Tag Archives: Fun Boy Three

50 YEARS OF TOP OF THE POPS : APR 11 – APR 17

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This week’s first video is for birthday boy Neville Staple, formerly of The Specials and Fun Boy Three.

There’s lots of fun in this video. Fun Boy Three, and the presenter of Fun House. And Bananarama.

And sadly, this week would have seen Stewart Adamson’s 56th birthday. This clip, also introduced by Pat Sharp came from a shortened episode due to live coverage of the 1983 FA Cup Final Replay, which conveniently is used to link into the video (There was no video, so BBC just did a goals montage, of what Pete Powell described as “Ace goals”) for “Glory Glory Man United” by Liverpool FC Squad.

Of course not, just seeing if you were paying attention. Would you like some tenuous links between Stewart Adamson and Manchester United?

Stewart Adamson, was actually born in Manchester, and Sir Alex Ferguson (a former player of Adamson’s favourite team, Dunfermline Athletic) attended his funeral.

How was “Mulder and Scully” by Catatonia not Number One? The truth is out there.

Blowing out birthday candles this week is Will Sergeant from Echo and the Bunnymen.

I remember when “Nothing Lasts Forever” came out, I thought they were a new band (in my defence, I was 14) …….

…… and didn’t know they had a back catalogue including this.

And now, 90s men, time to relive all those dreams you had of Sarah Cracknell.

Brace yourselves, this, is just ….. wow.

Ritchie Blackmore was 69 this week. Yet, when you try to find Rainbow Top Of The Pops appearance on Youtube, this comes up. So many questions, the most pressing of which is, where’s Bungle?

Sad anniversary now – Joey Ramone died 13 years ago this week.

And finally, a Royal Birthday of sorts, as Princess Posh of Beckingham Palace hits the big 40 this week.

50 YEARS OF TOP OF THE POPS : MAR 14 – MAR 20

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We kick off this week is IKEA Brand Ambassador Jona Lewie. Often thought of as a One Hit Wonder, he is actually a Two Hit Wonder.

If you’re wondering where he is these days, well, you can always find him in the kitchen at parties.

Remember Hanson? One of them turns 31 this week. I can’t remember which one thought. On the topic of Hanson “Where’s The Love?” is probably their best song.

Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 is 42 this week. I’m not really a massive fan (though ironically, I do like some stuff by Angels and Airwaves, The Transplants, and Boxcar Racer) but “I Miss You” is a brilliant song.

Also celebrating a birthday this week is William, or Will.I.Am, which bizarrely is the website code for Armenia. I wonder if there is an Armenian pop star called Will.I.Com?

Gregory’s Girl and Queen Of VH1 in the 90s, Clare Grogan is 52 this week. I bet it must be hell being invited to her birthday party and trying not to sing this.

Of course, it was St Paddy’s Day this week, and no doubt you’ll be expecting something along that theme. Well, believe it or not, there are two Irish pop birthdays that day. Caroline Corr …..

…… and Stephen Gately, who would have been 38 this week.

And also born on St Patrick’s Day (but he’s not Irish) was Justin Hawkins of The Darkness.

A death anniversary now, and it’s 17 years since Jermaine Stewart died.

Remember, you don’t have to take your clothes off to have a good time reading this blog. If you do, I won’t be held responsible, especially if you’re on Public Transport.

Get your lighters at the ready for an epic Power Ballad ….

Terry Hall was 55 this week and has performed on the show with three different acts, The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Colourfield.

42 today is Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand.

Alex Kapranos can currently be seen on BBC 2 telling Terry Wogan how he made it, but what he made is unclear. Talking of Terry Wogan ……..

38 today, is the man with the poshest name in Nu Metal, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park

And finally, a Soul classic from Newcastle’s finest musical export. Yes, you heard that right.