On Thursday 26th September, the BBC’s Maida Vale studios opened it’s doors to members of the public to watch a live performance from legendary American alt-rock quartet, Pixies. Broadcast live during Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music show, assistant producer Lucy Cooke was there to witness the event.
For BBC 6 Music’s First ‘In Concert’ we were joined by a band who shaped the sound of Alternative Rock – Pixies. Having sold just under 2 million albums worldwide, they are among rock music's greatest pioneers. Single-handedly spawning the grunge movement of the 1990s, their unique mix of punk, pop and surf rock inspired an entire generation of musicians, and embodied 90's alternative Rock.
Prior to the event, Steve Lamacq said “Pixies are undoubtedly one of the most iconic bands of the modern rock scene. With a shadow that looms large, it will be amazing to have them bring their dynamic and evocative sound live to BBC 6 Music.”
Pixies played long awaited new material as well as songs from their back catalogue
The band took to the BBC’s legendary Maida Vale studios with a career spanning set to give the lucky audience a truly special performance. The ticket registration was open to anyone via the BBC Tours and Shows website, so Pixies fans would have been crossing their fingers that they would be among the hundred or so people lucky enough to see them in an intimate and relaxed environment, ahead of the band’s UK tour.
We met quite a few people in the queue who hadn’t seen the Pixies since the late ‘80s, so it was extra special for them.
Bassist Kim Shattuck replaces founder member Kim Deal who left the band earlier this year
As well as being broadcast live on radio and online, the concert was also filmed and will be available to watch from midnight on Thursday 10th October on BBC Red Button.
BBC 6 Music will be back in the west London studios for five days from Monday 14th October with the return of 6 Music Live at Maida Vale, featuring live performances from artists including Goldfrapp and Paul McCartney, which will also be available to watch via the Red Button.
Lucy Cooke is Assistant Producer at BBC 6 Music.
- Listen to Steve Lamacq interviewing Pixies frontman Black Francis.
- Watch Pixies' set from the Maida Vale studios on the BBC Red Button. Press Red from any BBC TV channel from midnight on Thursday 10th October.
- Find out more about 6 Music Live at Maida Vale at the BBC 6 Music website.
- Read more of Lucy Cooke's blogs on Steve Lamacq’s Britpop Timeline.
