’s explosion. Including on air resignations at Radio 1, a band of rowdy Mancunians and a tragic death, which caused shockwaves around the world. 30 years later Steve and Jo are taking advantage of their contacts, going through old note books, photo albums, DATs, Mini Discs and the BBC archives, to chart the Rise and Fall of one of the biggest musical movements ever to hit the UK… Britpop. Warning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of self-harm and suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionlineListen only on BBC Sounds.Presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq Written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan Produced by Paul Sheehan with additional production by Phil Smith Technical Production by Tim Heffer Editor for BBC Audio Helen Hobday Commissioning Producer Jonathan O’Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music Will Wilkin A BBC Audio Production

3. What Do I Do Now? A Cultural Take Over 30.07.2023 16分

Thirty years ago a youthquake of creativity took hold of the UK, as Britpop sucked everything into its cultural orbit.From supermodels at Fashion week, to Edinburgh’s underbelly and from Match of the Day montages, to puppets interviewing rock stars on Breakfast TV, the attitude and aspirations of Britpop reverberated across the country.In episode 3 of The Rise and Fall of Britpop Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley dust off old note books, photo albums, CDs and tapes and look at the effect Britpop had on every aspect of British culture.Listen only on BBC Sounds.Presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq Written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan Produced by Paul Sheehan with additional production by Phil Smith Technical Production by Tim Heffer Editor for BBC Audio Helen Hobday Commissioning Producer Jonathan O’Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music Will Wilkin A BBC Audio Production

4. Connection: The Rise of Lad Culture 30.07.2023 14分

As Britpop and lad culture became intertwined, did this heady relationship do a disservice to the women behind the music?30 years on from Britpop, Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq take a trip back to the 90s to reassess the scene’s relationship with sex and gender. From the front covers of lads mags, to music videos, they delve into the day to day experiences of many band members.Featuring new and archive interviews with Louise Wener, Shirley Manson, Miki Berenyi and Justine Frischmann, Episode 4 of The Rise and Fall of Britpop highlights the barriers women faced and celebrates the trails they blazed across the decade.Presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq Written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan Produced by Paul Sheehan with additional production by Phil Smith Technical Production by Tim Heffer Editor for BBC Audio Helen Hobday Commissioning Producer Jonathan O’Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music Will Wilkin A BBC Audio Production

5. Something Changed: Pulp Fiction 30.07.2023 23分

Despite Blur and Oasis dominating the headlines, one band more than any other came to represent the soaring highs and crushing lows of Britpop - Pulp. From recording in a semi-detached house in Sheffield to writing songs in a tent the night before headlining Glastonbury, the Pulp story has it all. Thirty years on from the legendary Radio 1 Evening Session, Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq look back at the history of Pulp, discuss the band’s impact and reveal how the intervention of Bob Mortimer and David Bowie might just have saved the 90s.Listen only on BBC Sounds. Presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq Written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan Produced by Paul Sheehan with additional production by Phil Smith Technical Production by Tim Heffer Editor for BBC Audio Helen Hobday Commissioning Producer Jonathan O’Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music Will Wilkin A BBC Audio Production

6. It Could Be You: The Battle of Britpop 30.07.2023 16分

In August 1995, battle lines were drawn and the North vs South rivalry was reignited as Blur and Oasis battled it out for the top spot in the UK charts. What started off as banter soon became a full Britpop war, with offices, classrooms and friendship groups divided. In episode six of The Rise and Fall of Britpop, Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley tell the real stories behind the ‘Battle of Britpop’. Listen only on BBC Sounds. Presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq Written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan Produced by Paul Sheehan with additional production by Phil Smith Technical Production by Tim Heffer Editor for BBC Audio Helen Hobday Commissioning Producer Jonathan O’Sullivan Commissioner for BBC Music Will Wilkin A BBC Audio Production

7. The Drugs Don't Work 30.07.2023 20分

As the 90s hurtled towards a new millennium, Britpop wasn't just making big headlines, it had also become very big business.As money flowed through the UK music industry, everyone was desperate to be part of Cool Britannia. However, with the arrival of money came the arrival of excess.In Episode 7 of The Rise and Fall of Britpop, legendary Evening Session hosts Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq re-unite to look back at what life was like for those in the eye of the storm.The Rise and Fall of Britpop was presented by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq. It was written by Steve Lamacq and Paul Sheehan. Technical Production by Tim Heffer. With additional production by Phil Smith. The Editor for BBC Audio was Helen Hobday. The Commissioning Producer was Jonathan O’Sullivan. The Commissioner for Sounds was Will Wilkin. Archive comes from The Word, Fierce Panda, Channel 4, Hattrick, Steve Lamacq, Peel Acres, Creation Call, Ginger Media and the BBC Archive. The producers would like to thank all contributors and archive interviewers and interviewees including Matt Everitt, Jax Coombes, Miranda Sawyer, John Harris, Stephen Merchant, Matt Tasker, Dermot O’Leary, Sara Tabar, Anna Richards, Tom Ravenscroft, Sam Cunningham, Chris Morris, Stuart Maconie, Mark Goodier, Georgia Frampton and Snuff.

8. To The End 30.07.2023 24分

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Britpop!

1. Foundations 25.07.2025 16分

Noughties UK indie music was iconic, fashionable and thrilling. These days the kids call it 'Indie Sleaze', although at the time there was no cohesive name for the collection of bands - from Franz Ferdinand to The Libertines, The Long Blondes to The Cribs, Bloc Party to Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys to The Kooks - that erupted from all corners of Britain. These young artists exploded with attitude, tunes, vitality, and misconduct, creating an army of costumed disciples. This is the story of the UK’s most influential musicians of this millennia, and the wild culture that surrounded them - including a collapsing music industry in the face of new media, a fatal tabloid frenzy, and the lows to be found amidst the highlife. Come and ride the UK Indie Wave, as recalled by the people who were there, sweating into their skinny jeans.Episode 1 takes us back to Year Zero (aka 2001), when a foreign band invasion led by the Strokes ignites and inspires this nation's youth.Featured interviewees include Johnny Borrell, Pete Doherty and The Hives Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of drug use, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

2. Boys In The Band 25.07.2025 16分

Now that being in a band is cool again, and now that grotty indie guitar music seems a viable career choice, every corner of the UK sprouts an exciting new group ... or two, or three. Glasgow's Franz Ferdinand seize the moment, winning the Mercury Music Prize. They are the undisputed early leaders of this new scene-without-a-name, setting a tone that is unashamedly artistic and literate. And also quite boozy.Featured interviewees include Alex Kapranos, The Cribs and Paul Smith Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language and adult themes.

3. Hey Scenesters! 25.07.2025 20分

A new tribe is born: The Indie. You can spot an Indie a mile off. They are in skinny jeans, scarves, and trilbies, in a random configuration designed to look as dirty and debauched as possible. The early internet - MySpace and band forums - solidifies this fun new scene, and breaks down barriers between artist and fan. 'Guerilla Gigs' become a thing, with spontaneous shows sprouting up in funeral parlours, tube trains, pub roofs ... and drug dens. Featured interviewees include Alexandra Haddow, Gary Jarman and Pete Doherty Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of drug use, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

4. Golden Touch 25.07.2025 18分

2005 to '06 is the pinnacle of UK Indie Sleaze, as Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys, The Kaiser Chiefs and The Kooks well and truly take over the mainstream. Scrappy guitar bands are now dominating the BRIT Awards and playing to an audience of 2 billion at Live 8. But with success comes the inevitable backlash...Featured interviewees include Johnny Borrell and Luke Pritchard Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of drug use, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

5. Can't Stand Me Now 25.07.2025 16分

What’s a music scene without fighting and feuding? Brace yourself for Art Brut versus Bloc Party, Razorlight versus The Kooks, and The Libertines versus themselves. With all the booze, drugs, and partying, things are bound to get messy. Especially at the notorious NME Awards, where Ryan Jarman of the Cribs has a near death experience. Featured interviewees include Luke Pritchard, Johnny Borrell, Eddie Argos, Pete Doherty and Ryan Jarman. Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of drug use, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

6. When The Sun Goes Down 25.07.2025 20分

The UK indie guitar music scene hits the tabloids. Johnny Borrell, Pete Doherty and Luke Pritchard partner up with A-List celebrity girlfriends. Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse become unhealthy media obsessions. And most shockingly of all, Preston from the Ordinary Boys goes on Celebrity Big Brother and actually has a great time. This red top frenzy builds to a messy crescendo that includes phone hacking, divorce, band break-ups, and a devastating fatality.Featured interviewees include Alexandra Haddow, Pete Doherty, Samuel Preston, Tara Joshi, Johnny Borrell and Luke Pritchard Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language, adult themes and descriptions of drug use, which some listeners may find distressing. Details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

7. Bang Bang You're Dead 25.07.2025 16分

Just six action-packed years after the start of the UK indie sleaze music scene, The Word magazine coins the derisory term “Landfill Indie” to describe the oversaturation of guitar music, turning the entire genre into a joke. Major labels are falling over themselves to sign the next big indie thing, but many of these hopefuls aren’t ready for the limelight. And audiences seem ready for a new, entirely different, sound ... one that's less male-dominated, for starters. Cue Kate Nash, Adele, Laura Marling, Florence Welch and co.Featured interviewees include Alexandra Haddow, Johnny Borrell, Tara Joshi, Alex Kapranos, Paul Smith and Gary Jarman Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 MusicWarning: this episode contains strong language and adult themes.

8. Not Nineteen Forever 25.07.2025 23分

So here we are, twenty years on... The UK indie guitar scene was a brief, bright moment where exciting new bands emerged from all corners of the UK, and made themselves available to fans. It was a time when young people controlled the culture and left the major record labels in the dust. It was an intoxicating era of community, messiness and hedonism. And actually, there is a hunger for all of that now. Many of the bands from that time are still going, and are playing to more people than they ever have before. The UK Indie Explosion holds a fascination for those audiences too young to have experienced it firsthand, and those Gen Z-ers have popularised the term ‘indie sleaze’. Meanwhile, guitar music is cool again, with the likes of English Teacher, Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice leading a rock revival.Presented by Kate Nash Produced by Jack Howson & Rich Power A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Sounds & 6 Music Commissioners for the BBC were Will Wilkin and Hannah ClaphamThe producers would like to extend deep thanks to: Ed Greig for additional (early noughties) production heard across the series David Crackles for engineering every episode The BBC Archive team, namely David Hyde, Joseph Schultz, and Colin Waddell

1. No Future 27.10.2025 17分

“Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” spat a deflated Johnny Rotten before walking off stage in San Francisco. The Sex Pistols were finished. One album, a handful of singles, and a trail of chaos that changed British music.But where did it all begin? How did a green-haired kid from Finsbury Park, nearly killed by meningitis and raised in poverty, end up fronting the most incendiary band in British history?In Episode 1 of The Rise and Fall of Sex Pistols, Gina Birch, a founding member of The Raincoats, and Steve Lamacq drag you back to the murky mid-70s and dive into the turbulent origins of punk’s most iconic band.From stolen Bowie gear to backroom pub auditions, this is a story of disillusioned youth, of a fetish shop on the King’s Road, of a snarling, short-sighted teenager, and of a chaotic Britain. The perfect breeding ground for a cultural revolution that the Sex Pistols were being primed to lead.Featuring archive interviews with: John Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood and Bob Geldof.Presented by Gina Birch and Steve LamacqA BBC Audio Production

2. Year Zero 27.10.2025 23分

Britain in the summer of 1976 was hot, angry, on strike and broke; a country on the brink. In the shadows, four raw, unpolished young punks were limbering up on the sidelines, unaware of the impact they would make.From half-empty art school shows to now-legendary gigs at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall and London’s 100 Club Punk Festival, Episode 2 takes you inside the band’s earliest and most shambolic shows.At the heart of it all: a band more interested in provocation than perfection. As guitarist Steve Jones told the NME during this period: “We’re not into music, we’re into chaos.”Fights broke out, glasses were thrown, and punk ripped itself from the underground onto the front pages. The Pistols were forming a following, and they were soundtracking a country crying out for change.The Sex Pistols were ready to deliver it, whether Britain wanted it or not.Episode 2 features archive interviews from: Johnny Rotten, Glen Matlock, London club promoter Jack Barrie, Paul Cook, Peter Hook from Joy Division and New Order, Sid Vicious, Siouxsie Sioux, Malcolm McLaren and 100 Club promoter Ron Watts.Alongside this, there is a new interview from TV Smith from The Adverts.Presented by Gina Birch and Steve LamacqA BBC Audio Production

3. The Filth and the Fury 27.10.2025 19分

In just three months, the Sex Pistols went from unknowns to the most feared band in Britain. After headlining the infamous 100 Club Punk Festival, they landed a major-label deal with EMI and released their debut single, Anarchy in the UK.Radio wouldn’t touch it, and record shops banned it. No matter, as within weeks the Pistols were on everyone’s lips… for an entirely different reason.Episode 3 of The Rise and Fall of Sex Pistols focuses on one of the most notorious moments in British television history. A half-cut band. A smirking presenter. A live broadcast that shattered the illusion of polite British youth.Within 24 hours, the headlines screamed “The Filth and the Fury!” and the nation erupted. Gigs were cancelled. Politicians raged. Record label shareholders revolted. EMI, who had only just signed the band, were already trying to distance themselves.This was the moment Britain met punk at teatime… and it never recovered.Episode 3 features archive interviews from: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Cook and Malcolm McLarenPresented by Gina Birch and Steve LamacqA BBC Audio Production

4. Cancelled 27.10.2025 22分

In the aftermath of the Bill Grundy interview, the Sex Pistols became Britain’s most notorious band, not for their music, but for the chaos that followed. To some, they were a threat to society itself, and instead of ignoring them, middle England lost its collective mind.Episode 4 of the Rise and Fall of Sex Pistols plunges into the wreckage of that moment: a UK tour collapsing date by date, sackings from two major labels in just six months, and how manager Malcolm McLaren spun outrage into art.From smashed toilets to moral panic, from Caerphilly to Buckingham Palace, this is the story of how doing nothing made the Pistols more famous than ever.Episode 4 features archive interviews from: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Malcolm McLaren and Sid Vicious alongside a brand-new interview with punk author and historian Chris Sullivan.Presented by Gina Birch and Steve LamacqA BBC Audio Production