Do we need a return of Top of the Pops? - 2016

Does the music industry need to see a return of programs such as Tops of the Pop (UK) and other music programs such as Soul Train (USA) on television every week?

Are they needed these days?

Soul Train (USA) started in 1971 and finished in 2016, and Top of the Pops (UK) started in 1964 and finished in 2006.

A statement was announced by the BBC about Top of the Pops and why it was closing at the time the BBC’s Television director of the time – Janna Benett.

"The time has come to bring the show to its natural conclusion," said the BBC's director of television Jana Bennett.” – 2006

BBC calls time on Top of the Pops

In the past, musicians, music groups, or solo artists could have achieved guaranteed, news column headlines the very next day in the tabloid newspapers or other media outlets; if they delivered an outstanding performance, or song on either program such as Tops of the Pops, Soul train or even MTV via video performance.

I am just thinking that pop musicians of all musical genders in the past loved to appear on these particular programs. It was these media outlets that helped to get their latest single release out there and boost awareness of the public about it

These days you do have various Internet platforms such as Spotify and Tidal that are out there for musicians nowadays.

You also have your very own mobile phone, which many are adding to the debate that this act in itself is more powerful than any TV set that musicians now can use to reach their audiences around the world.

Using these methods above has released musicians or music groups from the clutches of the so-called middleman.

However, does it? Many music fans around the world state the opposite.

Monumental musical events which have appeared on Television are more etched in the brain of people around the world than appearing on Twitter or Facebook.

For instance, the appearance of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, Michael Jackson’s performance on Mo-town 25, The Live Aid performance during the year 1985 to the world, David Bowie’s performance on Top of the Pops here in the UK singing “Starman” for the 1^St time, The performance of The Beatles very last television performance on the top of a block of flats here in London, England, the list goes on and on………

However, what musicians crave is a national reaction to a performance or song that they have just delivered.

They miss the fact of a nation sitting down at all the same time and watching a performance via Television.

Then getting the feedback from the watching nation via phone calls to the BBC.

So are programs such as Tops of the Pops and Soul Train still needed today?

Well, one thing is for sure.

When these programs were up and running the various nation/s as a whole had a better understanding of the state of play on where a particular artist was within the national pop charts and a better understanding of the musicians and groups that were around as a whole.

We no longer have that.

For instance, do you who is at the number 4 position in your nation’s pop charts at this moment in time?

Do you care? Well, I can tell you that past generations did.

Barry White singing his song called "Change" on Soul Train  USA - 1982 

The only time you get to see your favorite artist/s perform is going to see them live. Which is a good thing overall as you are supporting the artist financially.

But should we be witnessing or keeping in touch with them via concert halls, or music arenas only?

I for one would love to see these artists back on the similar-styled musical programs mentioned above that are geared towards their industry - the music industry; and at the same time bringing back a bit of color to the nation’s television.

But if there is a chance of a return one rule must be implemented.

You must be able to play live.

Yes, we all are aware that do are various, music talent competitions on television that give musical unknowns the chance to become “known”.

However, I have a feeling that the vast majority of us still long for present-day artists to strut their stuff to us on their latest or pending release via television.

Whitney Houston - "I wanna dance with somebody" - 1987 on Top of the Pops (Uk)

Maybe it’s a case that today’s generation is not as motivated by the business of music as generations before them.

Or is it a case that there is too much music out there? 

Let’s face it the ability to make and create music is easier than has been ever before.

Most of these modern-day, music producers and musicians are now using social media platforms, Spotify, Tidal, and other online platforms to market themselves as mentioned above in this article.

However, has that method or procedure become saturated?

Is there a need for Tops of the pops, Soul train, and other such programs to come to the fore again to take the strain of this saturation away?

 

Here is something for you. If you had a son or daughter and they stated to you they wanted to become a musician, musical artist or wanted to be part of a music group. What would your answer be for these days?

Well, that's all folks for me now anyway.

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Dj Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com