First viewed : November 1982
This long-forgotten show was Channel Four's first attempt at "yoof TV".
Having the usual chat and music formula, the show was broadcast from the Ace Theatre, Brixton a decent-sized venue on the regular rock circuit. The band playing there - a reasonably big name like The Undertones or Stiff Little Fingers - would have a couple of numbers televised and then it would cut to an earnest discussion on unemployment or apartheid backstage with the muffled sound of people having rather more fun in the background. The relative proportions of the audience who tuned in for the music and the chat can easily be guessed.
The series was most notable for its acerbic host. Here began the slow climb to TV ubiquity of Keith Allen, previously best known as a naked ventriloquist on the alternative comedy circuit. As well as his provocative chairing of the discussions, Allen used the show to premiere his debunking of The Professionals with "The Bullshitters", depicting "Bonehead" and "Foyle" as a couple of gaylords obsessed with their underpants. It was funnier in concept than execution but his heart was in the right place.
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