BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving.


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

White Light, White Heat - Art Rock 1966-1980

The story of how artistic and conceptual expression permeated rock. From the pop-art multi-media experiments of Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground to the sinister gentility of Peter Gabriel's Genesis, White Light, White Heat traces how rock became a vehicle for artistic ideas and theatrical performance. We follow Pink Floyd from their beginnings with the fated art school genius of Syd Barrett through to the global success of 'Dark Side of the Moon' to the ultimate rock theatre show, 'The Wall'. Along the way, the film explores the retro-futurism of Roxy Music and the protean world of David Bowie.

Director's notes
News image
Francis Whatley
Director/Producer

"'Oh God, Oh God, Oh God,' I thought as I watched my bag disappear down the chute at Heathrow's Terminal One, on my way to New York to interview one of Rock's legends. Admittedly, 'The Legend' in question had masterminded the most awe inspiring debut in rock history but he also had a formidable reputation outside the recording studio. His hatred of journalists, particularly English ones, has become part of rocklore. He once described us as a species of foul vermin who he "wouldn't hire to guard his sewer." He's called us "morons and idiots" and sworn that "he doesn't perform for idiots."

His name is Lou Reed. He was my date for the weekend. This was going to be such fun.

But it had to be done, Lou was an essential part of my story. His pioneering work with the Velvet Underground, especially in collaboration with John Cale, was at the heart of my film. The Velvets were the true pioneers of a form of music that emerged in the mid sixties, which fused poetry, theatre, light shows and art with rock, to create a hybrid called 'art rock'.

Everyone we interviewed had claimed that the Velvet's first album 'The Velvet Underground and Nico' was the Holy Grail of Art Rock. Pink Floyd's first manager, Peter Jenner heard a tape and phoned up the band to ask whether he could manage them. When he was informed politely that actually they had a manager called Andy (Warhol) he went in search of the British equivalent. He found Pink Floyd and their wayward wizard Syd Barrett whose small body of work ranged from the inspirational to the deranged and who, like Lou, was to influence a generation.

Bryan Ferry through his connections with Andy Warhol's factory had similarly adored the revolutionary mix of raw street subject matter with plaintive melodies. And David Bowie had heard the Velvets characteristically before anyone else and went on to make his own version of both "Venus in Furs" and "Waiting for the Man".

So whatever my reservations about Lou he was the lynchpin to my film and I needed him. A few insights into the workings of the Velvets would suffice. Could it be that hard?

As I arrived at JFK, I realised that yes, it could well be that hard, maybe even impossible. I received an alarming message from Lou's agent: "Lou finds your list of questions inappropriate... he will not discuss either his music or his lyrics. We'll see you at 12pm tomorrow." I wondered quite what that left me with, and a fitful night ensued.

The following morning, I re-drafted my questions, leaving only those that I felt had any chance of success. My list was now quite short.

When Lou arrived, he looked like the legend of my imaginings. He certainly had presence. But there was more bad news. The agent took me aside and put lines through many of my new questions. What was left was a two minute interview.

As I took my chair and began to describe the series to Lou, he stared beyond me, clearly not remotely interested. I stumbled and stuttered asking him about the importance of Andy Warhol to the Velvet's early success. Lou liked the question and was almost chatty, remembering how Warhol had given them a place to sleep, food and most importantly a place to record: "I miss him. I really do."

As things were going OK I didn't think I should tempt fate and ask him why he had fired Warhol, after only the first album. Instead I asked about John Cale, who we had interviewed a few weeks earlier. As soon as the name came up Lou exclaimed that I was going off my 'approved question list' and refused to answer.

Things then became a bit tense, as one question after another was deemed off limits. But as I probed him on the possible meaning of 'art rock' he opened up slightly and discussed how he had introduced subjects like transvestism and drug use, that had formerly been reserved only for literature and cinema.

As I moved on to David Bowie, and their musical partnership, Lou responses became mono syllabic. I mentioned that early Velvet Underground was inspirational to the young Bowie. Lou claimed to be unaware of the fact. I offered to prove Bowie's fascination by sending him a rare bootleg copy of Bowie's interpretation of "Venus in Furs" in return for him answering another question. He replied, stony faced, "This is not a hostage situation."

Time was then called and the interview terminated. I had been lucky. I had got thirty five minutes with 'Laughing Lou' some of which I might actually be able to use.

As Lou collected his things I asked him to sign my copy of 'Berlin'. He grinned and for the first time became animated, chatting about how excited he was that he was about to play the whole album on tour. He then signed my cover "best wishes", said what an enjoyable time he had, and left the room.

I wondered which particular part he found so enjoyable."

Have Your Say

Featured Tracks

Track titles link through to a review on BBC Music of an album featuring the track.

Fans' Photos

These pictures are photos that have been uploaded by the public to Flickr, the photosharing website. Click on a photo to see the large image there.

View images related to this content on Flickr.com

These pictures are not hosted by the BBC. Please alert us if you spot anything inappropriate. This product uses the Flickr API but is not endorsed or certified by Flickr.

Have Your Say

We are no longer accepting any more comments on Seven Ages Of Rock.

  • Nic, Derby
    A certainly unusual genre of rock music, especially the Velvet Underground. Art and music clearly go together her so it's not surprising that Roxy Music were art students!

    Cat Black Virginia Waters
    Love him or loathe him every one knows him.Marc Bolan.30th Anniversary year of his passing and he's still here."You Wont fool the Children of the Revoloution!!!"

    Zoonie XL5 and Space City
    (V) Ermin of London you actually typed Marc Bolan. Thank you.Golden Bolan the Legend lives on!!

    Ermin, london
    Marc Bolan, jumped up litttle screamer!

    paul liverpool
    great series on art rock,however frank zappa,beefheart,perhaps should of been looked into,joes garage,city of tiny lites.

    Richard, Darlington
    Does anyone know which song is played over the title sequence to the program?? I think it's The Ramones. Can't believe Joy Division didn't feature in the program. It's scanderlous.

    jez Lincoln
    SANG IN A MONOTOTNOUS DRONE " I saw an aeroplane flying in the sky with a elephant dangling from a rainbow "Can I be an Art Rock star now please ( AROUND '66/67)And 40 years on people are still talking 'bout how fab I am

    Trevor , Lincoln
    I knew it , just knew there would be no mention of the likes of THE NICE , ZAPPA or Crimson/Yes/ELP...........If everything Dawned from Sgt Peps / Piper or Andy Warhol (my next door neighbour has a pile of bricks in their garden that's been there for ages, I wonder if it's worth Millions )Then how come Genesis were inspired by Crimson more than anybody else.......hooo?...Robert Fripp whom the likes of ENO,Bowie,Blondie,Andy Summers ect couldn't wait to work with...I bet if Keith Emerson had been a guitarist TARKUS would have been a major influence ona lot of Metal heads to come....& heralded as a Rock Classic........The way that some of these twits featured in some of the later AGES is just beyond belief , some snob of a Journo going on About "how nobody else would have ever thought to use swear words " like the Pistols...or some kids band....beck or summut because he included a quick blast of Classical Music in a song....total genuis....total effing genius.......There is a CONSPIRACY to prevent Younsters from listening to Real Classic ROCK .Creative , Art or that term of Abuse GROP ( prog .....yes no wonder , the ultimate turn off usage )What ever you want to call itall 1 note players form a queue here.............at least Planet Rock has been getting more Progressive of LATEI'm off for some sex & drugs with my 1 keyed Mellotron

    Trevor , Lincoln
    Art Rock for the same old Cleeky Incrowd.........How can the likes of Velvet Underground etc be included in the same A G E as Pink Floyd & Genesis..........How come the likes of the Nice ,ZAPPA, Yes & Especially KING CRIMSON Had no mention ????I knew & should have put £100 BET ON THAT THE Real ICONS of ART or Creative Rock ( not bloddy Prog ) it wasn't even called it that at the time.....as was HEAVY or HARD Rock wasn't bloody HM either 9

    Dave, Newcastle
    Bolan a VERY serious omission. I take it we can expect a 30th anniversary special, dedicated solely to him, in light of his scandalous exclusion from these programmes ? Although this is doubtful , the BBC still seems to be staffed by blokes who have musical taste that begins & ends with Cream & Pink Floyd (God forbid).Just one more point. To my mind there is no Bolan vs Bowie debate, you like what you like & only those two really knew how much they influenced each other, the rest is conjecture. Both made some great records & some rubbish ones too - one just happened to die earlier than the other as well, so we'll never know how things might have turned out.

    Bern, Maidstone
    Charles Shaar Murray used to hate Progressive Rock in the 70's which probably explained why that huge genre was ignored and replaced by the sideshowe that was called "Art Rock". Emerson Lake and Palmer won all the polls going in the early 70s and were arguably bigger than Floyd for a while and were soon followed by Yes in their global popularity. King Crimson and Robert Fripp not mentioned? The echos of Prog Rock still ring down the years (Muse etc) but because one guy didn't like it an important "age" was ignored. Shame.

    paul elkins, london
    alice cooper might be theatrical, but i've simply never considered him "art rock" by the definition i've always had.anyway, the artists featured in an 'art rock' programme should have considerable artistic merit besides theatrics.hence no alice cooper.

    Stephen E Andrews, Bath
    Let's get one thing straight: Art Rock (and by extension Glam and Punk) had three basic waves of pioneers. First came The Velvet Underground and The Doors. Then came Alice Cooper and The Stooges. Third came David Bowie and Roxy Music (Prog fans, I'd go with The Nice and Crimson were I talking about the classically oriented end of art rock).Alice Cooper (the band) were wearing makeup, using fake identities, gender bending, employing surrealism in their songs, employing outrageous stage antics etc long before Bowie (don't get me wrong, I love Bowie and accept that he is a more wide-ranging artists than Vince Furnier and co ever were). BUT at least one of the Spiders From Mars has gone on record as admitting that DB took them to see Alice Cooper to convince them to turn Glam and adopt theatrics. And as far as Alice's musical credentials go, 'Easy Action' is as important a slice of rock dadism as 'Trout mask Replica' or 'White Light White Heat'. 'Killer' is every bit as important to Punk as 'Fun House' is. Not only that, Alice Cooper set important precedents for the development of heavy metal, goth and electronic music (check the minimal but effective use of moog on 'Killer'). Remember that John Lydon is an Alice Cooper fan, and John likes his avant-rock...

    Steven Crayn, London
    paul elkins of London, you asked why people who wanted Alice Cooper mentioned in an art rock programme post here? The premise of the seven ages of rock (my ass!) was supposed to be " A definitive landmark series charting the emergence and re-emergence of rock music as a global force,told through the musicans who have shaped this most enduring of genres". The 'White Light White Heat' Art Rock episode focused on rock theatre in part, which is why so many Alice Cooper fans have complained about the ommision of the master and originator of the sub genre. Rock music never went away it just wasn't fashionable for a while and for the BBC to try and rewrite history by leaving out someone so important is wrong. So keep your ignorance to yourself.

    Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood
    two words uriah and heep!!!!!!!!!!!! talk about "art rock" please ppl, what about rick wakeman the guy was art rock its self hello people ' the court of king arthur ON ICE' horses, actors, musicians, with wakeman should amist 50 keyboards, directing an orchestra with his long blonde flowing hair and his full length silver cape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Blues Boy Riley, Heywood
    Can some one tell me and the assembled hordes what a "mentalist" is please?Crikey, the English language is added to everyday.All this for a programme on the 'goggle box', 'The idiots lantern',The cathode ray tube in the corner.All in the name of entertainment.What jolly good internet debate if somewhat peurile in places.

    Nalob Cram No1 Golders Green
    'Neath a strange star when the earth was young a sound was given to the chosen ones, on hill all cloudy and grey was heard at dawn this wonderous laye,A wop bop a loo bop a lop bam bum hang it out babies and have some fun, Beatles, Stones, Zep, Rex and all Keep on rockin' at the Union Hall, YEAH!'

    jennie mac, inverness
    One of Bowie's big influences was Vince Taylor; Bowie watched the Scopitones again and again. The other huge influence was Lindsay Kemp and it was excellent to see that he was interviewed. An ex of mine was in Lindsay's troupe and spent weeks rehearsing with Bowie for a tour in the 70s which was axed at the last moment when he changed management. But the theatrical, bisexual influence remained. Bolan - not nearly as influential, if at all.

    Eamonn ,Milton Keynes
    I enjoyed the piece on Genesis as I remember watching them in the Fox Club above the Greyhound in Croydon.It was certainly theatre but also good music it took me and I hope a few others out of the hundrum lives we lived.It gave a lot of inspiration to write poetry and even now if I feel a bit low a blast of early Genesis lifts up the spirit.It's a shame they went pop.

    Andy, West London
    I agree with all you Bolan fans that he should've had some kind of a mention, but definitely not ahead of Bowie. T-Rex were very important and almost certainly influenced Bowie. But Bowie took the baton and ran and ran and ran with it. His back catalogue is second to none, apart from the Floyd maybe, in the Art Rock genre. Shame that the Doors don't quite fit into any of the categories in this series.

    Peter, Luton
    Hey Mark, you want to hear from the FANS? Well, just take a look at this website - full of ranting rabid fans who can't spell. Read of few of these ridiculous missives and then you might change your mind!!

    Dom, Bolton
    Steve, Lou Reed shouldn't be locked up, who cares if musicians are obnoxious, it doesn't matter as long as the music they make is good. I agree about the headless guitars though.

    David, Aberdeen
    Lou Reed is probably THE most overrated and under-talented person in the history of popular music. White Light/White Heat is a messed up blues song not Art Rock. Just because many of these guys came from Art Schools doesn't mean they made Art music.

    Fergus Russell,Scotland
    This series NEEDS to be released on DVD or video, its great for schools to be used to show children how one of the worlds most faviourite genre's of music was formed and had prevails to this day. its also great if your just interested in music like me

    John, Stoke on Trent
    The usual stuff. Bowie and Pink Floyd are lauded ,Bolan and Yes ignored.Also no mention of influential post punk bands such as Joy Division/New Order, Gang of Four and Scritti Politti and no mention the White Stripes or the Stokes.

    paul elkins, london
    why do people who want alice cooper mentioned in an art rock programme post here? the moody blues over the velvet underground? never heard the term "art rock"?why don't they keep their ignorance to themselves. sure, this series is bad but it hasn't sunken to those depths.lou reed arrogant? what does that have to do with the music? listen to a vevelt underground album pal and don't judge a musicians music and influence because of a radio interview. jeez.

    Stevie, Manchester
    I'm a massive Marc Bolan fan, and I was not surprised or disappointed by the absence of him from this episode. Bolan was not and never was 'art-rock'.Marc in Manchester: Your first comments were the biggest load of rubbish I've ever heard! Bowie ripped of The Slider?! You mentalist!

    col...Dublin,Ireland
    firstly can i address my fellow Irishman Michael from Carlow....i think people are sayin that Marc gave David a direction,& influenced him heavily,Bowie himself has admitted this,nobody is sayin Bowie isnt a talent in himself,he is a genious. But so is Marc & he should have been mentioned & credited with that.......oh & one more thing Michael.....Marc & Davids careers followed in a parallel fashion,they were both making comebacks in 1977,Marcs was ahead in that race & had his own tv show,Davids new single wasnt selling,he was invited onto Marcs show by Marc & played the single on it,the single was Heroes,....Marc was killed days later & Bowie went on to greater things....as somebody said on here they were both great friends & indeed were in the process of writing songs together wjth plans to record them....now whether youre in Marcs corner or Davids corner you have to agree that that would have been some album

    Mark, Royston
    Sod Marc Bolan, Sod Bowie, Reed and all those 'muso' people pratling on about 'genre', i want to here from some of the people who matter for a change. THE FANS - the people who were in the cheap seats. What did they experience??? Did they wipe out stage bombing, or throw a pork pie at Mick Jagger? Wheres the bloody fun?

    John, Stratfield Turgis
    Marc Bolan is dead. No there's a fact.

    Jon Charles Cheltenham
    I can't help wonder why their was no mention at all of Alice cooper in this episode. Just months before Bowie launched his @ziggy' persona and stage show he'd been spotted at Alices infamous london show, and the whole style of his band must have come from ideas he gleaned that night. yes, bowie went on to become a much bigger star and musical influence over the years, but surely Alice desrves some credit? The clothes, the attitude, the scandal, and the biggest grossing most over the top show in it's day, hello!!AND the first rock/heavy metal number 1 in this country 'schools out'!

    Spike..Carshalton, Surrey
    Well this programme has been a pile of shite as far as I'm concerned ans as for Mark from Holloways comments..Marc Bolan POP?..Marc was Rock a new kind of Rock that would soon be labelled glam and glitter Rock..Marc was the pioneer of fashion and music from 1970 onwards..not Bowie Roxy music or anyone and as much as I like some of Bowie's and Roxy's music they jumped on the band wagon that Bolan had created..To me this programme has re-wrote the facts and changed the history of rock that is no more then a myth.. Bolan has influenced many artists from the seventies and still continues to do so today...he is the most covered artist of all time...he was a musical geneious that stepped outside of the musical boundries and dared mix rock and soul and blues take a listen to Zinc Alloy and the hidden Riders of Tomorrow and or the Sister Pat hall sessions..Yes peeps Bolan was experimenting with Soul long before Bowie had...Bowie only had one Number 0ne in the charts in the seventies and that happened to be the re-release of Space Oddity and that was it.. Bowie himself aknowledges the fact that without Bolan there would've been no Ziggy Stardust etc so why cant some people just accept the facts... And yes where were Led Zep and and in the first show..it was a disgrace that the Beatles were almost overlooked bar a few snippets about Sergeant Peppers...disgraceful

    Dave , Leeds
    Facts,T.rex The Slider # 17 Billboard chart 1972David Bowie Ziggy Stardust # 75 Billboard chart 1972I wish the producer's of such programmes would do correct research. Marc Bolan invented Glam Rock ,and as great as David Bowie is he followed Bolan.Check your facts please BBC ,Bolan was the dominanant force 1970 to 1972.

    Nick, Bicester
    Great programme but why the term art rock (this is a new one on me). Was it a catch all so that the trendy and still in the public eye David Bowie and Roxy Music could get an appearence on your programme. Take away the make up and the gimmick and David Bowie sounded no different from any of the other glam rockers that proliferated the charts at that time. No one else would dare lump these acts with Pink Floyd and Genesis who genuinely broke the mould of music and were part of the progressive music scene which spawned many acts far more worthy than Bowie or Ferry..

    Ralphy - Cardiff
    Good to see the old floyd stuff, but what a missed opportunity, No Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan or Alex Harvey. A one side perspective that I won't watch again. No wonder top of the pops lost it's slot. Choice of accountants to err on the side of safety, the BBC haven't got a clue with music, never have!

    Chris Etherington Manchester.
    David from Cardiff you seem to have missed the MARC.David Bowie and Tony Visconti both openly admit on video to "stealing" the 'Slider' for Ziggy Stardust.The Slider tracks would also have been laid down well before its release date!!!The track Prettiest Star is also about Marc Bolan!Marc Bolan also played the lead guitar on the single release of this song.Marc Bolan also plays on the Aladdin Sane album.It was Marc Bolan who auditioned the Muscians for the Bowie album Diamond DogsThe Track "Lady Stardust" is about non other than the late great one and only Marc Bolan!!Oh, David Bowie Mime act support to Bolan in the late 60's and so it goes on say what you will, it remains fact, No Bolan no BowieJust for the record David and Marc were the best of friends with open rivalry in the media, " hey it sells records and keeps one in the public eye".Get it right? Marc in Manchester certainly did!Bang a Gong.

    Syd Barrett, Chalfont
    Sean Trane, Belgium. Are you serious? That structure is ridiculous, not least because you could never hope to make a seven hour series from it. 'Rock as the dance thing'??? What? Including funk, techno, Michael Jacskon, from American Bandstand to Motown to Techno... what are you on about? Just how little detail do you want in your docs? Can you seriously imagine making an intelligable, informative and satisfying series based on your formulation? It's so vague and rambling it would never get past a first draft. You put part 2 as: "The awakening of Rock (not RnR) >> how the protest folk artist started revolutionizing songwriting and how they wrote their own rebellion thru the music , eventually leading to Folk Rock, Psych rock, Blues Rock and early Prog" -er, there's an awful lot in there.... who would feature? How could you hope to play any music or explain anything with such a crammed thesis? You clearly want some MTV list show.. we don't want that. We want well mde, elegantly crafted TV thank you. OK, it might miss people out but I'd rather that than cramming every single musical particle in the last 60 years into one hour. And as for the final epsiode you suggest: technology and the digital revolution... wow, I can see viewers tuning in in their millions to watch that I really can. 'Wow, there's afilm about MIDI on tonight...'!!

    Michael Carlow, Ireland.
    All the Marc Bolan fans are sad if they think David Bowie wouldnot be what he is today A ROCK GOD without Bolan Get A Life.

    Richard Watkins sheffield
    congrats on a aursome series bout time us die hard metal heads got some air play . but carnt hepl feeling some legends have been left out no jim morrison how can u make a rock program and leave the one person who inspired the world !!!!!

    allen edwards, oswestry
    interesting, all this Bolan stuff. But what of Dr Feelgood or Nick Lowe. True down to earth rock. Not arty but pure class. Nick Lowe is a God.

    dave in Sheff
    BBC you never learn.It's always the same story, you miss out the real influences such as Bolan and Iggy and go for the safe option of the big sellers. I wonder why you are playing so safe on this series, what are you afraid of ? This series is so poor I would rather you had not made it, it only covers old ground and is a poor "history" tool. When my kids are growing up I will make sure they avoid such "tut" as Sir AS would say..........

    atari 2600 Charlottesville, VA USA
    ...about the question concerning Bowie and "Venus in Furs."Bowie must be referring to an unreleased 1969 demo called "Little Toy Soldier" that quotes some lyrics from "Venus in Furs."It's a very twisted tune. One which finds a character named "Sadie" (White Album, '68, anyone?) being whipped (in one part, to death) by "her little toy soldier."---Bowie was before Bolan, but, as also notated, Bolan had chart success first. Overall, Bowie's talent and influence on music puts him in a higher place in the pageant, but Bolan should have been properly mentioned. Maybe Led Zeppelin and AC/DC will be featured in upcoming episodes, this one, is, after all, subtitled "art rock."

    Kate London
    I enjoyed the first program but this left me cold,i dont go to a gig to watch some loon prance about pretending to be a lawn mower or mime i go to a gig for the music an artist who has genuine musical talent and can entertain And no Marc Bolan didnt pretend to be something he wasnt he didnt go on stage and fool around he went on performed and thrilled listen to more than just the best of and you will here real rock 20th Century boy (Covered by plecebo and Bowie) pop ?? your haveing a laugh, and his tour with the Damned so very pop hounestMarc should of had a mention like Syd Barret he was as influentiol look up at bens long post on the facts cant argue with what the guy did , and someone remind me what was it Elton John said about marc at live 8 ?Bolan was to good to serious and to much of a real musician to be included in this program but he did deserve a mention Bowies ok if you like to watch pantomime and performance to music but not so good if you are there for music I thought the flyod were good but genesis ?

    Awful, The Moon
    Awful overview of the Syd Barrett story. Subjective twaddle, giving people the hyped-up myth they want to hear.

    Awful, Te
    Awful overview of the Syd Barrett story. Subjective twaddle, giving people the hyped-up myth they want to hear.

    Ian, Chichester
    Joy Division?

    Swifty Lemora, London
    Where were The Doors?!! Hugely influental at the time, possibly more so today. A glaring error!

    Ceri, Swansea
    Why is there no mention of Alice Cooper? He influenced Bowie and was doing the whole glam and stage theatric thing before Bowie was even called Bowie.

    David Cardiff
    Marc from Manchester in your own words i quote"okGET IT RIGHT OR DONT BOTHER! id suggest you do as you say!!!David Bowie recorded Ziggy Stardust in 1971,it was in the can before the release of his previous album Hunky Dory and long before Marc Bolans 1973 The Slider.M8 if your gonna post on this site "get it right or DONT BOTHER!!!!!

    Sean Trane Belgium
    What I'm wondering is how the Alternative and Indie chapters will differ. This is the same bloody phenomena, REM being the first widely succesful band to record on an indie label. This whole thing is/seems completely distorted by professional British press writer sof the NME and MM type. I'm sick and tired of those Brutish Musical Press writers telling us how wonderful and essential Punk Rock was (I like some of it, but puuulease, most of these kids wanted the stardom without knowing how to play a second chord >> Sounds like those rteality shows?? >> you bet). It was almost completely prefabricated by NME and over in one year's time. If you want to construct a seven stage rocket: 1a) The original Rock an Roll >>> the 50's and how the establishment managed to kill the rebellion (by jailing, sending into military service the troublemakers).1b) The prefab "rock" stars >> how the establishment managed to change vicious sexual RnR into politically correct pop idols that were comlpletely controlled by the industry, including the Beatles debut , until say 63. 2) The awakening of Rock (not RnR) >> how the protest folk artist started revolutionizing songwriting and how they wrote their own rebellion thru the music , eventually leading to Folk Rock, Psych rock, Blues Rock and early Prog >> until 69. 3) The first apex: the 70's>> the industry losing control and trying to gain it back (through the early 70's Album Oriented Radio's transformation into Adult Oriented Rock of the later 70's), with a first real halt with the 73 oil crisis plunging the Western world into depression. Prog , JR/F etc >> roughly stop at 77 with punk, but can go further with Heavy Metal 4) The punk era and its successors: (post punk, new wave etc....) >> the return of the record companies. The groups are often again manufactered. Until 87, roughly once REM and other indies are coming through. 5) The indie years: (from REM to Grunge and beyond). How the big labels are losing shares to the groups that can now develop without them an international career (this was mainly not the case with the 70's except for maybe Zeppelin) 6) the Dance thing: the story of rock as dancing music, how to exploit the girls with "rock" >> from American Bandstand to Motown, to disco and the 80's funk lead with Jackson (M and J), girls and boys bands and eventually touching the Techno scene >>> from 50's until now 7) the technological revolution and advent of electronics: how the first synths allowed more artistic freedom (Analogue) before limiting it seriously it by enticing kids not to learn music theory but become sampling machines. from 70 until now. Now this makes sense!!!

    Steven Crayn, London
    Branwen of Gwynedd is that the best you can do calling me a sad sad person for presenting some facts about why Alice Cooper should have been in this series.You are a complete insignificance!

    Bill.. America..
    The omission of Alice Cooper is sad. The originator of glam gets a backseat to it's imposter - Bowie.. Shame..

    Damien
    Great shows so far BBC, the UK has really has produced some quality rock bands and artists, not forgetting the U.S & Oz with the likes of Metalica, Lynard Skynard & AC/DC, I hope Guns n Roses get a mention along the way because they were the last of the big hair rock bands and really did make 80's hard rock their own. I love my hard rock but I love Pink Floyd more and they are possibly the most important band of all time, without them music wouldn't be what it is today.

    Maggie Bond, Southampton
    How CAN you leave Alice Cooper out of this?! It's a complete disgrace! Alice was such an innovator and he is still going strong. Shame on you!

    Louise, Dunstable
    Richard in London - it's not about whether Rock 'stars' such as Lou Reed owe the public anything. It's about their attitude to the people who actually provided them with a very nice living and a place in history. Lou Reed did alright, thank you very much. He's still trotting himself out on tours (he made the cover of one of the Sunday supplements). He - like most of these dinosaurs - should have the good sense to give it up. But none of them know when the party is over. They are only of interest because of their - in the case of Lou Reed - one good album - the very reason why documentaries like this want to talk to them. Their arrogrance and refusal to talk to the public - via broadcasters and journalists - is simply biting the hand that feeds them. If they don't want to talk about their work (Dylan, The Beatles, Thte Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, etc etc) remove your music from the marketplace. Of course, there's no chance that'll ever happen because they are all TOO greedy. And we are the suckers who keep them going. As for Bolan. Get over it. He was not a genius. Mozart was a genius. George Gershwin was a genius. Bolan was a pop artist - a tart who would play or sing anything to make a fast buck. But he was even too mean to buy a decent car. Had he done so, he might have been here now ....

    Knocker Riley Cornwall
    Well, theres one thing, Bolan fans dont take things lightly or lying down.Golden Bolan the legend lives on!!!

    Milo Whizbang Outer Hebrides
    Johny B Good and Robin Hood went to the moon for a loonWhilst they were there they lost their hairOdd really.

    Flit
    This was a woeful excuse for a program. The makers managed to completely re-write history and blow smoke up Bowie's ass for an hour. And as for pitching the likes of Roxy Music against Genesis and Pink Floyd, what the hell??? Where's the connection? Appalling research and even poorer interviewees, where did you find this pathetic idiots who seemed to enjoy repeating what the last guy said? And i have to concur with some of the comments above, where the hell was Alice Cooper? Alice Cooper (the band) invented the stage show....FACT!! Bowie was still a crappy folk singer when Alice was getting executed onstage. Don't get me wrong, i'm a fan of Bowie's work, but he certainly didnt invent (or even pioneer) the genre. You need look no further than the Billion Dollar Babies tour for proof of that - or even the Killer/Schools Out tours before then. Please don't waste anymore of my license fee on this contrived garbage.

    Branwen, Gwynedd
    Alice Cooper had his moment. It was just that a moment. You're missing the point guys. As for you Steven Crayn - you sad sad sad person. Get over it.

    Derek Jamieson, Glasgow
    Generally a good series so far but there is far too great a focus on the influence of a few at the expense of the wider contribution of the many. As an example, being an Alice Cooper fan (glam in 1969!), I simply cannot see any justification for the group's exclusion as a major influence during the early part of the seventies. It is well documented that Bowie took his lead in developing more elaborate and confrontational stage shows but this seems to have been missed leaving me with a concern regarding the depth of research undertaken. To me it is simply too easy to distill a few books and add in a few "rock guru's" personal favourites to create what some may believe to be the difinitive history of rock. What is far more difficult and valuable is to really get underneath the linkages between the acts within the various "ages" and demonstrate how they evolved through leveraging from each other's work. Alice was certainly not the major influence in glam rock but neither was Bowie. Both of them, together with Bolan and several others, created a dynamic and a period that was great to live through. Help me re-live it and others understand it better by giving us all a richer understanding of what it was all about. Glam was all about Bowie and Roxy Music? Utter rubbish...

    John, Birmingham
    I must say that although a lot of the great prog rock bands were not mentioned, it was still a great programme to watch because it had a lot to say about rock music of that genre and it still featured many of the greatest bands and still had loads of great tunes of that era in. Carry on Beeb, something worth watching, at last. As good as the programme about The Old Grey Whistle Test that was on last night.

    Richard, London
    I would like to point out rock stars such as Lou Reed, or any other rock star, do not owe the public anything. If you like theirmusic that is all you are entitled to. If you had made as littlefrom your recorded output as Lou Reed I don't think you would be so cheery either. As for Bolan, a true genius does not needvalidation from the likes of BBC.

    Owen, Cornwall
    Yet another fine episode, nearly spot on again except for one glaring omition. Genesis had one of the great guitarists of all time and not an utterence of Steve Hackett, even though he was shown on film.

    spaceman
    Put it online please, I really enjoyed the first one but unfortunetaly missed the second which should be even better cause of Bowie and VU.

    David, Newcastle
    REALLY interesting connections made in this programme - and in the first one last week. And, although some of the material I had seen before, it looked fresh. There was much more I'd never seen. I loved the See Emily Play video. Was that a video for the record? It looked fantastic. Well done.

    Jim, Reading
    Interesting how "rock" means lots of different things to lots of different people. However, by declaring the second age of rock music to be art-rock, you missed the opportunity to explore progressive rock more fully.Art-rock is only one of a number of musical genres of the late 60s/early 70s that can be captured under the umbrella heading of prog. Yes, art-rock spawned a successful Bowie (more thoughtful pop than rock, perhaps?) and Roxy Music (a dance band?). But by restricting yourself this way you missed two of the most successful and influential bands of the period - Yes and ELP. And, yet again, the enormous influence of guitarist Robert Fripp (King Crimson) was overlooked.Those readers who believe that prog was the true second age of rock can get their dose here: www.theacolyte.com.

    runar,iceland
    why skip alice cooper...alice cooper left a big scar in the uk, i can see it all the way from iceland hehe. i know bbc can do better than this.

    Peter, Whitchurch
    David, Exeter. Sorry, what exactly did Charles Shaar Murray say that you disagreed with? As far as I could tell, he did not slag anything off. He spoke very highly of all of the groups featured. Just because in the past he has been ungracious about 'prog' does does not mean, in this instance, the things he said echoed that poisition - they did not. So, perhaps we should have had that champion of prog Chris Welch on then? CSM happens to be one the best music journalists of his generation and he wrote the best book, by far, of Jimi Hendrix. I think you're being slighty paranoid about him....

    Michael, London
    I think some people need to calm down a bit! This film was about 'Art Rock' - a period that saw the lessons and theories of art schools, mixed media and theatrical performance enter rock. It was not a film about anybody with a theatrical stage act (Alice Cooper); each of these stories intertwine in aconvincing narrative. It is not a linkless list of names. For those wishing to see a film about prog, well, sorry. However, I for one welcomed the fact that we did not yet again see Yes or ELP. The makers of this series are trying to find new and fresh ways into the stroy. I doubt having Bill Bruford and Rick Wakeman bang on about Yes, yet again, would do that; some of the Bowie footage had never been seen before - incredible stuff from the Rainbow theatre. Similary, the early colour Floyd footage and the haunting Jugband Blues, not the grainy Youtube version but from an actual print - scratchy but sharper nonetheless. Everyone wants to se their own favourite bands and when they're not featured they slag off the entire enterprise. I seriously doubt the BBC team sat around saying 'oh, let's ignore prog, let's forget Zeppelin or xx (insert fav band here)' Has it occured to you that if a major artist is not featured or has a slim part there is a good editorial or practical reason?? All these people bashing the BBC - can you see any other company making a series of this scale and qulity? ITV? Chanel 4? No way. Ok, there are oversights and gaps in the series, how could there not be? Would you rather have a list show? 2 mins each on 30 prog acts? Come on folks, they are making a narratively structured piece of TV with links between the acts. They need the talking heads to explain the story. When was the last time you saw all of Pink Floyd, playing the songs on acoustic? Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera playing pieces from their hits and explaing aspects of the sound? I'll tell you where, nowhere. Take the film for waht is is, not what it isn't. Some of you are really pedantic, ungrateful moaners

    NOT THE BOLAN FANCLUB (anonyous so Bolan fans don'
    I suspect, and hope others do as well, that the MARC BOLAN FANCLUB have something of a campaign going on here. Please don't try and fill these pages with whinging its dull and rather misses what the programme sets out to do. It would be an impossible task to produce THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF ROCK in just seven, 60 minute programmes. As it is I struggle to see how Marc Bolan could seriously be considered an 'Art' rock artist. Perhaps the Bolan fans would feel happier if Bolan were in a genre all of is own, then again I'm sure they think he influenced things as varied as Mozart/The Magna Carta/Einstein/Chalres Darwin...

    Robert, Hastings
    I've just returned to the UK having lived in the United States for the last 6 years and I have to say that all you moaning minnies need to be exciled there and forced to watch American television. This series is exactly why I am happy to pay the license fee. And as for the ridiculous rant from the Alice Cooper fan who admits to NOT paying the license fee - I just hope you get caught. If you don't pay the licence fee, you are not entitled to comment! It's only about 25 pence per day for goodness sake. It seems to me that the programme makers are trying to tell stories rather than just do a huge sweep through every artist who ever put music to vinyl. I think this is an approach that really works well. I'm not interested in seeing another I Love the 70s type documentary crammed with Slade, Alice Cooper and Marc Bolan. I am interested, however, in a beautifully crafted narrative with some editorial integrity. If you simply want to see your favourite bands, go buy a DVD. I want to learn something about this music and the times and this series is certainly delivering that. And, thank you, for not making a programme that included the most boring prog bands in the world. I mean, what is there to say about King Crimson?

    Petri, Finland
    About the "art rock" episode: Why wasn't Alice Cooper included? The man and the original Alice Cooper group didn't even get a mention. Come on! The band topped the album charts in the States and in the UK with Billion Dollar Babies and were one of the biggest selling theatrical rock acts in the early 70's.

    brazil, rondônia.
    really great. fantastic !!!!!

    Ian, Notts
    At the time I thought all this stuff was self-indulgent, pretentious twaddle. The programme confirms my opinions.

    Zuzana, Amsterdam
    Very good program and great choice of artists to interview.The focus on the show production and the stage performance was excellent choice too.

    David, Exeter
    Oh dear. This had the grubby fingerpints of Charles 'legend in his own mind' Shaar Murray all over it didn't it? A man who has a real agenda and never fails to execute it. It's sad to see the BBC haul out a biased hack like him as an 'expert' (on a supposedly informative documentary), when he's so obviously anti- certain genres. But it's the same every time. Shame on the BBC for yet more lazy journalism. Hmmmm.

    Dustin, United States
    Once again, Alice Cooper fails to receive the credit he deserves.I just wish somebody would throw him a bone before he dies, and everyone finally realizes the affect Alice Cooper had on theatrical rock, and all of rock for that matter.

    Steven Crayn, London
    Oh dear!Once again the contribution of Alice Cooper has been overlooked by the BBC, a once respected institution.I've just watched a video of part 2 of your series "Seven Ages Of Rock" which focused on the Seventies Glam/Theatrical/Art revolution, but the pioneer of the genre Alice Cooper, didn't even get a mention.And looking at forthcoming episodes it don't get much better as the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest make the series,but no Alice Cooper!In next weeks Punk episode you will no doubt fail to point out how Johnny Rotten (a massive Cooper fan)mimed to the Alice classic 'I'm Eighteen' at his Sex Pistols audition!You would think that a corporation that can cover a thousand of years of history in Simon Schama's excellent 'Monarchy' series, would get recent history right!It seems that the BBC view Alice as some kind of novelty figure, not recognising his true importance in the history of rock.This is one of the reasons I won't pay my licence fee,and hope others deprive you of the revenue you do not deserve as a failing public information broadcaster!I point you to a letter from Alice Cooper's personal assistant, Brian Nelson courtesy of "Sickthings" the Alice Cooper fan site, who you failed to learn any lessons from.Steven stevencraynThis letter was sent to the BBC after your documentary, 'Dancin' In The Streets', showed an unacceptable bias towards Bowie. It shows well the tendencies of the press to ignore Alice's part in history and the way Bowie is often mistakenly given credit he doesn't deserve. He never received a reply. "Dear Gentlemen, I hope this finds you well. I hope you remember me as Alice Cooper's personal assistant from when I met some of you when Alice was interviewed for your documentary. I have been meaning to write to you ever since the Rock 'N Roll (aka 'Dancin' In The Streets' ) documentary first aired on PBS here in the States. I realize that the series is long finished but it recently re-ran here and I felt the need to contact you as I believe it is never too late to share information. I'm sure you've had your fill of praises and criticism on the series. As we know, you can't please all the people... However, I must tell you how very disappointed and surprised I was by the content of the segment on "The Seventies". Actually, it might have been more appropriate if you had titled the segment, "David Bowie--He Started Everything". It was amazing how incredibly biased the show was towards Bowie (this seems to be a running theme with many British-based histories of rock.) Granted, Bowie is a very important figure but the prejudiced and exaggerated slant taken towards him in your documentary was mindboggling and in some cases, simply factually incorrect. The most glaring and ludicrous of these factual inaccuracies was the contention that Bowie's 'Diamond Dogs' show was the first time that someone in rock 'n roll had used a "full stage set" and Broadway designers. Quote from Rock 'N Roll : "The new ingredient that helped sell Bowie when he returned to America was his revolutionary use of a full stage set." WRONG. What do you base this absurd claim on? Have you never heard of the 'Billion Dollar Babies' tour??? The 'Billion Dollar Babies' show was the revolutionary production to use a full stage set in rock 'n roll. This is not my opinion. This is documented fact. For your information, the 'Billion Dollar Babies' tour was done in 1973 ('Diamond Dogs' was 1974/5) and sold-out arenas around the United States. It was designed and co-produced by a gentleman named Joe Gannon who was hired by the Alice Cooper organization solely due to his experience in Broadway show design. If you doubt me, I can provide you with multitudes of documentation on the 'Billion Dollar Babies' show that describe the "full stage set" and production. Many periodicals and publications described the show at the time as a "Broadway extravaganza". Just because it wasn't performed in the United Kingdom, does not me

    Steven Clarke, Sheffield
    I really enjoyed the art-rock programme and especially the David Bowie and Roxy Music bits. Pink Floyd? Why does The Dark Side Of The Moon get in many all-time best of albums when quite frankly it is absolute garbage! They were extremely pretentious and the gigs they did for 'The Wall' was just plain wrong. What's entertaining about building a wall and then knocking down a wall whilst playing sub-standard prog rock?

    martin chelsea
    Where is Prog. in all this? in fact the term Progressive Rock is never mentioned at all. Yet Prog. was the Mother of all Theatrical Rock. Yes,ELP,Tull.etc etc During the years this episode homes in on (70-72) these bands were all going down the massive stage show road.Every tour was bigger and bigger. Armadillos and Octopus'Bolan? yeah no mention. Alex Harvey Band? The whole pop glam movement took on outlandish looks yet they dont even acknowlegde this.I thought the show was a lot of trivia and written by some 15 year old researched off the internet!

    Mal Mid Wales
    OK so I'm a nerd but my video failed and I missed episode 2. Is it going to be shown again or can someone help!

    Chris Mawson, Welwyn GC
    Loved Programme 2 (White Light, White Heat), not least for some totally expected unseen footage of Pink Floyd, particularly the promo video of a sinister looking Syd Barrett and co. miming to Jugband Blues. There's no doubt that the programme-makers 'a la carte' approach to artist selection is rubbing people up the wrong way. This prog was about 'art rock' - a phrase that doesn't have that much resonance in the UK, but all the same DOESN'T include Bolan, Led Zep, Sweet and all the other acts other writers have asked for. This series is clearly not a definitive history of rawk. It's a rather eclectic skim through its history. So far, so good, if you accept those limitations.

    Alison, Crawley
    Congratulations on a fantastic second episode. I happen to think Pink Floyd are the dullest band in the world but this programme made them seem vaguely interesting (although nothing would entice me to actually buy their overblown nonsense).

    Timothy, Marlow
    Lou Reed is hilarious. He should count his blessings that anyone is interested is still interested in talking to HIM. I mean, he had his brief moments - but has done nothing of any worth for more than 30 years. He's typical of most of these jumped up rock stars who think what they've done has any significance in the great scheme of things. Ummm ... it doesn't. Yes, their music was good at the time and some of it might have staying power. But, get over it. As that other supremely overrated band once uttered ... It's Only Rock 'n' Roll.

    Sean, Oxford
    I don't know if Bolan "was" or "was not" rock enough to be included in the programme--maybe he "was" a bit of pop and rock--blurring the lines here and there. Still, it did seem strange to gloss over "Electric Warrior", while covering the glam phase. Always good to see a young Eno plunking away at this synths - so thanks for that!I do think progressive was glossed-over in a big way during a programme about "art rock"--only a few clips of Genesis in 1973/'74--and I'm gathering that was only because of Gabriel's overt theatricality. It seems the stigma placed on the genre in the late 70s (after 'the punk explosion) still applies. Would've been nice to even have a bit of lip service paid to it--the Floyd weren't the only prog band around (tho' perhaps the most visible and mainstream).If Peter Findley is correct in his calculations, King Crimson "are" the oldest rock band around--playing in Hyde Park shortly after the Norman invasion of England. Fripp may have entertained "in the Court Of The Gallic King" ;-) Lou Reed still seems to be a grumpy b*****d and I liked John Cale's little devil beard.Hopefully all the Zeppers will be sated during the stadium-rock episode, as I agree that they didn't really belong in the art-rock one--despite blurring the lines a few times ("No Quarter" on 'Houses Of The Holy', the opening section of "Stairway To Heaven", etc.).Anyway - not the absolute final word (it seems to me) on these matters, but a decent enough docu.

    Julie, Glasgow
    Really enjoying the programme, brings back so many memories! Shame you missed Marc Bolan, forerunner of so much, but guess you can't get everyone in.

    Baz, Lincolnshire
    Brilliant series, despite its flaws. ANyone know if the beeb will be releasing this on DVD once the series is complete?

    Raphael Rau, London,
    Seven ages of Rock and no programme on Glam Rock?! Great series so far though but I would have prefered 8 ages of rock with a documentary on Glam Rock! No Slade or the Sweet and nothing on Roy Wood from the Move-Wizzard-ELO!No Bolan either! Shame on you BBC!

    daniel saunders,somerset
    i have missed both programmes on art rock,does anyone know how i can watch it

    Hamish, Norwich
    this episode was weak. the producers should have spent more time on Prog rock and not been afraid to use the term. Yes should have featured heavily and Rush. but once again they are afraid of the Prog term and won't admit it. Floyd and Genesis were it but there was no mention of Selling England by the Pound or Lamb lies down on Broadway, both superior to the supposed "best" of Foxtrot.And next weeks episode will overegg the punk pudding AGAIN. It wasn't that important, it was just a fad that lasted a year or so.Oh and Led Zeppelin and the purps will be underestimated, just you wait.

    Dale Brown, Portsmouth
    Not a bad programme at all. My one criticism is this: In a programme about rock musicians exploring new possibilities in music and visuals how come Glam Rock and Prog don't even get a mention? Alright, so the episode featured Pink Floyd and Genesis but managed to give the impression that they were alone in the field and not at the forefront of a large, diverse, inventive scene. In fact, as far as I know, the words Progressive Rock didn't get mentioned once. As for Glam Rock..would it have been so hard to point out that Bowie influenced a lot of musicians to slap on the makeup?

    Flrois, Holland
    Can anybody tell me who the fatty, small girl was in the tight purple dress? The wild one with dark hair... She was singing...

    AB Manchester
    Congratulations to the BBC for making this music programme but this week just left me thinking who is advising on the content ?? I just could not see where Pink Floyd were fitting in. It was as if two programmes were running side by side. By not giving enough air time to the Bowie/Roxy story and the influence of the Velvet Underground, they did not have time to focus on Eno and the ripple effect that these bands/musicians have had right through the history of rock. It was well meaning but showed a total loss of direction. Perhaps it ought to have been the 7 ages of rock but each episode split into 2 hour slots. By trying to please everyone, I doubt if anyone is completely satisfied with this programme. It is leaving us short changed and surely today, the point is to educate the younger generations on the history of rock and the debt each generation owes to the one before? God knows they must be confused with the propoganda VH1 & MTV push out every day of the week.

    Gene Hunt, Manchester
    Oi you Div's, how can you not included the allmighty Marc Bolan ? Face facts Look it up he was the future ,bloody marverlous what a record he STILL has So stop being a twonk and include the man somewhere in your program

    Anthony, Twickenham
    Having read some of the other comments here, I would agree that Peter Gabriel was certainly very important as a founder member of Genesis. I remember well the concert at my school Wellington College, when his animated performance at an earlier gig had resulted in his falling off stage causing him to break a leg. Un-deterred by this mishap, he managed to lead the performance from a wheelchair which he had mastered to such a degree that it seemed likely that he might repeat the exercise and break the other one through sheer enthusiasm.Does anyone else remember this?

    Anthony, Twickenham
    Just watched this evening's programme - part two of the series. A beautifully crafted and intelligently interwoven tapestry of this magical and influential period of rock music which was a great influence on me, both at the time and probably even now. I was, and still am, a Pink Floyd fan and remember doing the lighting for Genesis when they performed "The Knife" at Wellington College concert while I was there. Very well researched.

    MIchael, Leeds
    can anyone help me remember a song that was featured in the programme as background music? it was in the last 20 mins or so, and features a lyric, 'cos im on top of the world' in the chorus i think....sounds oasis esque? cheers

    Mari, Aberdeen
    Genesis were wonderful- Foxtrot- Lamb lies down- wonderful albums! (Compare Electric warrioir, Marc Bolan, - becomes monotonous humdrum).And, definitely Yes, and Jethro Tull. Anyway, Frank Zappa, was some lively fun eh? And how about Eric Burdon, and the Winters, Johnny and Edgar??(those were the days..) (missed the program, fed up with paying for silly soapy stuff)

    Gary Jordan Birmingham
    The most boring retro programme I have ever watched, again the overuse of the already overused footage and it's colourisation disappointed, if this is the best the BBC can do forget it.Oh and no mention of Slade either, the most successful band of the 70's to boot.Dire BBC dire.

    Martin, Milton Keynes
    Overall a good programme. I'm amazed at all this where is Bolan nonsense on this board. Personally i'd have liked to see some mention of ELP, Yes, Gentle Giant or other proggers on the show,but it did have some nice clips, especially Gabriel era Genesis. This series has the thumbs up from me. The idiots shouting for Bolan have the thumbs down.

    Chris, UK
    Why Isn't Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott mentioned yet, they are not shown here but if they don't show up next week in their prime era it will just be the usual BBC cr4p coming on, every lizzy record was original and is influential to every rock band worth saying afterwards.

    Luis Grant, Spain
    hey where's frank zappa and captain beefheart. There practically pioneer what is now know as avant garde. But Still, love the show, it has influenced me on my music creativity and help me discover what sixties life really was like.

    Mary, North Hampshire
    Terrific show, as was last weeks. When the BBC do it well they do it great. We have been waiting years for a grown up look at this genre. These were and are the true greats of the genre, they led where no one had ever thought of going. Where are the new young guns.....look and learn and have some vision. Last night show was spellbinding, roll on episode 3.

    Josie, Hampshire
    Brilliant. Seven episodes are just not going to be enough to cover this genre. The 2 episodes so far have been ace, changed my Saturday nights (though I think the schedulers need a kick up the pants for this time slot, why not 9 o'clock mid week). And will all the Marc Bolan nutters please understand, this is about people who changed rock, not people who jumped on the bandwagan. And Led Zepplin is in future episodes, jesus, it doesn't come better than this, the team who put this to-gether have done the BBC proud.

    Jack, Blackpool
    I can't understand why everyone is so upset about Marc Bolan not getting a mention. He was hardly what you could call an innovator of rock. All Trex did was take all the key elemenys from rock over the last 15 years or so and compiled it into their own songs. Although this worked really well it's hardly worth getting annoyed about cos he's not in this episode.

    David Cardiff
    ok lets get real,this has turned into a Bolan v Bowie thing.Theres only 60 mins to each of these shows,so they,re going to go with the biggest names.Yes Bolan was a huge UK star in the early 70s but lost it by 74,admittidly he clawed his way back during77 with his own tv show"Marc".Unfortutunatly marc met his untimely end in Oct 77,if he hadnt he may have still been up there today.At the end of the day Bowie is a world wide star,Bolan never cracked the US market,Bowie is still up there.So im MY opinion DB deserves every acolade laid upon him!!!

    Gordon, Aberdeen
    The bbc tried to go down the intellectual root with nearly all the artists being art school or university graduates. Bolan was dyslexic, expelled from school and got right up the noses of the arty fartys because he had huge success and played the journalists at their own game. Bowie has been quoted to say, "Marc was a natural and I had to work at it!" No-one disputes Bowie took things further than Marc but in that short period of time bolan was with us he achieved an incredible amount and it still influences and inspires many today (the Fratellis for one!) Yes Bowie should have been the main feature and Roxy Music were superb but there really is no doubt T.rex deserved a mention as an influence. All these people who say 'pop' have probably only listened to their hits! cd and not bothered finding out the breadth of Bolans musical avenues.

    Mike Desouza
    It is refreshing to feel all your passion for Bolan he has established his place in history ages ago. This can't be denied just because he is not on some show. So chill out Bolan people! But one only need go into the music and lyrical content of Bowies music to realize where the real substance is. He has to be the most gutsy artist of our time. Who unlike many others of that generation, is still creating interesting and cerebral music. God broke the mold with that dude

    banginman
    No Slade Or Bolan is a disgrace. How can you talk about the 1970's and not have these two giants in there somewhere? Their influence is still going on today.A bitter taste is left in the mouth on what could have been the definitive story of rock.Banginman

    Stu, Blackburn
    Can someone PLEASE explain the constant use of Charles Shaar Murray in programmes like these.This series is just another "All You Need is Love", an excuse to have a few talking heads & filmclips.It's Americanised music history, that's all, the equivalent of watching John Wayne & Errol Flynn win the war single-handed.Yet another case of "The Emperors New Clothes" scenario, just waiting for the first person to point at someone like Lou Reed & say "Hold on, you're a fraud". So little talent going such a long way.

    Mel Pick, Leeds
    It should be noted that Roxy Music created the first 'punk rock' song back in 1973 - 'Editions Of You', on the 'For Your Pleasure' album, influenced many punk artists who were listening to Roxy in their formative years.

    Adrian, Herefordshire
    Yes, Bolan should have been in there... because the programme tried to illustrate how other artists took Syd Barretts work as inspiration to help move their own careers forward. Bolan, like Bowie, admitted Barrett was a major influence. Bolan married June Child the secretary at Blackhill Enterprises (early Pink Floyds management) and so would have had alot of 'inside' knowledge of Syd's life and work. A recent book by Tony Stringfellow 'Beneath the Wizard's Gown' shows Bolans work to be alot deeper, and more intelligent, than anyone could have imagined. It's well worth a look...If you love Bolan or Bowie love Syd too cause he was a true British genius who they both admire(d) greatly.

    Philip Barrow
    This was a hideously skewed presentation of early 70s rock: Where were Led Zeppelin, ELP, Yes to name only a few howling omissions? These bands were absolutely massive, and totally outsold Roxy Music and The Velvets etc. The reason for this appeal was simple: Overwhelming originality, imagination and talent! At least Genesis / Floyd were included, but the whole format of the programme is I feel wrong in only concentrating on four bands/artists. There is no narrative flow and no credit to the many other influential bands even by way of a namecheck. Also, reality check for the director / producers here please: Why no mention of progressive rock even as a genre, but a whole programme on punk rock coming up!!! Punk was a brief diversion, prog was a lasting product of The Conterculture. To fail to present this is revisionist musical history at its worst. Also, the choice of John Harris to opine on Pink Floyd: Regardless of his poor Floyd book, is this some kind of joke? His opinions on music are worthless at best, and that is a charitable opinion, believe me! And Charles Murray almost enthusing over Gabriel era Genesis: The last time I saw him on The Old Grey Whistle Test history, he had nothing good to say about prog at all. I seriously doubt he has undergone some Road to Damascus transformation inbetween, so does he mean anything he says? Rant over, but this kind of wilful misrepresentation really does hack you off sometimes.

    thevisitor Earth. :-P
    White Light / White Heat Art Rock.Mmmmmm was a bit disappointed in this.Not the bowie tribute i was hoping for, like "Dancing In The Streets" Episode 7 'Hang Onto Yourself'.In fact the Bowie interview parts are outtakes from Dancing In The Streets 7, previously unseen, with a few seconds overlapping from DITS final cut.It more about Pink Floyd, and NO Marc Bolan. (maybe copyright issues, like the broadcast version of DITS) Excellent but for me "Dancing In The Streets" 7 "Hang Onto Yourself " extended vhs version was better, and touched on Glam / Glitter Rock more than this episode did with Bolan / Sweet / Glitter / N.Y. Dolls etc.The Rainbow Theatre footage is good (dubbed i think), but i wanted MORE.No doubt there will HAVE to be more Bowie in later episodes, episode 5 ??. Still an excellent BBC music doco. Nice to see Mr Pegg, Mr Visconti, and Mr Murray.Can we expect a dvd extented version release of this series

    Smiler Bretagne
    Lou Reed. I once heard him on Drive Time, being interviewed by Johnny Walker. He was a prat who swore. Uninteresting and up his own backside. Reading the interview with him here says it all. The trouble with these type of shows is:- The bands/Artists featured are only there because they are the particular favorites of the people interested in the making of the show. We all have our own thoughts and favorites. I like the Floyd, but only really listen to one of their albums. Atom Heart Mother. The Floyd hated making this album and so never talk about it. It is odd but the only quote from this album really well known is spoken ''Silence in the studio.'' They got better after Barret left......in my opinion. The Moody Blues, I like every one of their albums, and in the program entitled Rock Family Trees the progressive episode, they came second. But no mention here. So we can make the choice, either watch the show or not. I will watch it if there is nothing else on. But on Saturday it clashes with Casualty and on Sunday CSI, that's how important the 7 ages is to me.

    Jan, Durham
    I'm not going to complain why my favourite rock star wasn’t included (they were) - but I do miss an analysis of the ideological/social undercurrents. Which perceptions, expectations, ideas, ideals and hopes were associated with a particular change in music? What was cause, and what effect? How was the music effective in vocalising those changes? This driving force of rock music has been minimally addressed.

    Tony, Gt Langdale, Cumbria
    No mention of Rush (whats new there though), and what about the Nice and ELP?

    Liam, Brighton
    Quite the most misleading and misjudged show I have endured. It seems that the beeb are becoming the most inept delivery system of information, culture and current affairs. Horizon is void of science, Panorama is void of journalistic integrity, each new documentary slips BBC further into ITV territory.Extremely poor, disjointed, incoherent and without respect for its audience.

    James, Barnet
    Nice to see Peter Gabriel's Genesis on the telly, presented with respect, sounding good and looking fab. No 'p' word - this is 'art' rock, in a visual sense, so they avoided having to put Yes, ELP on. Would have been nice to see King Crimson, though. But better to hear. Hopefully a few folk will go out and buy Foxtrot on the back of tonight's show.

    James Hickman, Harrogate
    I LOVE SEVEN AGES OF ROCK!!! The show is fantastic, keep up the good work. I'm really looking forward to the Led Zep episode!! Rock on!!

    Peter, Reigate
    Well the Bolan fan club seem to rule this board but for my money the song that really started the glam rock movement was "Rock'n'roll" by Gary Glitter. Forget anything that has happened since (and lets face it Bolan wasn't the nicest of people either) this was the springboard for all the glam music (and atrocities) that came later. "Ride a white swan" was recorded when Bolan was still exploring the Tolkienesque world of fairies and hobbits. I saw Bolan around about that time at Fairfield Halls in Croydon and he was still perching on the edge of the stage for a fair chunk of the show and hadn't quite started using the bastardized sub Chuck Berry riff that became his trademark.Glam rock was fun but art . . . come off it !!!!

    Steve Astronaut, Bristol
    How could you even consider making a film about art-rock without including Rolf Harris? You must be part of the anti-Rolf conspiracy! Why, his 'Stairway To Heaven' is probably the finest song ever written. Even the Queen realises that he is a genius.

    Purple Claire, Buckinghamshire
    I like the way that everyone's stating such things as: "face the truth people Marc was the 70s and his influence lives on today " and "to have David Bowie well that just adds insult to injury, as he didnt even chart in the 70's till 1972, when Marc was already blowing the charts" etc. I would like to point out, that although the bbc have labeled this the 'seven ages of rock', if you look at the timelines on the depicted categorys, they are not linear timelines, for example 70's, 80's, 90's. They are art rock, alternative rock etc, looking at fragments of musical history from SOME peoples point of view.It's always difficult to talk about music objectively, because listening, playing or composing music is such a personal experience which I think is why people get so heated.I agree with someones earlier post also that if they'd tried to include everything it would have been a mess. My assumption is that the bbc are trying to paint a picture of the chosen areas, not discuss in rigid detail what happened. *end of rant*

    Andrea TONI , Italian in Holland
    U have presented Genesis .. but u didn't mention Steve Hackett .. gosh ! Just cos he couldn't give u an interview (like the others) doesn't mean u can avoid to mention him. Also i understand that is hard to put all great bands in 1 h show but .. no King Crimson ? no Gentle Giant ? no Gong ? No Hawkwind ? No Amon Duul II ? No Van Der Graaf Generator ? No Yes ? Maybe was better to make 2 cuts or a longer playtime. One last beg : pls send the full early 70s concert of those bands, no comment no discussion just the plain brilliant live music will do ! Tnx .. ciao ;-)

    Michael Fitzgerald Cork, Ireland
    What a contrived and selective program - To discuss the development of cross over between art, music and other media and ignore the earliest roots on the US west coast via the trips festivals involving Grateful Dead, The Straight Theater Group and the Pranksters and Frank Zappa in Los Angeles (just because it doesn't connect with Syd Barrett and the UK) undermined the whole program. Amazingly the porgram that acid rock and pyschedilia started in england. Shabby editorial policy to suit Charles Shaar Murray's 70s NME take on the 60s. What about the Incredible String Band's colloboration with Stone Monkey culminating with U at the roundhouse. Very very poor

    Sacred Rain, UK
    Peter Findlay speaks wise words, King Crimson should most surely have been mentioned in this piece. This was supposed to be about Art Rock, yet where was Can, Atomic Rooster or Yes? Where is the programme on Progressive Rock? Where was Hawkwind? Where the hell was Frank Zappa? Rush? Marillion?As a fanboi piece about Pink Floyd and Bowie I suppose this was adequate, though even at that level it was faulty. As a serious examination of Art Rock however, it was very, very poor.

    Andrew, Reading, 27
    I missed it but I was really looking forward to it because I love both the Floyd and Bowie. I think the series is spot on because Bowie or Floyd albums are still classics (Dark Side/Ziggy/Hunky Dory) whilst Bolan and Sweet just didn't have that class. Those two acts combined art, concepts and music and are worthy in anybody's collections. As for Bolan, he was your Keegan to Bowie's Pele.

    James, Lewisham
    It was great to see Pink Floyd and Roxy Music when they were fresh, original and truly innovatory. Fast forward to 2007 and we have those revolutionary counter culture darlings Pink Floyd (along with Bryan Ferry and trout farmer Roger Daltry) lining up to stage a concert in aid of pro blood sports organisation Countryside Alliance. How sad the way things have turned out.

    Xan, Somewhere in Oxfordshire
    Factual errors in the Genesis section ... it was founded by Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford AND Ant Philips, John Silver, while at school. Later joined by Phil Collins, yes - but John Mayhew took a turn on the drums first - and they were also later joined by - (what an omission!) - Steve Hackett, who was actually playing on the featured tracks - which also included the close of Musical Box (not listed). Apparently Ant Philips didn't really enjoy performing on stage (some parallels to other points made during this film) but that's no need to ignore his existence.Another omission was The Lamb, even though what appeared to be a Slipperman was featured, and The Lamb predates The Wall as a stage show by 4 years.Hope there weren't similar mistakes and omissions in the other sections, one watches these things to learn as well as enjoy.

    Brendan Olear
    When will the Bowie Rainbow footage be finally released - 35 years I've been waiting to see this

    Tim, London
    Well commenting on the program not having artists there isn't really going to change anything, especially with the quatity of people just saying the same thing about Bolan.I would have thought the BBC didn't include him because he was more pop than rock.But... yeah, I did think maybe a bit less on Genesis and some stuff on King Crimson would of been nice. Oh well. You can't please everyone can you...

    Laurence, Kent
    Another FANTASIC episode. This is exactly why we pay the license fee. Something of this quality and intelligence would never be made by commercial television. I know - I have lived in America and a programmes like this are a rare sighting. The connections between the artists were fresh and exciting. I had no idea that Pink Floyd were interested in what The Velvet Underground were doing nor that Bowie was inspired by Syd Barrett. Roll on next Saturday.

    Chris Ellyatt, Hythe kENT
    Genesis...I can't imagine my life without them. I'm only 15 but already I have all of their albums on CD. Had them on tape since I was 8. My dad introduced me to them when I was 4 after my uncle split up from the band. They are my Fav!

    Dougy, Newcastle
    Never mind Marc Bolan - why no mention of Frank Zappa? Grrrrr.

    Peter, Carluke
    Hmmm, T.Rex - 2 quite good albums (slider,electric warrior ) some okay albums (dandy in the underworld, tanx). Hmmm, David Bowie -at least 6 classic and influential albums (Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory, Heroes, Low, Station to Station, Scary Monsters), other very good albums (Young Americans, Aladdin Sane, Lodger. Diamond Dogs). Roxy Music - three very good albums (Roxy Music, For Your Pleasure, Stranded), and let's not forget Eno's classic solo albums (Another Green World, Before and After Science, Apollo, Music For Films). Sorry but much as I love Marc Bolan his output and influence doesn't match that of Bowie, Roxy, Eno,The Velvets, Floyd or Gabriel. So give it a rest please and just enjoy the programme. Not all my favourites are here either but then again whilst I'd like to see footage of for instance, Soft Machine and Hawkwind, it's not the end of the world that there not there. I think the programme makers have rounded a good set of supects. I'll just be happy to see some footage that I haven't seen before.

    Ernest, Abbey Road
    Did Bowie do his own version of Venus In Furs - as stated in the interview above? I know he did White Light/White Heat and Waiting For The Man, but never heard of him doing Venus.

    A J Whitney Stafford
    Glam Rock totally ignored once again ! Slade T Rex Sweet et al deserve a programme to themselves. Is it to sell this series to America ? Later shows ignore The Jam ! Madness etc as if the late 70's early 80's did'nt exist in UK.

    kirsty in stratford upon avon
    Where is Marc Bolan? Not a glittering cutsie popstar but a guitar legend. People forget how heavy (and loud) T-Rex were, Bolan was an incredible guitarist...and if you dont want to acknowledge him as a rock god, what about a nod towards his punk credentials? The Marc TV show was instrumental in introducing new punk acts...I cant believe bolan's death isnt even in the timeline of '70's events'...especially on this, the thirtieth anniversary year.

    G. Scotland
    ACDC?? Your having a laugh! What did they ever influence!! There still peddling the same stuff today! Alex Harvey had much more influence than hes credited for!

    Stuart McIver, Edinburgh
    Ermmm, Where's Queen? I rather think they were a glam band, (certainly at the start) They were about before Bowie seriously broke.....

    Will, Somerset
    WHY DONT YOU ALL JUST RELAX!!haha..first episode was great, really loved it. the next ones guna top it!!cant wait..only thing missing for me is THE DOORS!you were always guna leave some bands out though..as for anyone saying you should include ACDC!?haha well that just makes me laugh, to be even compared to the likes of bowie and hendrix is a complete joke!!peace and love!

    peter findley colchester
    How can you do a programme on art rock and not consider King Crimson. To many the greatest exponents of prog rock !Crimson played at the hyde park free concert in 1069 to great aclaim.

    Adrian,Donegal.
    I enjoyed very much the first part of 'Seven Ages...'and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.Having read the above article regarding Mr Reed I have to say that the man is something of an a**hole!'Don't ask about my music or lyrics'!Presumably questions about the weather were permitted?I wonder how Mr Reed would react if no one wanted to interview him at all?Never mind,it could have been worse.Dylan and Van Morrison could have been there as well!

    dragon mouse, Crawley
    Why the fascination with Bolan! He is not in the same league as Bowie and the Velvets or even Roxy and he is certanly not 'Art Rock', which it appears is the subject of this programme. Applause should be given to the BBC for doing something different not the same old Glam story. Stop carping and enjoy.

    Chris, Gloucester
    Marc Bolan? No place in this series - most of his songs all sounded the same anyway! Its impossible to include every influencial artist in a series such as this, but I think that they've got most of the major stars of each genre. Enjoyable so far.

    Marc, manchester
    David from newcastle why did you feel the need to get personal! (that nobody's heard of apart from a few bedroom bound tragics). David, Newcastleeveryone is entitled to thier own opionons right? god why does everything in forums type internet things always turn into a arguement!!!!!! I'll be disappointed if Bolan's not in there somewhere but... 'Marc from Manchester': that is possibly the biggest load of self-important tosh I've ever read on these boards. Read what you've written, go on. steve, holland, what the hell is that supposed to mean id love for you to tell me as it appears to have lost in meaning somewhere?????

    Dalek Sek and The Cult of Skaro
    Of course Marc Bolan didnt influence elvis or mozart but as for the techno hip hop thing well there are dance remixes of marcs work just ask jason nevins, there hip hop/ rap versions of Children of the Revolution, there are reggae versions of Marcs work. All they did with David Bowie was tried to create another Marc Bolan.The Cult of Skaro wish it to be known that all creatures other than The human known as Marc Bolan are considered enemies of the Daleks and must be exterminated! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGININING, BOLAN IS PREPARED, HE HAS GROWN STRONGER, THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR BOLAN TO EMERGE AND TAKE HIS AS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS THE SUPREME POWER OF THE UNIVERSE!

    Tarquin, Hay On Wye
    Mark, in Liverpool. Are you sure you are not Lou Reed, New York. The tone of your post echoes exactly the arrogance of Lou Reed. He made one good album, which was the result of someone's else's vision. I think, given that album was more than 30 years ago, he should be pleased that people (i.e. television) are still interested in talking to him. He's only a rock singer. He's not saving lives, for goodness sake.

    Mark, Liverpool
    Steve in Holland, Andy in Wolverhampton - you are missing the point totally with Lou and I am afraid "our" director is reverting to stereotype....its typical of Lou that he would not want to take any credit for Bowie's career and also not to comment on Cale in public (unlike the other way round!). Of course this is seen as being evasive and "obnoxious". Lou has and always will let the music do the talking. As he said, "..if you dont like it, leave....."

    John, Sale
    It was a shame marc Bolan was omited from the program while you included Bowie His record is underniable what he did unforgetablewhy do people seem to treat him like a lepper ? face the truth people Marc was the 70s and his influence lives on today ask Noel galagher and he and his band were the sound of the 90sin his 30th anniversery year such a shame to pass on a true iconic inovater and legend

    Siobhan Greaney
    Judging by reading this , Lou Reed was a pain where the sun did'nt shine Someone must have upset him that badly to want to have shorten the interview like the papers seem to be doing nowadays need i say

    BillTreacher, Birmingham
    CUM ON BBC!!!FEEL THE NOIZE !!!! WHERE R SLADE?????? the absolute greatest band of tthe 70s! If not all time!!!! Why aren't they in this episode????? They were named after a bloody art school! THIS IS MAKING ME ALL CRAZEEE NOW!!!!!!!

    Peter, Norwich
    It's clear the Marc Bolan fan club have organised a campaign. First a few facts: Yes, Bolan cut some great, amazing tracks - nobody would deny that but he was a mediocre guitarist for a start. Capable, but mediocre. I think some of you should understand the premise of this show - it's about artistic ideas, theatrical rock, art school influence - putting on some glitter, satin pants and a feather boa does not constitute the same level of artistic rock as the likes of Floyd, Roxy and Bowie etc. And Roxy were not stealing Bolan's thunder. The way half of you comment you'll be saying Bolan influenced Presely going into Sun Studios; or Bolan shaped Mozart's idea; or Bolan invented techno, hip hop... please put him into some realistic perspective . Yes, he inspired the first craze of fan worship since The Beatles, true. But to suggest that he is the single most important figure in rock or pop is frankly ridiculous. Just because a few bands cover 'Get it On' means nothing... on that basis The Kingsmen 'Louie Louie' would be the single most important artefact in rock.Anyway, Bolan featured heavily in BBC's 'Girls and Boys' about 2 years ago. I'm sure he'll come up again, very soon. Just enjoy the series for what it is - it's only a TV show after all. Calm down..... Boogie On

    Raymond, London.
    Perhaps the first " history" of rock series that acknowledges the contribution of Roxy ( not just glam rock by the way! ) but leaving out T. Rex does seem like a bit of a " er..oops"

    David, Newcastle
    Bolan Shmolan!!! Oh come on all you Bolan fans. He might have been a great pop act - a supremely opportunistic pop singer who would have done anything in pursuit of success. It's really interesting reading these posts with people asking 'Where is?", "Where is?", Where Is? Surely the best of thes must be "Where is Sweet? The Sweet in a rock series? They were produced by the most out there pop producers of all time. Yes, they had a slightly different profile in the USA but otherwise they were pure pop. It's great that people feel so passionate about their music but also amazing that you see this as a forum merely to winge about your own pet bands. If they had included everyone on these 'Where is?' lists, the series would be a mess. Keep in mind, it's Seven Ages of Rock, not Seven Ages of Pop or Seven Ages of Obscure Bands (that nobody's heard of apart from a few bedroom bound tragics).

    Sarah, Skelmersdale
    Alice Cooper not in the show? Glam rock, concept albums, theatrical performances, innovator, I could go on!

    Chris Cole, Wakefield
    These series are interesting but they tend to rely on a 'professional ' viewpoint with recognised talking head from the relavant business. In this case music. I would love to see a documentary of this type done from the perceptions of those who listened to and bought the music which I think would provide a far less pretentious and much more enjoyable programme.

    Fizzo - Crawley
    I agree that Bolan is a glaring omission - what were they thinking?The omission of Prog rock is also amazing, but not unexpected, given CSM's insular attitude towards that genre.

    Ben
    Where was Marc Bolan ? and you called this the seven ages of rock ! If i may take a moment ,after a quick look on the web and from what i know Marc bolan was the 70's he quite simply was it "the best there was ,the best there is ,and best there ever will be His influence on todays generation is huge from Oasis to Iggy pop & Shakespears Sister to Placebo hard rock groups such as AC/DC were influenced not only by the music of T. Rex, but also by the lyrics of "Bang a Gong (Get it on)", "Baby Strange," and other songs. in helping to bring about progressive rock and 21st century folk music-influenced singers. Cover songs have been recorded by many groups, notably Power Station's hit 1985 take on "Get It On," Iggy Pop's version of "20th Century Boy," The Bongos' 1981 version of "Mambo Sun," and Bauhaus' cover of "Telegram Sam." The Smiths have actually claimed to have borrowed heavily from portions of "Metal Guru" for their 1986 hit "Panic,Perhaps you need to get some proper researchers in and stop playing at it if you had you would of known of the insperation that was Marc Bolan & T rex his starting Glam and he is widely acknowledged as the god farther of punk, all this After !, He was an underground hit with his beginings with Steve Peregrin Took & Tyrannosaurus Rex, producing folk style songs steeped in Tolkienian mythology,with such hits as Deborah, (all this long before Bowie even thought of a carear in music )A star of the John Peel's radio shows at the BBC in the early 70s in 1971 he went electric shortened the bands name and became a massive hit with the first ever "Rockumentry " to be filmed March 18, 1972, T. Rex played two shows at the Empire Pool, Wembley, which was filmed by Ringo Star. Along with Marc Bolan & T. Rex and Ringo Starr, Born to Boogie also featured Elton John, who jammed with the friends to create rockin' studio versions of "Children of the Revolution" and "Tutti Frutti"Songs by T.Rex were also featured on the soundtrack for the movie Billy Elliot.an undeniable influence on punk rock and Britpop, while many modern indie bands play music heavily influenced by the glam scene, especially T. Rex. The early acoustic material was influentialand IF you need convinceing still this is off the web (Not hard to do your research !"Publicist BP Fallon coined the term "T. Rextasy" as a parallel to Beatlemania: it accurately described the atmosphere that quickly surrounded the band

    Mark, Holloway
    To all you Bolan freaks out there, Bolan is NOT in seven ages of rock, okay? this isn't the Seven Ages of Pop! so deal with it and get over it! Bolan was POP not rock, added to which he was a bandwagon jumper who painted himself into a Glam Rock corner pretty fast and couldn't get out of it, why? probably becase he was not an originater of music, Hendrix? yes. Lennon? yes. Bolan? er...no, fraid not. I suppose it won't be long before complaints start rolling in from Cliff Richard or Wham fans!! But i suppose at the end of the day it's all Subjective, i would have liked to have seen The Pretty Things in the first episode as they more daring than the Stones, but hey ho!

    Cherry Plack Rochdale.
    There are three Names that are synonomous with the 7 ages of rock that appear to be missing.Les PaulLeo Fender andJim MarshallWith out the innovations brought to the whole genre of 'rock' by these three geniuses there would be no programme to produce.

    Throgmorton Middleton
    For the record, Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust' was non other than Jimi Hendrix Oh and Lady Stardust was Marc Bolan.When you produce a programme like this do some research!"Whilst Bolan innovated the rest imitated"Bolan and Hendrix really do live on!!!!Oh Marc from Manchester the Slider album was 1972 not '73 but I know you already know that. just a slip of the finger eh?

    Ben, Hertfordshire
    David Bowie was by far the most talented and important artist of the 1970's. But I think Marc Bolan deserves the be acknowledge as one of the innovators of 1970's rock music. Get It On was the first great rock song of the 1970's. Marc Bolan's early 1970's music ihas nfluenced many great rock bands/artists. Not giving Marc Bolan aka T.Rex credit misses out an import part of the 7 Ages of Rock if this programme is supposed to be fact.

    Chris' Etherington Manchester.
    I suppose that it's impossible to include every rockstar and every band in a programme like this.However, where is Marc Bolan in all of this.Marc Bolan was the innovator that opened up the chapter to be known as Glam Rock.Its easy to turn this into a 70's Bolan V Bowie slanging match but facts remain BOLAN WAS/IS the original!!! If it wasnt for Marc Bolan, no Bowie, David himself admits this!!!Roxy music formed in 1972 to cash in on Bolans Rexmania FACT! I could go on but the facts remain.(Its all around if you could but percieve)Bolan should not have been left out!

    Chrstopher Batchelor, USA, Severn Maryland
    When are we getting this show in America, on BBC America????????

    matt okazaki, japan
    genesis began in 1967 (or was it 68) but that picture is probably from roughly five years later...

    bloodydoorsoff, Amsterdam
    I enjoyed the first show. It was refreshing to see the late 60s where the Beatles and the Stones were reduced to footnotes. I'm looking forward to the next one.

    Tom, Suffolk
    All these people whining about there being no led zep are doing my head in. Led Zep are shown in the stadium rock episode, which covers 30 years! Maybe some of you should start looking at the whole site before leaping to such wrong conclusions. Plus Led Zep in an art rock episode? i don't think soAnyway i'm really looking forward to this episode, and feel it will be one of the best as it focuses on less artists than most of the subsequent eps. Plus i love Floyd, Roxy and Bowie. Thanks BBC

    steve, holland
    I'll be disappointed if Bolan's not in there somewhere but... 'Marc from Manchester': that is possibly the biggest load of self-important tosh I've ever read on these boards. Read what you've written, go on.

    Dave, Welling
    I just hope you don't have that idiot Charles Shaar Murray yet again making disparaging comments about prog. What is the point in asking someone who hates the genre to make comments about it?

    Mick East London
    Just seen the repeat of the first episode. Would just like to say the thoughts of people who knew the genius of "Jimi" told the story of his meteoric rise to fame perfectly.Although brief, his fame lives on through his music, maybe his genius will never eclipsed.To start a concert with a track from an album that has only been released that day and for those peers to be in the audience was very brave. Can't wait for the next episode Floyd, V.U.& Nico, Bowie and Roxy Music how will you fit 'em all in?

    Shazzy, Scotland
    Same question as Bobby from Crawley, where's Marc Bolan?????

    Paul Reus
    Great initiative! I almost missed part 1. Good there is a retransmit at Sunday! As a Hendrix fan I fully agree with your vision about his role in the rockmusic. "Purple Haze" changed the music.

    Harry Armitage, Luxdembourg
    No Led Zeppelin, anywhere???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Nick - Manchester
    Peter Gabriel's influence is so underated.

    Paul Davies
    Good grief, looking at the track list it appears that Genesis will be featured in it's original format - with Peter Gabriel

    Marc, Manchester
    how the hell can you have the seven ages of rock and not inclued Marc Bolan, the man was the seventies, and to have have David Bowie well that just adds insult to injury, as he didnt even chart in the 70's till 1972, when Marc was already blowing the charts and all other acts out of the water, and David (Inspired Borrower) Bowie openly admits with out Marc Bolan he wouldnt have been where he was, and the fact that Bowie And Toni Visconti both openly admits to stealing The Slider Bolans 1973 masterpeice for the bowie ripoff Ziggy stardust and the spiders from mars! this programme is a joke, next time actually do your research as this is appauling!! GET IT RIGHT OR DONT BOTHER!

    Tony Perkins, Bishop Auckland
    How, in the name of the god of rock, is AC effin DC not mentioned anywhere in this? Surely the single biggest selling band in the history of all that is classed as "rock" warrants atleast an acnkowledgement to 100 million worldwide album sales? Iron Maiden, I mean come on - they're the rock equivalent of Sir Cliff Richard - nobody outside of the UK knows who the hell they are!! Same with David Bowie. Wot do Angus and the boys have to do to get some recognition for their contridution to music and above all ROCK!!

    Carl, Crawley
    This program should have included Marc Bolan, who was as much involved in creating the surrealist sensibility of this art rock era as Bowie or Floyd.

    Steve,Birmingham
    Yeh,i agree with Bobby..Why leave out the magical Bolan?..I guess his charming eccentric pop dosn't 'fit' neatly into any of the pre-designed '7 ages'..Kinda ironic really,rock supposedly being non-conformist n all..

    Paul Hargreaves, Teddington
    How can you examine the 70s without including the biggest band on the planet at that time - Zeppelin.

    London
    Is there gonna be any acknowledgment of Led Zeppelin, quite possibly the biggest band of all time?

    andrew maughan, newcastle
    lou reed is a legend, even for me as a 20 yr old, i played the velvet underground and nico album and loved it! it puts all this comercial indie and "new rave" into perspective, absolute rubbish! his reluctance to answer questions only fuels the intrigue and fascination with the velvet underground and their music. nice one mr reed x

    Andy - Wolverhampton
    It just goes to show just because your are a genius it does not mean you are a nice person . I used to adore/worship Jim Morrison as a 15 year old .Over the years the more I read about The Doors the more I realized the music mattered most . Where are Echo & The Bunnymen Wire & The Only Ones ??

    steve, holland
    Lou Reed should be locked up. Being an influential rockstar doesn't give you the right to be obnoxious, which he almost invariably is. Plus, he played one of those head-less guitars in the reformed VU. Plus, these days he cannot sing and treats his songs with undisguised disdain.

    David Cardiff
    People always say that Marc Bolan was the beginning of "glam rock" but Bowie had been doing it since 1970,not with success but he was the first,and possably the first to see its demise in 1973 ,long before the likes of Sweet,Bolan and roxy.Bowie had moved on while the others played it to death.

    Gordon, North Lincs
    As bobby from crawley posted, where is Bolan? How can you possibly have a musical project like this and not include Marc Bolan, why has he become a pariah to music history. Why is he the forgotten legend, a man who touched and influenced so many people. Shame on you BBC, especially in the 30th anniversary of his death.

    Andrew Smyth, East Grinstead
    Shame on the programme makers that The Sweet get ignored again.

    Bobby, Crawley
    Just wanted to know where Marc Bolan was in all this?? Inspiration to Glam Rock in 1970. Without Bolan there would be no Bowie. Also aided the Punk scene in 1976-77.



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy