''So It Goes'' was a British TV music show presented by

Tony Wilson Anthony Howard Wilson (20 February 1950 – 10 August 2007) was a British record label owner, radio and television presenter, nightclub manager, impresario and a journalist for Granada Television, the BBC and Channel 4. As a co-founder o ...

on Granada Television between 1976 and 1977. It is most famous for showcasing the then burgeoning punk rock movement. It was named partially in reference to

Kurt Vonnegut Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007) was an American writer known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels. In a career spanning over 50 years, he published fourteen novels, three short-story collections, five plays, and ...

's 1969 novel ''

Slaughterhouse-Five ''Slaughterhouse-Five, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death'' is a 1969 semi-autobiographic science fiction-infused anti-war novel by Kurt Vonnegut. It follows the life and experiences of Billy Pilgrim, from his early years, to h ...

''. The show's first series, produced by Chris Pye, gave the Sex Pistols their first ever TV appearance, and featured performances by

Patti Smith Patricia Lee Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album ''Horses''. Called the "punk poet ...

. It also included occasional non-punk guests such as journalist Clive James and comedian

Peter Cook Peter Edward Cook (17 November 1937 – 9 January 1995) was an English actor, comedian, satirist, playwright and screenwriter. He was the leading figure of the British satire boom of the 1960s, and he was associated with the anti-establishme ...

(hosting a 'Riff of the Month' competition). The second series, produced by Geoff Moore, featured performances by

the Jam The Jam were an English mod revival/ punk rock band formed in 1972 at Sheerwater Secondary School in Woking, Surrey. They released 18 consecutive Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1 ...

the Clash The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 who were key players in the original wave of British punk rock. Billed as "The Only Band That Matters", they also contributed to the and new wave movements that emerged in the w ...

, Buzzcocks,

The Stranglers The Stranglers are an English rock band who emerged via the punk rock scene. Scoring 23 UK top 40 singles and 19 UK top 40 albums to date in a career spanning five decades, the Stranglers are one of the longest-surviving bands to have origin ...

, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. An expletive-strewn appearance by Iggy Pop proved too much for Granada bosses, leading to the cancellation of a third series.

Episode guide

The first series consisted of nine editions that ran from 3 July – 21 August 1976. This was followed over a year later by the second series, consisting of ten editions running from 9 October – 11 December 1977
1
The series was only ever shown in three ITV regions including Granada (the other 2 regions were ATV and

LWT London Weekend Television (LWT) (now part of the non-franchised ITV London region) was the ITV network franchise holder for Greater London and the Home Counties at weekends, broadcasting from Fridays at 5.15 pm (7:00 pm from 1968 un ...

Series 1

Show 1

*Broadcast 3 July 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye The 'Opportunity Rocks' spot featured the Jeff Raven Band, seen performing "I Just Can't Get Next To You" live in concert. Traditional Irish music group

The Chieftains The Chieftains are a traditional Irish folk band formed in Dublin in 1962, by Paddy Moloney, Seán Potts and Michael Tubridy. Their sound, which is almost entirely instrumental and largely built around uilleann pipes, has become synonymous wi ...

were live in the studio performing "Mná na hÉireann" and "Traditional Song". Peter Blake and his wife, Jann Howarth, discussed the design of the Beatles' '' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'' album, as well as how the original idea was conceived and produced. In a spoof "Where Are They Now?" feature, ''So It Goes'' visited Stephen Hawes, a university lecturer in French, to find out he is still a university lecturer in French, and

Tom Waits Thomas Alan Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American musician, composer, songwriter, and actor. His lyrics often focus on the underbelly of society and are delivered in his trademark deep, gravelly voice. He worked primarily in jazz during ...

was live in the studio performing 'Better Off Without A Wife'. After a spoof ad break (featuring old black and white adverts for "Top Brass" shampoo and "All" washing powder), Clive James impersonated

Henry Kissinger Henry Alfred Kissinger (; ; born Heinz Alfred Kissinger, May 27, 1923) is a German-born American politician, diplomat, and geopolitical consultant who served as United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under the presid ...

in Brain Damage. The "As Time Goes By" feature looked back at Sister Rosetta Tharpe performing 'I Gotta Blues but I Too Damn Mean to Cry' at

Chorlton-cum-Hardy railway station Chorlton is a stop on the South Manchester Line (SML) and Airport Line of the Metrolink light-rail system in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, England. It was built as part of Phase 3a of the network's expansion, and opened on 7 July 2011 on a ...

in 1964 (assumed to be originally from Granada Television's Blues and Gospel Train special). The album of the week in 'Pressed to Kill' was from the Mike Westbrook Orchestra. Closing the show were The Sutherland Bros and Quiver live in the studio performing 'When the Train Comes'.

Show 2

* Broadcast 10 July 1976 * Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James * Director: Peter Walker * Producer: Chris Pye Live in the studio,

Kevin Ayers Kevin Ayers (16 August 1944 – 18 February 2013) was an English singer-songwriter who was active in the English psychedelic music movement. Ayers was a founding member of the psychedelic band Soft Machine in the mid-1960s, and was closely assoc ...

performed 'Ballad of Mr Snake'. The featured album in 'Pressed to Kill' was 'Rock and Roll Music' by

The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the developmen ...

. Clive James talked about the 'Brain Damage' caused by Rod Stewart. 'Opportunity Rocks' for

Bettina Jonic Bettina is a female name predominantly found in the Italian and German languages. This name has various interpreted meanings and origins. In Italian, Bettina originated as a diminutive of the names Elisabetta and Benedetta. Benedetta is the Ital ...

who was live in the studio performing

Bob Dylan Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career sp ...

's '

Like a Rolling Stone "Like a Rolling Stone" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on July 20, 1965, by Columbia Records. Its confrontational lyrics originated in an extended piece of verse Dylan wrote in June 1965, when he returned exhausted fro ...

'. Tony Wilson interviewed Roger Dean to find out about his inspiration for creating album cover designs. In 'As Time Goes By' there was a 1967 performance of 'On a Carousel' by

The Hollies The Hollies are a British pop rock band, formed in 1962. One of the leading British groups of the 1960s and into the mid-1970s, they are known for their distinctive three-part vocal harmony style. Allan Clarke and Graham Nash founded the band ...

(taken from 'The World Tomorrow: Sound or Music?'). Back in the studio, '

Frankie Miller Francis John Miller (born 2 November 1949) is a Scottish rock singer-songwriter and actor. Miller wrote for and performed with many recording artists and is best known for his 1977 album ''Full House'', the singles "Be Good To Yourself", " D ...

's Full House' closed the show performing the 'Doodle Song'.

Show 3

*Broadcast 17 July 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye

The Noel Redding Band The Noel Redding Band (also known as The Clonakilty Cowboys after the title of its first album, '' Clonakilty Cowboys'') was an English-Irish folk rock supergroup that was formed in Clonakilty, County Cork, in 1974. Comprising the bass guitaris ...

were live in the studio performing 'Back on the Road Again'. The design feature was on denim art and Clive James got 'Brain Damage' from the talent in the BBC light entertainment department, Cilla Black and

Lulu Lulu may refer to: Companies * LuLu, an early automobile manufacturer * Lulu.com, an online e-books and print self-publishing platform, distributor, and retailer * Lulu Hypermarket, a retail chain in Asia * Lululemon Athletica or simply Lulu, ...

. Rogue were featured in 'Opportunity Rocks'. In the studio, The London Saxophone Quartet performed the 'Agincourt Song'.

Marianne Faithfull Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull (born 29 December 1946) is an English singer and actress. She achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her hit single " As Tears Go By" and became one of the lead female artists during the British I ...

sang ' Yesterday' in 'As Time Goes By' (taken fro
The Music of Lennon and McCartney
. The programme's favourite French lecturer was caught outside

Dingwalls Dingwalls was a live music and comedy venue adjacent to Camden Lock, Camden, London, England. The building itself is one of many industrial Victorian buildings that were put to new use in the 20th century. The original owner of the building, ...

, and Eddie and the Hot Rods closed the show with a live studio performance of 'Woolly Bully'

Show 4

*Broadcast 24 July 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye Mr Pugh’s Velvet Glove Show with

Ted Milton Ted Milton (born 1943) is an English poet and musician, best known for leading Blurt, an experimental art rock group. Milton grew up in Africa, Canada and Great Britain. He published some early poems in magazines like ''Paris Review'' and Bria ...

appeared in the studio. Also featured were

Mott the Hoople Mott the Hoople were an English rock band formed in Herefordshire. Originally known as the Doc Thomas Group, the group changed their name after signing with Island Records in 1969. The band released albums throughout the early 1970s but fai ...

, who performed 'Shouting and Pointing'. Lou Reed's '

Coney Island Baby ''Coney Island Baby'' is the sixth solo studio album by American musician Lou Reed, released December 1975 in the US, and in January 1976 in the UK, by RCA Records. Music and lyrics The album has been described by Anthony DeCurtis as "perhaps ...

' album was 'Pressed to Kill', and Tony Wilson interviewed the wrong

Mark Phillips Captain Mark Anthony Peter Phillips (born 22 September 1948) is an English Olympic gold medal-winning horseman for Great Britain and the first husband of Anne, Princess Royal, with whom he has two children. He remains a leading figure in Briti ...

. Stephan Micus was live in the studio performing music he had composed himself on the Afghan rubabs. Tony Wilson went to

CBS Records CBS Records may refer to: * CBS Records or CBS/Sony, former name of Sony Music, a global record company * CBS Records International, label for Columbia Records recordings released outside North America from 1962 to 1990 * CBS Records (2006), founde ...

in London to see the design department, and 'As Time Goes By' featured

Peter Sellers Peter Sellers (born Richard Henry Sellers; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series ''The Goon Show'', featured on a number of hit comic songs ...

performing ' A Hard Day's Night' (taken fro
The Music of Lennon and McCartney
. In 'Brain Damage', Clive James discussed

Sarah Miles Sarah Miles (born 31 December 1941) is an English actress. She is known for her roles in films '' The Servant'' (1963), '' Blowup'' (1966), ''Ryan's Daughter'' (1970), ''The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing'' (1973), '' White Mischief'' (1987) and '' ...

and

Kris Kristofferson Kristoffer Kristofferson (born June 22, 1936) is a retired American singer, songwriter and actor. Among his songwriting credits are " Me and Bobby McGee", " For the Good Times", " Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and " Help Me Make It Through the ...

, and ' The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea'. Closing the show,

Graham Parker and The Rumour The Rumour was an English rock band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known as the backup band for Graham Parker, whose early records (from 1976 to 1980) were credited to Graham Parker & The Rumour. However, The Rumour also ...

were in the studio to perform 'Soul Shoes'.

Show 5

*Broadcast 31 July 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye Tony Wilson went on location to ask

why she re-makes old classics.

Snooky Pryor James Edward "Snooky" Pryor (September 15, 1919 or 1921 – October 18, 2006) was an American Chicago blues harmonica player. He claimed to have pioneered the now-common method of playing amplified harmonica by cupping a small microphone in his ...

performed 'What Have I Got to Do' in the studio, backed by the

Victor Brox Blues Train Victor Brox (5 May 1941 – 20 February 2023) was an English blues musician. Early life and career Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, he attended St Mary’s, Droylsden and William Hulme's Grammar School where he played trombone in the scho ...

. 'Pressed to Kill' looked at 'Shakti' by

John McLaughlin John or Jon McLaughlin may refer to: Arts and entertainment * John McLaughlin (musician) (born 1942), English jazz fusion guitarist, member of Mahavishnu Orchestra * Jon McLaughlin (musician) (born 1982), American singer-songwriter * John McLaug ...

. In 'Brain Damage', Clive James discussed

Page 3 girls Page 3, or Page Three, was a British newspaper convention of publishing a large image of a topless female glamour model (known as a Page 3 girl) on the third page of mainstream red-top tabloids. '' The Sun'' introduced the feature, publishi ...

, and singer/songwriter Ross Macfarlane (winner of that year's ''Melody Maker'' Rock/Folk Competition) was the star of 'Opportunity Rocks'. Macfarlane performed live in the studio, singing the self-penned song, 'Reflections'. 'As Time Goes By' featured

The Doors The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most controversial and influential rock acts ...

(taken from 'The Doors Are Open'). Steve Hawes, ''So It Goes favourite French lecturer was in the studio. The John Miles Band were in the studio to perform 'House on the Hill', and

explained exactly why she plays rock music.

Show 6

*Broadcast 7 August 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye Introduction by Adam West ( Batman).

Be-Bop Deluxe Be-Bop Deluxe were an English rock band who achieved critical acclaim and moderate commercial success during the mid to late 1970s. History Be-Bop Deluxe Be-Bop Deluxe was founded in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, by singer, guitaris ...

were live in the studio performing 'Sister Seagull'. Tony Wilson discussed protest songs and played

Víctor Jara Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez (; 28 September 1932 – 16 September 1973) was a Chilean teacher, theater director, poet, singer-songwriter and Communist political activist. He developed Chilean theater by directing a broad array of works, ran ...

's 1974 protest song about the Chilean dissenters imprisoned in a football ground in

Santiago Santiago (, ; ), also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is the center of Chile's most densely populated region, the Santiago Metropolitan Region, whos ...

. 'As Time Goes By' featured

the Animals The Animals (also billed as Eric Burdon and the Animals) are an English rock band, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. The band moved to London upon finding fame in 1964. The Animals were known for their gritty, bluesy sound and ...

performing '

Twist and Shout "Twist and Shout" is a 1961 song written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns (later credited as "Bert Russell"). It was originally recorded by the Top Notes, but it did not become a hit in the record charts until it was reworked by the Isley Brothers ...

' (taken from studio footage before the recording of Whole Lotta Shakin' in 1964). Alan Stivell was in the studio performing 'Jenovefa'. In the design feature, Tony Wilson went to the Hipgnosis studio in Soho to discuss how they create album covers. Clive James talked about the increasing TV coverage of 'lost' tribes in 'Brain Damage'. Closing the show, Soft Machine were in the studio, performing 'The Tale of Taliesin'.

Show 7

*Broadcast 14 August 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye

Eddie "Guitar" Burns Eddie "Guitar" Burns (February 8, 1928 – December 12, 2012) was an American Detroit blues guitarist, harmonica player, singer and songwriter. His career spanned seven decades. Among Detroit bluesmen, Burns was deemed to have been exceeded in ...

was live in the studio performing "Bottle Up and Go". Clive James appeared throughout the show as

Demis Roussos Artemios "Demis" Ventouris-Roussos ( ; el, Αρτέμιος "Ντέμης" Βεντούρης-Ρούσσος, ; 15 June 1946 – 25 January 2015) was a Greek singer, songwriter and musician. As a band member he is best remembered for his work in ...

. Tony Wilson looked at AC/DC in the Opportunity Rocks spot – there was a clip of the band performing " Jailbreak" – and looked at Andy Pratt's latest album, ''Resolution''.

A Band Called O A Band Called O were a band from Jersey, Channel Islands. Originally known as The Parlour Band, playing progressive rock, they renamed to A Band Called O for two albums on CBS/Epic and later to The O Band for further albums with UA. Despite is ...

were in the studio singing "Don'tcha Wanna", and

Gene Vincent Vincent Eugene Craddock (February 11, 1935 – October 12, 1971), known as Gene Vincent, was an American musician who pioneered the styles of rockabilly and rock and roll. His 1956 top ten hit with his backing band the Blue Caps, " Be-Bop-a-Lula ...

sang " Be-Bop-A-Lula" in the feature ''As Time Goes By'' (taken from ''Whole Lotta Shakin'', 1964). Also in the studio were

Kate & Anna McGarrigle Kate McGarrigle (February 6, 1946 – January 18, 2010) and Anna McGarrigle (born December 4, 1944) were a duo of Canadian singer-songwriters (and sisters) from Quebec, who performed until Kate McGarrigle's death on January 18, 2010. Music ...

, who performed two songs from their eponymous album; "Complainte Pour Ste-Catherine" and "Talk To Me of Mendocino".

got the final word as ''So It Goes'' went on location to hear her plans for a

rock opera A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to a common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas, although several have been ad ...

Show 8

*Broadcast 21 August 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye Tony Wilson and Clive James presented the show: live studio performances by Matumbi performing 'A Woman Like You' and Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias performing "Old Trust" were featured. A clip of Simon & Garfunkel was shown and Tony Wilson went behind the scenes of

KISS A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...

's first British concert (at the Free Trade Hall on 13 May 1976). A botched interview with Zero, the Special Effects Co-ordinator for Kiss, was shown, as was an interview with the band themselves (intercut with concert footage).

Show 9

*Broadcast 28 August 1976 *Presented by Tony Wilson, featuring Clive James *Director: Peter Walker *Producer: Chris Pye Featured live studio performances by Gentlemen singing 'My Ego's Killing Me' and the

Bowles Brothers Band Bowles may refer to: Places *Bowles, California, census-designated place in California, United States *Bowles Rocks, sandstone crag in the county of East Sussex in South East England *Cape Bowles, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica *Mount Bowles, S ...

performing 'Charlie's Nuts'.

introduced the 'Riff of the Month' competition. Albums of the Week included the Ramones' debut album and

Southside Johnny John Lyon (born December 4, 1948), better known by his stage name Southside Johnny, is an American singer-songwriter who usually fronts his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Southside Johnny has long been considered the Grandfather of ...

. In 'Brain Damage', Clive James attacked the music reviews of

Charles Shaar Murray Charles Shaar Murray (born Charles Maximillian Murray; 27 June 1951) is an English music journalist and broadcaster. He has worked on the ''New Musical Express'' and many other magazines and newspapers, and has been interviewed for a number of ...

. There was a nostalgic look back at

Jerry Lee Lewis Jerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935October 28, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Nicknamed "The Killer", he was described as " rock & roll's first great wild man". A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music, Lewis ma ...

(taken from 'Whole Lotta Shakin' in 1964) in the 'As Time Goes By' section. Back in the studio, Clive James interviewed

(possessed by his alter-ego ' Clive'). The last studio band, the Sex Pistols, performed ' Anarchy in the U.K.'. The show closed with location footage of the

Dr. Hook Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (shortened to Dr. Hook in 1975) is an American rock band, formed in Union City, New Jersey. The band had commercial success in the 1970s with hit singles "Sylvia's Mother", " The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" (both 1972) ...

band getting into a taxi. Three months after this episode was broadcast, Clive James wrote about his appearance on it in ''

The Observer ''The Observer'' is a British newspaper published on Sundays. It is a sister paper to ''The Guardian'' and '' The Guardian Weekly'', whose parent company Guardian Media Group Limited acquired it in 1993. First published in 1791, it is the ...

'', and in particular expressed disapproval of the Sex Pistols, referring to

Johnny Rotten John Joseph Lydon (; born 31 January 1956), also known by his former stage name Johnny Rotten, is an English singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer of the late-1970s punk band the Sex Pistols, which lasted from 1975 until 1978, and aga ...

as "a foul-mouthed ball of acne calling himself something like Kenny Frightful".

Series 2

Show 1

*Broadcast 9 October 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Producer: Geoff Moore A recorded performance of

Van Morrison Sir George Ivan Morrison (born 31 August 1945), known professionally as Van Morrison, is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose recording career spans seven decades. He has won two Grammy Awards. As a teenager in t ...

singing 'Venice USA'. There is an archive clip of

The Rubinoos The Rubinoos are an American power pop band that formed in 1970 in Berkeley, California. They are perhaps best known for their singles "I Think We're Alone Now" (1977, a cover of the hit by Tommy James & the Shondells), "I Wanna Be Your Boyfrie ...

singing

Tommy James & the Shondells Tommy James and the Shondells are an American pop rock/ psychedelic rock band, formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. They had two No. 1 singles in the U.S. – " Hanky Panky" (July 1966, their only RIAA Certified Gold record) and " Crimson and C ...

' classic

I Think We're Alone Now "I Think We're Alone Now" is a song written and composed by Ritchie Cordell that was first recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells. It was a major hit for group, reaching number 4 on the US Hot 100 in April 1967. It finished at No. 12 on '' B ...

(source unknown).

John Cooper Clarke John Cooper Clarke (born 25 January 1949) is an English performance poet, who first became famous as a " punk poet" in the late 1970s. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he released several albums. Around this time, he performed on stage with se ...

is interviewed in the studio by Tony, featuring clips of John reading poetry in clubs around Manchester. There is archive clip of a

Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer, songwriter and musician who gained worldwide fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. One ...

interview (source unknown), following by a recorded performance of Buzzcocks singing ' What Do I Get?' at The Electric Circus, Manchester. There is a short teaser clip of

Sad Café Sad Café are an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1976, who achieved their peak of popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for the UK top 40 singles "Every Day Hurts", "Strange Little Girl", " My Oh My" and "I ...

performing 'Love will survive' at Rafters and we're back to Maunkberry's to hear Van Morrison performing 'Kansas City'. During the end credits, Elvis Costello performs 'Mystery Dance' at Eric's, Liverpool.

Show 2

*Broadcast 16 October 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Japanese Voice-Over: Misako Koba *Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Producer: Geoff Moore We see clips of Elvis Costello performing 'Alison' (short excerpt from the Granada Reports "What's On" appearance 21 July 1977) and at Eric's singing '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea'. Ron Haffkine from Dr Hook gives his opinion on 'How to Cope with Superstars'. Appearing live in the studio,

John Otway John Otway (born 2 October 1952) is an English singer-songwriter who has built a cult audience through extensive touring. Biography 1970s and 1980s Otway was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Although his first single, "Gypsy"/"Misty Mounta ...

and Wild Willy Barrett perform 'Beware of The Flowers'. Recommended album of the week is a band from Japan, so we see a clip of The Girls singing a cover of ' Honky Tonk Woman'. We're back to Eric's to see Elvis Costello perform " Watching the Detectives" and then on to the Electric Circus to see Penetration perform 'Don't Dictate': then back to Eric's again for one last song, 'Lip Service', sung by Elvis Costello.

Show 3

*Broadcast 23 October 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Producer: Geoff Moore Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias singing 'Teenage Paradise' at Rafters, Manchester. There is a short interview on VT with

Ian Dury Ian Robins Dury (12 May 1942 27 March 2000) was a British singer, songwriter and actor who rose to fame during the late 1970s, during the punk and new wave era of rock music. He was the lead singer and lyricist of Ian Dury and the Blockheads ...

followed by '

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" is a song and single by Ian Dury. It was originally released as a Stiff Records single, with "Razzle in My Pocket" as the B-side, on 26 August 1977. The song was released under the single name "Ian Dury", but three me ...

' (nature VT to accompany the song featuring camels). There's comedy from a couple of 'roadies' –- Arthur Kelly and

Gorden Kaye Gordon Irving Kaye(7 April 194123 January 2017), known professionally as Gorden Kaye, was an English actor, best known for playing womanising café owner René Artois in the television comedy series Allo 'Allo!''. Early life Kaye was born o ...

, followed by clips from an Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias'

as they perform 'Snuffin' in a Babylon' and ''Gobbin' on Life''. We go to Liverpool's Eric's club to see

Nick Lowe Nicholas Drain Lowe (born 24 March 1949) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer. A noted figure in power pop and New wave music, new wave,Cherry Vanilla advises us on 'How to Give a Good Head of Hair to Your Boyfriend'. Roy Hill performs 'George's Bar' live in the studio. Tony goes out on location to interview Iggy Pop, and we get to see a performance of 'The Passenger' at the Apollo Theatre, Manchester. We see the Movies performing in Liverpool singing 'Big Boys Band'. The recommended album of the week is from

Talking Heads Talking Heads were an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991.Talki ...

and we hear a short excerpt of '

Psycho Killer "Psycho Killer" is a song by the American band Talking Heads, released on their 1977 debut album '' Talking Heads: 77.'' The group first performed it as the Artistics in 1974. The band also recorded an acoustic version of the song featuring A ...

' (visual is a nature VT of tribal men). As the programme ends Iggy Pop sings ' Lust for Life' at the Apollo Theatre, Manchester (end credits roll over performance).

Show 5

*Broadcast 6 November 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Film Director: Peter Carr *Producer: Geoff Moore ''So It Goes'' goes out on location to watch

the Stranglers The Stranglers are an English rock band who emerged via the punk rock scene. Scoring 23 UK top 40 singles and 19 UK top 40 albums to date in a career spanning five decades, the Stranglers are one of the longest-surviving bands to have origin ...

perform 'Something Better Change' at the Hope 'n' Anchor, London; this is followed by a guide to the world of promotion and pop. Tony interviews Johnny Thunders and

the Heartbreakers The Heartbreakers, sometimes referred to as Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers, were an American punk rock band formed in New York City in 1975. The band spearheaded the first wave of punk rock. History Johnny Thunders (vocals/guitar) and Jerry ...

and a clip of a recent concert by the

Tom Robinson Band Tom Robinson Band (TRB) are a British rock band, established in 1976 by singer, songwriter and bassist Tom Robinson. The band's debut single "2-4-6-8 Motorway" was a top five hit on the UK Singles Chart in 1977, and their third single, "Up A ...

, performing 'Martin' is shown. There is an archive clip of Free performing 'Alright Now' in tribute to guitarist

Paul Kossoff Paul Francis Kossoff (14 September 1950 – 19 March 1976) was an English guitarist, mainly known as the co-founder and guitarist for the rock band Free. He was ranked number 51 in ''Rolling Stone''s list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All ...

who had recently died of a drugs overdose. The recommended single is

Greg Kihn Gregory Stanley Kihn (born July 10, 1949) is an American rock musician, radio personality, and novelist. He founded and led The Greg Kihn Band, which scored hit songs in the 1980s, and has written several horror novels. History Kihn was born ...

's version of Bruce Springsteen's song 'For You', then back on location, the

performs "

Glad to Be Gay "Glad to Be Gay" is a song by British punk rock/ new wave group Tom Robinson Band. It is one of their defining songs, and has been considered Britain's national gay anthem. Song information The song was originally written by Tom Robinson for ...

Show 6

*Broadcast 13 November 1977 *Presented by

*Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Film Director: Peter Carr *Producer: Geoff Moore *Featuring in the Studio: Pete Batley John Dowie is live in the studio to perform 'Mew Wave'.

are filmed performing 'Love Will Survive' at Rafters, and then back in the studio John Dowie sings 'British Tourist'.

Mink DeVille Mink DeVille was a rock band founded in 1974, known for its association with early punk rock bands at New York's CBGB nightclub and for being a showcase for the music of Willy DeVille. The band recorded six albums in the years 1977 to 1985, afte ...

are at Middleton Civic Hall, performing 'Little Girl' and 'Venus of Avenue D'. ''So It Goes'' gives a Play- in-a-day Guide to how to interview a famous rock star, using

William Rees-Mogg William Rees-Mogg, Baron Rees-Mogg (14 July 192829 December 2012) was a British newspaper journalist who was Editor of ''The Times'' from 1967 to 1981. In the late 1970s, he served as High Sheriff of Somerset, and in the 1980s was Chairman of t ...

's interview of

Mick Jagger Sir Michael Philip Jagger (born 26 July 1943) is an English singer and songwriter who has achieved international fame as the lead vocalist and one of the founder members of the rock band the Rolling Stones. His ongoing songwriting partnershi ...

as an example of how not to do it. Recommended album of the week is MX-80 Sound's 'Hard Attack', and there is a short clip of "Facts-Facts". Mink DeVille play out the show with 'Just You and Me' (credits start rolling before the track finishes).

Show 7

*Broadcast 20 November 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Eric Harrison *Film Directors: Peter Carr & Colin Richards *Producer: Geoff Moore Elvis Costello performs 'No Dancing' at Eric's in Liverpool.

Poly Styrene Marianne Joan Elliott-Said (3 July 1957 – 25 April 2011), known by the stage name Poly Styrene, was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and frontwoman for the punk rock band X-Ray Spex. Early life Poly Styrene was born Marianne Joan Ell ...

from

X-Ray Spex X-Ray Spex were an English punk rock band formed in 1976 in London. During their first incarnation (1976–1979), X-Ray Spex released five singles and one album. Their 1977 single " Oh Bondage Up Yours!" and 1978 debut album '' Germfree Adol ...

is in the studio for an interview with Tony. From a recent concert at the Electric Circus, Manchester,

The Jam The Jam were an English mod revival/ punk rock band formed in 1972 at Sheerwater Secondary School in Woking, Surrey. They released 18 consecutive Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1 ...

perform ' In the City', and ' All Around The World'.

Muddy Waters McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the "father of modern Chicago ...

performs 'Blues Had a Baby' at the

New Victoria Theatre The New Victoria Theatre in Woking, England opened in June 1992. The main theatre seats approximately 1,300 people, making it one of the largest receiving house theatres outside London. In addition to the main theatre the complex also conta ...

in London. The Play-in-a-Day Guide tells how to make promos for TV, showing promo material of

the Troggs The Troggs (originally called the Troglodytes) are an English garage rock band formed in Andover, Hampshire in May 1964. Their most famous songs include the US chart-topper " Wild Thing", " With a Girl Like You" and " Love Is All Around", all ...

and Reg Presley singing 'Lazy Weekend'. Recommended album of the week is '

Never Mind The Bollocks ''Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols'' is the only studio album by English punk rock band the Sex Pistols, released on 28 October 1977 by Virgin Records in the UK and on 11 November 1977 by Warner Bros. Records in the US. The albu ...

' by the Sex Pistols, and it's back to the Jam at the Electric Circus for '

Slow Down Slow Down or slowdown may refer to: Music * ''Slow Down'' (album), by Keb' Mo', 1998 Songs * "Slow Down" (Bobby Valentino song), 2005 * "Slow Down" (Brand Nubian song), 1991 * "Slow Down" (Douwe Bob song), representing the Netherlands at Euro ...

', and 'Taking My Love' (credits start rolling before the end of this song).

Show 8

*Broadcast 27 November 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Malcolm Clarke *Producer: Geoff Moore The Pirates perform 'I Can Tell' at Belle Vue in Manchester. The ''So It Goes'' guide to how to spot good management comes next, followed by

XTC XTC were an English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972. Fronted by songwriters Andy Partridge (guitars, vocals) and Colin Moulding (bass, vocals), the band gained popularity during the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, later playing in ...

performing 'Neon Shuffle' at Middleton Civic Hall. We look back at the Sex Pistols performing 'Anarchy in the UK' in an earlier episode of ''So It Goes''.

CP Lee Christopher Paul Lee (19 January 1950 – 25 July 2020) was a British musician, author, broadcaster and lecturer from Manchester, England. Biography Lee was born in Didsbury, south Manchester. He was a writer, broadcaster, lecturer and performer ...

and Albie Donally are live in the studio performing '

Strawberry Fields Forever "Strawberry Fields Forever" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was released on 13 February 1967 as a double A-side single with " Penny Lane". It represented a departu ...

' as only they know how. Siouxsie and the Banshees perform 'Make up to break up' at the Elizabethan Ballroom, Belle Vue, while a young

Mick Hucknall Michael James Hucknall (born 8 June 1960) is an English singer and songwriter. Hucknall achieved international fame in the 1980s as the lead singer and songwriter of the soul-influenced pop band Simply Red, with whom he enjoyed a 25-year career ...

watches from the audience. The recommended album of the week is from the Fall and we hear

Animal Games ''Animal Games'' is the only album recorded by the original line-up of the British punk band London.Rimmer, Dave (1985) ''Like Punk Never Happened'', Faber and Faber, , p. 40-42 Recorded throughout 1977 at the IBC Studios in London,Napier-Bell, ...

London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...

(played over a nature VT of zoo animals).

end the show singing '

All Along the Watchtower "All Along the Watchtower" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan from his eighth studio album, '' John Wesley Harding'' (1967). The song was written by Dylan and produced by Bob Johnston. The song's lyrics, which in its original ve ...

' (credits start to roll before the end of the song).

Show 9

*Broadcast 4 December 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson, with help from

Matthew Corbett Peter Graham "Matthew" Corbett (born 28 March 1948) is an English actor, singer, comedian, magician, puppeteer, television presenter and writer, best known for presenting ''The Sooty Show'' and later '' Sooty and Co''. He is the son of Sooty's ...

and his sidekicks

Sooty Sooty is a British children's television media franchise created by Harry Corbett incorporating primarily television and stage shows. The franchise originated with his fictional glove puppet character introduced to television in 1955, with the ...

and

Sweep Sweep or swept may refer to: Cleaning * Sweep, the action of using a brush to clean * Chimney sweep, a worker who clears ash and soot from chimneys * Street sweeper, a person's occupation, or a machine that cleans streets * Swept quartz, a cleani ...

*Studio Director: Malcolm Clarke *Film Director: Peter Carr *Producer: Geoff Moore Dave Edmunds is at Eric's in Liverpool and performs 'I Knew the Bride'. Due to the departure of Howard Devoto, Tony shows a brief clip of Buzzcocks performing 'Orgasm Addict' (Howard left to form Magazine, who are shown performing 'Motorcade' at the Elizabethan Ballroom, Belle Vue, Manchester). Tony looks at 'I Left a Woman Waiting' from the Cohen and Spector album 'Death of a Ladies' Man'. Dave Edmunds performs "I Hear You Knocking" and there is a clip of

performing 'Kung-Fu International' at the Elizabethan Ballroom, Belle Vue, Manchester. Closing the show, Magazine perform 'Shot by Both Sides'.

Show 10

*Broadcast 11 December 1977 *Presented by Tony Wilson *Studio Director: Nicholas Ferguson *Producer: Geoff Moore We see a clip of the now infamous '

Jon the Postman Jon the Postman (real name Jonathan Ormrod) was an English punk rock singer from Manchester. Among his various jobs, the best known was that of a postman, hence the nickname. Early life Jon was a postman in Manchester in the 1970s and later sp ...

' performing at the Electric Circus, Manchester. Album of the week is Jonathan Richman Live, and we listen to a little of 'I'm a Little Dinosaur' (audio only over stock footage). The founder of

Beserkley Records Beserkley Records was an American independent record label based in Berkeley, California, from 1973 to 1984. Beserkley is usually regarded as a power pop and rock and roll label. During the 1970s, the label released albums by Earth Quake, Gre ...

Matthew Kaufman gives his 'Play-in-a-day' guide to 'What is Beserkley?'

is live in studio for a recital of the Bus Driver's Prayer in tribute to

Charlie Mingus Charles Mingus Jr. (April 22, 1922 – January 5, 1979) was an American jazz upright bassist, pianist, composer, bandleader, and author. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and ...

Steel Pulse Steel Pulse are a roots reggae band from the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, and were composed of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ro ...

perform 'Makka Spliff (The Colly Man)' and 'Ku Klux Klan' at the Elizabethan Ballroom, Belle Vue, Manchester and

perform 'Capital Radio' at the same venue. After a few quick questions,

recites the 'Bus Driver's Prayer' and the Clash play out, performing ‘ Janie Jones’ at the Elizabethan Ballroom once more (end credits roll before the end of the performance).

''24 Hour Party People''

In the movie ''

24 Hour Party People ''24 Hour Party People'' is a 2002 British biographical comedy-drama film about Manchester's popular music community from 1976 to 1992, and specifically about Factory Records. It was written by Frank Cottrell Boyce and directed by Michael Wint ...

'', the set of ''So It Goes'' was recreated, with Steve Coogan playing the part of Tony Wilson. Some Wilson references in the film are not historically accurate however: for example, Coogan as Wilson introduces The Sex Pistols singing "

Anarchy in the UK "Anarchy in the U.K." is a song by English punk rock band the Sex Pistols. It was released as the band's debut single on 26 November 1976 and was later featured on their album ''Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols''. "Anarchy in th ...

" by saying it is "two minutes of the most important music since

Elvis Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the " King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. His ener ...

walked into the

Sun Studios Sun Studio is a recording studio opened by rock-and-roll pioneer Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 3, 1950. It was originally called Memphis Recording Service, sharing the same building with the Sun Records label ...

". Wilson's actual introduction to them on the show was that they were "one of the most reviewed and most reviled rock phenomenon icof recent weeks".

References

{{Reflist

External links

Cerysmatic Factory ''So It Goes'' article and interview extract with Tony Wilson

So It Goes:Tony Wilson's TV Legacy – ''The Guardian'' (mentions this Wikipedia entry)

* ttps://archive.today/20070928013852/http://www.davegoodman.co.uk/Dave%20Goodman/Daves%20Book/1976/sept_1976.htm Sex Pistols producer Dave Goodman's detailed reminiscence of ''So It Goes'' recording
Invitation to a recording of an episode
1970s British music television series 1976 British television series debuts 1977 British television series endings Punk television series English-language television shows Factory Records Television series by ITV Studios Television shows produced by Granada Television