London Calling
“London will always be a musical capital of the world – of global significance – if not the global capital. Just because of its heritage, because of its history, and because it is the most multicultural city in the world… And if you’re a musician or artist of any kind, you’re just going to find London the most inspiring city to be in”.
Greatest Hits Radio presenter Simon Mayo
This four-part documentary series was produced in 2021 as a follow-up to the Cities of Sound project. Production took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and was completed entirely under remote working conditions, with no in-person interviews. All interviews and contributions were recorded using online technologies and remote recording setups.
The series was developed alongside the network’s London launch following its acquisition of the 105.8 FM frequency in May 2021. Each of the four one-hour programmes focused on aspects of London’s music culture and its influence on popular music across the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
The series was presented by London-born musician Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet). Contributors included broadcasters Paul Gambaccini, Simon Mayo, Janice Long, Jenny Powell, and Pat Sharp. Additional commentary and context were provided by music journalists, authors, and historians including Max Wooldridge, Mark Sutherland, Lloyd Bradley, David Buckley, Alan Jones, Pete Watt, and Tim Abbott, former Managing Director of Creation Records.
A key production element involved remote interviews conducted via Zoom and similar platforms. One of the final interviews recorded with photographer Mick Rock was completed during this period. Following this recording, further discussions took place regarding a separate proposed documentary on his life and work, which, unfortunately, was not completed prior to his death in November 2021.
“Greatest Hits Radio has signed up Martin Kemp to present a series exploring the music culture and musical significance London has on the greatest hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s.Starting this Wednesday 9th June at 7pm and running for four weeks, ‘London Calling’ will see Londoner and 80s pop icon Martin look at the contribution London has made to the greatest hits of all time, while celebrating the musicians who made the city their home, and the music they’ve created.
Having recently expanded across London thanks to its arrival on FM, Greatest Hits Radio has previously marked other iconic music cities across the country, including Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
With contributions from Greatest Hits Radio presenters including Simon Mayo, Jenny Powell, Janice Long, Pat Sharp and Paul Gambaccini, Martin will also be joined by music industry names on ‘London Calling’ including photographer Mick Rock, former editor of Melody Maker and Uncut magazine Alan Jones and Bowie biographer David Buckley.
Speaking about the upcoming series, Martin Kemp said: “I can’t wait for people to hear the story of London’s influence on the Greatest Hits of all time – from Swinging London and the British Blues Explosion to the Glam Rock and Punk of the Seventies, the New Romantics of the Eighties, through to the Britpop explosion of the Nineties and beyond. London has an incredible musical story to tell, as unquestionably one of the world’s music capitals. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Greatest Hits Radio, PR Material, ‘21
