TV Pop Diaries
Pop Music on British Television 1955 - 1999

Typical of the regional pop shows that sprouted in the wake of Merseybeat, this one covered beat talent from Scotland. Three amateur or semi-pro bands would play each week, with a professional band, usually from England in support. Pete Murray from Lucky Stars (Summer Spin) and Top Of The Pops hosted the show, despite the many viewer complaints about an Englishman getting the job.

Auditions across the country were held to find thirty groups for the series, with each band allocated six minutes. According to The Stage the bands chosen by mid-February 1964 were Tommy Dene and The Tremors, The A Beats, The Seven Sinners Showband, Beat Unlimited, The Copycatz, The Vampires, The Gaylords, The Falcons, The Johnny Hudson Hi-Four, The Ramblers Showband, Mark Dayton and The Honours among others.

The English bands invited to play on the show were The Original Checkmates, The Zephyrs, Dave Berry and The Cruisers, The Rockin' Berries, Wayne Gibson and The Dynamic Sound, The Big Three, Rob Storme and The Whispers, and The Jet Blacks.

Producer Liam Hood explained "It will be a useful experience for the Scots boys appearing with professional groups, who have been at the game longer than they have". However, the show discovered some real talent. Lulu and The Luvvers were among the acts on the first show, The Gaylords would evolve into The Marmalade while Peter's Faces would cut several sought after 45s.

ONE NIGHT STAND

Scottish

27th February 1964 - 27th May 1964