An in-depth look at the UK TV program performances
Comments and Observations
Running from January 1, 1964 to July 30, 2006 and producing well over a thousand episodes, Top Of The Pops was a UK produced weekly musical television series that broadcast on the BBC (running on BBC1 for most of that time). It is also popularly known by its acronym, TOTP. The format was to air performances by the week's top pop charting artists each week. Each episode featured a BBC personality host to introduce the various musical acts as well as a presentation of that week's top charting songs.
Unfortunately, many of the early performances, including the rare live performances, are lost. This is due to the BBC practice of destroying the recordings by "wiping" them. More on this practice by the BBC (and others) can be found HERE.
As a member of both The Move and Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne appeared on the program several times in the early 1970s. His previous band, Idle Race, never appeared on the show. Of these appearances, there is a mix of completely live performances, live vocals and some live instrumentation to a taped backing performances, and completely mimed performances. By late 1976, with ELO's Livin' Thing, only promo videos were used on the show and Jeff never made a personal appearance on the show after that. Various promo videos were shown for ELO's commercial peak and later years, the Jeff Lynne production era (George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty) and Jeff's final "appearance" via promo video was with The Beatles Real Love in November of 1996. In several instances, the promo videos were not actually used, but instead the record was played while the show's resident dance troupe, Legs & Co., danced to the song.
Because of the BBC wiping policy, there remains some uncertaintly about the types of performances on the early appearances on the show. The first appearance was in April of 1970, performing The Move's Brontosaurus. Unfortunately, this performance and all repeats have been wiped so little is known about it; it is thought to be completely live, but that remains unconfirmed. A completely live performance of The Move's When Alice Comes Back To The Farm in late 1970 is also wiped. A Move performance of Tonight in 1971 is also completely wiped, but it might be a rebroadcast of another German TV program'd mimed performance; but again this is unconfirmed. A performance of Chinatown is also completely wiped; it is assumed to be a completely live performance. A Move live vocal performance of California Man survives from a June 1972 repeat and a completely live performance of 10538 Overture by ELO survives in audio format only. An amusing mimed performance of Roll Over Beethoven also survives, which is a bit of a blessing in disguise; although it is a mime only performance, it features Jeff at his most wacky-- wearing a silver wig, a pink boa, and heavy blue eye shadow. Also surviving are mimed performances of Showdown and Nightrider and live a vocal performances of Evil Woman. A performance of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (assumed to be mimed) is not available, although it's unclear if this performance was wiped or simply has not been re-broadcast since the 1970s.
Due to copyright issues, I cannot provide full versions of any of the videos on this
site. However, I have provided YouTube and other links to online content for these
performances (under the "Broadcasts" section). As this site and anyone
associated with it do not maintain these videos, no guarantee of working, complete or
accurate videos or links is made.
The source of information for the above details and the table of broadcast information
below is taken from available bootleg material, the TV.com website, the BBC website, and recollections
from fans. This detail is only as good as the sources and every effort was made to be
accurate. There are likely a few errors, so any corrections are most welcome.
Broadcasts
The table shown here is all of Jeff Lynne's known appearances on the show, including the particular
songs performed at each show. Although there is reasonable confidence that the broadcast
dates, hosts and songs performed are accurate, because of limited resources, actual
details about the performances (e.g. repeats, lip-synchs, etc.) are sometimes surmised
from the known facts. Songs marked in RED are original, live
performances on the show. Songs marked in BRIGHT
BLUE are original, lip-synched performances on the show. All others are
either promo videos, playing of the disc only or repeats of earlier performances.
The original May 4, 1972 show featuring the first airing of the performance is wiped from the BBC archives, but the repeated from the June 22 episode is still available and commonly available.
None of these original performances have been released in any format other than the audio only release of 10538 Overture on the 2001 First Light CD.
Robert PorterThe types of performances varied greatly, with some being fully live acts, while others were sung live to a backing track and others were completely mimed. Sometimes footage was even lifted from other musical programs produced outside the UK. And in later years, the use of music videos became more and more common. Jeff Lynne, as part of the Move and the Electric Light Orchestra made many appearances on the show, Several of these appearances were live performances. By 1976, however, all appearances of Jeff Lynne, under the Electric Light Orchestra or as a music producer (George Harrison, Roy Orbison, etc.) was by music video or playing of the disc only.
Episode
Number
Broadcast
Date
Show Host
Song
Type
Comments
330
April 9, 1970
Jimmy Savile
Live
unconfirmed
Brontosaurus
The Move
This performance and all repeats of it have been wiped from the BBC archives, therefore there remains a lot of uncertainty about it. It is believed to be a fully, live performance. It is reported that this performance featured Roy in his starman/harlequin make-up, which he had debuted just a month earlier on the BBC's Disco 2 show.
333
April 30, 1970
Tony Blackburn
Repeat
unconfirmed
Brontosaurus
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original April 9, 1970 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
335
May 14, 1970
Tony Blackburn
Repeat
unconfirmed
Brontosaurus
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original April 9, 1970 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
359
November 12, 1970
Tony Blackburn
Live
When Alice Comes Back To The Farm
The Move
This is a completely live, original performance for Top Of The Pops. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
390
June 24, 1971
Tony Blackburn
Mimed
unconfirmed
Tonight
The Move
This performance and all repeats of it have been wiped from the BBC archives, therefore there remains a lot of uncertainty about it. Although unconfirmed, this is thought to be a rebroadcast of from Disco '71, a German music program originally broadcast on ZDF in 1971. This Disco '71 broadcast can be seen HERE.
392!@#
July 8, 1971
Tony Blackburn
Repeat
unconfirmed
Tonight
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original July 8, 1971 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
396
October 14, 1971
Tony Blackburn
Mimed
Chinatown
The Move
There is very little known about this performance as it and all repeats have been wiped from the BBC archives. It confirmed as a mimed performance.
399
November 4, 1971
Jimmy Savile
Repeat
unconfirmed
Chinatown
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original October 14, 1971 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
400
November 11, 1971
Tony Blackburn & Jimmy Savile
Repeat
unconfirmed
Chinatown
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original October 14, 1971 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives. It was celebrated as the 400th episode of the show.
425
May 4, 1972
Jimmy Savile
Live Vocal
California Man
The Move
This is a live vocals (and probably some instrumentation) over a taped backing. What's interesting is that although the vocals (at least) are live, it's not an instrumental backing track, so that when Jeff and Roy sing, they are sometimes heard harmonizing with themselves as the tape volume is brought up on or down.SEE IT ON .
428
May 25, 1972
Ed Stewart
Repeat
California Man
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original May 4, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
430
June 8, 1972
Tony Blackburn
Repeat
California Man
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original May 4, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
432
June 22, 1972
Ed Stewart
Repeat
California Man
The Move
This is a repeat of the original May 4, 1972 performance. The original episode's performance has been wiped from the BBC archives, although this episode featuring the performance has survived and is commonly available.
SEE IT ON .
433
June 29, 1972
Jimmy Savile
Repeat
California Man
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original May 4, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
437
July 27, 1972
Tony Blackburn
Live
10538 Overture
Electric Light Orchestra
This performance is the first appearance of ELO after Roy Wood left the band. In this performance, Jeff sings all lead vocals, including Roy's parts. Curiously, although the original broadcast video and all repeats of this performance were wiped from the BBC archives, an audio recording exists and was released on the First Light CD in 2001.
438
August 3, 1972
Jimmy Savile
Repeat
unconfirmed
10538 Overture
Electric Light Orchestra
This is believed to be repeat of the original July 27, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
440
August 17, 1972
Jimmy Savile
Repeat
unconfirmed
10538 Overture
Electric Light Orchestra
This is believed to be repeat of the original July 27, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
459
December 25, 1972
Jimmy Savile and Ed Stewart
Repeat
California Man
The Move
This is believed to be repeat of the original May 4, 1972 performance, although that remains unconfirmed. The episode has been wiped from the BBC archives.
464
January 25, 1973
Jimmy Savile
Disc
Roll Over Beethoven
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a disc only broadcast, playing over the show's closing credits, with the audience dancing to the song.
465
February 1, 1973
Noel Edmonds
Mimed
Roll Over Beethoven
Electric Light Orchestra
SEE IT ON .
Although this performance was a mimed only performance, it's one of the most memorable because of Jeff's appearance. Apparently Jeff was continuing to experiment with Roy Wood's outrageous stage appearance, as he wore heavy blue eye shadow, a pink boa, multi-colored striped pants, and a silver wig during the performance. It was quite outrageous. The original broadcast video of the performance in color was wiped from the BBC archives, but a black and white print that was prepared for foreign markets survives. Color images of Jeff in the outfit only survive in still pictures.
467
February 15, 1973
Jimmy Savile
Repeat
Roll Over Beethoven
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original February 15, 1973 performance.
501
October 11, 1973
Kenny Everett
Mimed
Showdown
Electric Light Orchestra
SEE IT ON .
This is a mimed performance with ELO sound man, Rick Pannell, again miming cello due to Colin Walker recently leaving the band.
504
November 1, 1973
Noel Edmonds
Repeat
unconfirmed
Showdown
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original October 11, 1973 performance.
524
March 14, 1974
Noel Edmonds
Mimed
unconfirmed
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Electric Light Orchestra
Apparently this has been wiped from the BBC archives. This is assumed to be a live appearance for a mimed performance.
525
March 21, 1974
Tony Blackburn
Repeat
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original March 14, 1974 performance.
614
January 8, 1976
Noel Edmonds
Live Vocal
Evil Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
SEE IT ON .
This performance features live lead vocals by Jeff and live unidentified female backing vocals over a taped backing. The tape backing, and thus the performance, are edited, cutting the second chorus and the entire piano part from the instrumental bridge that follows as well as fading early.
616
January 22, 1976
David Hamilton
Repeat
unconfirmed
Evil Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original January 8, 1976 performance.
?
January 31, 1976
Unknown
Repeat
unconfirmed
Evil Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original January 8, 1976 performance.
619
February 12, 1976
Noel Edmonds
Repeat
unconfirmed
Evil Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a repeat of the original January 8, 1976 performance.
630
April 29, 1976
Tony Blackburn
Mimed
Nightrider
Electric Light Orchestra
SEE IT ON .
This is a mimed performance to the basic single version of the song.
659
November 18, 1976
David Jensen
Promo Video
Livin' Thing
Electric Light Orchestra
661
December 2, 1976
Ed Steward
Promo Video
Livin' Thing
Electric Light Orchestra
674
February 24, 1977
Noel Edmonds
Promo Video
Rockaria!
Electric Light Orchestra
There are two slightly different Rockaria! promo videos; the version broadcast features the start with the opera singer on the window balcony above the stage.
676
March 10, 1977
David Jensen
Promo Video
Rockaria!
Electric Light Orchestra
There are two slightly different Rockaria! promo videos. The version broadcast is an edit of the version that features the start with the opera singer on the window balcony above the stage. The edit removes the middle portion jumping from the opera singer's second start in the song to the third part instead.
687
May 26, 1977
Dave Lee Travis
Promo Video
Telephone Line
Electric Light Orchestra
689
June 9, 1977
Tony Blackburn
Promo Video
Telephone Line
Electric Light Orchestra
710
November 3, 1977
Jimmy Savile
Promo Video
Turn To Stone
Electric Light Orchestra
712
November 17, 1977
Jimmy Savile
Disc
Turn To Stone
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song.
725
February 9, 1978
Peter Powell
Promo Video
Mr. Blue Sky
Electric Light Orchestra
727
February 23, 1978
Dave Lee Travis
Promo Video
Mr. Blue Sky
Electric Light Orchestra
????
July 6, 1978
Peter Powell
Promo Video
Wild West Hero
Electric Light Orchestra
There were two different Wild West Hero music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the cartoon version and not the "cowboy on stage" version. The beginning and end of the video is clipped by presenter Peter Powell in the studio.
?
July 29, 1978
David Jensen
Promo Video
Wild West Hero
Electric Light Orchestra
There were two different Wild West Hero music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the cartoon version and not the "cowboy on stage" version.
?
October 5, 1978
David Jensen
Disc
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
The song wasy played during the closing credits only.
?
October 12, 1978
Jimmy Savile
Promo Video
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
?
October 26, 1978
Tony Blackburn
Disc
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song.
?
May 24, 1979
David Jensen
Promo Video
Shine A Little Love
Electric Light Orchestra
There were two different Shine A Little Love music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the Discovery videos version (performed on stage) and not the recording studio version.
?
June 7, 1979
Jimmy Savile
Promo Video
Shine A Little Love
Electric Light Orchestra
There were two different Shine A Little Love music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the Discovery videos version (performed on stage) and not the recording studio version.
800
July 26, 1979
Jimmy Savile
Promo Video
The Diary Of Horace Wimp
Electric Light Orchestra
This episode was celebrated as the 800th episode of the show.
?
August 9, 1979
Dave Lee Travis
Promo Video
The Diary Of Horace Wimp
Electric Light Orchestra
?
September 6, 1979
Peter Powell
Promo Video
Don't Bring Me Down
Electric Light Orchestra
?
September 20, 1979
Mike Read
Disc
Don't Bring Me Down
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song.
?
November 22, 1979
Dave Lee Travis
Promo Video
Confusion
Electric Light Orchestra
?
August 7, 1980
Peter Powell, Elton John
Promo Video
Xanadu
Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra
This features clips from the Xanadu film only.
?
August 14, 1980
Roger Daltry, Tommy Vance
Disc
All Over The World
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song.
?
November 27, 1980
Tommy Vance
Disc
Don't Walk Away
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song. The song was preceded by a short, live interview with Bev Bevan, promoting his new book, The ELO Story.
?
August 13, 1981
Simon Bates
Promo Video
Hold On Tight
Electric Light Orchestra
?
August 27, 1981
Richard Skinner
Disc
Hold On Tight
Electric Light Orchestra
Dance troupe Legs & Co. danced over the playing of this song.
?
November 5, 1981
Peter Powell
Promo Video
Twilight
Electric Light Orchestra
?
January 21, 1982
David Jensen
Promo Video
Ticket To The Moon
Electric Light Orchestra
?
June 23, 1983
Simon Bates, Peter Powell
Promo Video
Rock 'N' Roll Is King
Electric Light Orchestra
?
July 7, 1983
David Jensen, John Peel
Promo Video
Rock 'N' Roll Is King
Electric Light Orchestra
?
October 29, 1987
Gary Davies, Steve Wright
Promo Video
Got My Mind Set On You
George Harrison
There were two different Got My Mind Set On You music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the "George-playing-guitar-in-a-room" version and not the "picture box" version.
?
November 5, 1987
Janice Long, Mike Smith
Promo Video
Got My Mind Set On You
George Harrison
There were two different Got My Mind Set On You music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the "George-playing-guitar-in-a-room" version and not the "picture box" version.
?
November 26, 1987
Simon Bates, Gary Davies
Promo Video
Got My Mind Set On You
George Harrison
There were two different Got My Mind Set On You music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the "George-playing-guitar-in-a-room" version and not the "picture box" version.
?
February 25, 1988
Mark Goodier, Peter Powell
Promo Video
When We Was Fab
George Harrison
?
December 31, 1988
David Jacobs, Pete Murray, Alan Freeman, Kenny Everett, David Jensen, Simon Bates, Mark Goodier, Peter Powell, Tony Blackburn, Mike Read, Paul Gambaccini, Jimmy Savile, David Hamilton
Promo Video
Mr. Blue Sky
Electric Light Orchestra
This was a special episode celebrating the show's 25th anniversary with Radio 1 DJs doing the presentations. It is unclear which DJ introduced ELO's part.
?
January 12, 1989
Simon Mayo, Sybil Ruscoe
Promo Video
You Got It
Roy Orbison
?
January 19, 1989
Bruno Brookes, Richard Skinner
Promo Video
You Got It
Roy Orbison
?
February 2, 1989
Simon Mayo, Steve Wright
Promo Video
You Got It
Roy Orbison
?
June 15, 1989
Mark Goodier, Simon Parkin
Promo Video
I Won't Back Down
Tom Petty
?
November 23, 1995
Nicky Campbell
Promo Video
Free As A Bird
The Beatles
?
November 30, 1995
Jack Dee
Promo Video
Free As A Bird
The Beatles
?
December 14, 1995
John Peel
Promo Video
Free As A Bird
The Beatles
?
March 14, 1996
MN8
Promo Video
Real Love
The Beatles
?
January 14, 2005
Reggie Yates
Promo Video
Shine A Little Love
Electric Light Orchestra
There were two different Shine A Little Love music videos produced. The video shown is apparently the Discovery videos version (performed on stage) and not the recording studio version. The video was aired just after the Lovefreekz cover version was aired.
This page is intended to be a complete record of information on Jeff Lynne's Top Of The Pops appearances. If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact me at jefflynnesongs@gmail.com and let me know. I strive for accuracy.
May 2025