Alright Now is a British rock music television series made by Tyne Tees Television for ITV in 1979–1980. The show, named after the song "All Right Now" by the band Free, showcased both established and up-and-coming acts, with a focus on those from North East England; among these were Dire Straits and The Police, both enjoying their first chart successes. (In contrast, Lindisfarne were given an entire show to themselves.) The show ran for two series (1979 and 1980). In 1982, Tyne Tees produced the similar music programme The Tube for the then-new Channel 4.
Overview
The show was initially hosted by former Darts singer Den Hegarty, but he was dismissed from the show for "outrageous" behaviour; he later became a host of the ATV children's show Tiswas. The second series featured one guest host per episode; among these were Bob Geldof, Billy Connolly, Bill Oddie, Suzi Quatro, Pauline Black, Mickie Most, and Phil Lynott.
Alright Now was probably best known for the occasion when Billy Connolly interviewed Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, on which Bonham jokingly responded to all Connolly's questions in monosyllables.
Episode guide
The first series consisted of eight editions that ran from 6 April to 1 June 1979, plus one special edition featuring the Who on 2 November 1979. The first series featured primarily local bands, or bands with a connection to north-east England. This was followed a year later by the second series, consisting of seven editions (exact broadcast dates to be confirmed), which was less locally focused.
The opening theme for both series was "Another Girl, Another Planet" by the Only Ones.
Series 1
Show 1
Recorded 06 02 1979
Show ID AN 79-6-1
Broadcast 06 04 1979
Presented by Den Hegarty
Director: Gavin Taylor
Producer: Malcolm Gerrie
Exec Producer: Andrea Wonfor
Dire Straits, Police (Prog 1 on ClapperBoard)
Dire Straits open the series with Sultans of Swing; Den Hegarty then introduces us to his zany brand of presenting and the 'Kaff Kids - including Chris Cowey, Martina and Martin - then its into a homemade film over Devo's Jocko Homo followed by the Police, live in the studio, with Roxanne into the break. Part two opens with Dire Straits and Down to the Waterline; followed by a Punk feature with an assembled 'Rentamob' being patronised by Den and including an interview with Andy Worrall of Virgin Records (Newcastle). The Police end the show with Can't Stand Losing You.
Show 2
Recorded 07 02 1979
Show ID AN 79-6-2
Broadcast 13 04 1979
Presented by Den Hegarty
Director: Gavin Taylor
Producer: Malcolm Gerrie
Exec Producer: Andrea Wonfor
Showbiz Kids, Penetration (Prog 2 on ClapperBoard)
Free and All Right Now (promo clip) opens the show with Den (wrongly) announcing that they provide the theme to the show. After a short chat with Chris Cowey, The Showbiz Kids perform Maybe. Den then interviews David Oxtoby and Davis Sandison about the book Oxtoby's Rockers, then it's back to The Showbiz Kids for Naked Lady. After the break, Penetration perform Future Daze in the studio and then we see a short Blondie feature with clips from Denis; Detroit 442; Hanging on the Telephone; (I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear and Heart of Glass. Penetration end the show with a live version of Lovers of Outrage.
Show 3
Recorded 28 02 1979
Show ID AN 79-9-1
Broadcast 27 04 1979
Presented by Den Hegarty
Director: Gavin Taylor
Producer: Malcolm Gerrie
Exec Producer: Andrea Wonfor
Chris Rea, Rod Stewart, Young Bucks
Rod Stewart performs Blondes Have More Fun live, followed by a teaser for the special edition on The Who later in the series. This is followed by an in-depth look at Young Bucks, who moved to London from Newcastle in an attempt to raise their profile. This includes excerpts from their performance at the Brecknock pub in London. After the break, we're introduced to Chris Rea, after a short interview he performs Letter From Amsterdam followed by Diamonds (featuring two members of Lindisfarne on backing vocals) which ends the show.