The best music broadcasts to stream on BBC iPlayer
If you’re like us, you’re missing going to gigs and seeing live music. Luckily BBC iPlayer has an array of broadcasts ready to stream, celebrating all genres of music – featuring live music from last year’s festivals to archived performances dating back to the ‘60s. Check out our recommendations below – we encourage you to turn off the lights, turn up the volume and immerse yourself in the music.
Top of the Pops
If you’re old enough to remember when Top of the Pops wasn’t on just at Christmas, then we’re sure some of the episodes available on BBC iPlayer will bring feelings of nostalgia. You can stream various episodes from 1989 on iPlayer, letting you relive the end of the decade that brought us baggy trousers, big hair and shoulder pads.
The Live Lounge Show
Clara Amfo presents The Live Lounge Show, taking you behind the scenes of the performances on Radio 1. Each episode shows live performances from different artists, playing their songs plus a cover – giving a new take on a song.
Kings of Soul
This hour-long programme celebrates the Kings of Soul, showing archived performances from the likes of the legendary Billy Preston, Bill Withers, Billy Ocean, Alexander O'Neal, Barry White, Bobby Womack and many more – looking at groundbreaking artists from the '60s to the noughties.
Radio 2 Piano Room
Radio 2 Piano Room - Motown: Live in the Radio 2 Piano Room celebrates 60 years of Motown. The episode sees modern soulful artists, including Emeli Sande, James Morrison and Jack Savoretti performing classic Motown songs around the grand piano that Sir Elton John donated to BBC Radio.
Glastonbury
Helping you to get a festival fix from the comfort of your own home, celebrate the iconic festival with performances from the likes of Dolly Parton, Foals, The Streets, The Chemical Brothers and more. There are 22 episodes available, so you can soak up the unique atmosphere from your sofa.
From Elton John to Gary Barlow: Celebrating 100 Concerts at the Eden Project
The programme is introduced by Nile Rodgers, who headlined the 100th show and features performances from the past 18 years of concerts at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Artists include Pulp, Duran Duran, Bastille, Muse, Gary Barlow, Van Morrison, Madness, Primal Scream and Lionel Richie.
Dolly Parton 50 Years at the Opry
The Queen of country, Dolly Parton, celebrates 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The show was recorded live in Nashville, paying tribute to her songs and career with performances from Dolly herself plus special guests, including Lady Antebellum, Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams Jr.
BBC Music Introducing
Looking for some awesome new music? As the British Music Embassy showcases at SXSW 2020 were cancelled, BBC Music Introducing and industry partners took over a venue to put on a series of sessions with some of the artists that were due to perform. You can catch the highlights on BBC iPlayer, with a performance of a song from each artist available to stream.
Arctic Monkeys Live at the BBC
Recorded in 2018, Arctic Monkeys performed live for BBC Radio 1 at the legendary Maida Vale studios, playing tracks from their album, Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino, and classics from their back catalogue of hits.
6 Music Festival
6 Music Festival had three days of live music and conversation, echoing the spirit of 6 Music. You can enjoy full sets from Kate Tempest, The Selecter, Bombay Bicycle Club, Nadine Shah, Warmduscher and many more.
