BBC Radio 2 to celebrate 50 years of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music with special programmes

Virginia Plain was Roxy Music’s first hit single in August 1972 and to celebrate 50 years of music from Bryan Ferry and the band, BBC Radio 2 is to air a series of special programmes beginning on Saturday 30 July.

Bryan Ferry formed Roxy Music in 1970 and their success began with the self-titled debut album in 1972. They were early pioneers of the sophisticated side of glam rock and were also an influence on early British punk music.

The first of the Radio 2 special programmes, Roxy at 50: The Fans’ Story will feature an all-star line-up of fans.

They talk about how the impact of the group’s trailblazing sound and style influenced their own careers.

Presented by Bryan Ferry, those sharing their personal memories of seeing them live, buying their records and even working with them are Nile Rodgers, Johnny Marr, Jim Kerr, Dave Stewart, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin, Bobby Gillespie, Ian Broudie, Jake Shears, James Dean Bradfield, Midge Ure, and Alex Kapranos.

This will be followed by a two-part programme, Roxy at 50: The Band’s Story, where Radio 2 celebrates Roxy Music and reflects on their legacy.

Across both episodes, it tells how the band evolved out of the late-60s art-rock movement and epitomized fashion, glamour and innovative music. They released a string of ground-breaking albums in the 70s and 80s, culminating with the 1982 classic Avalon.

The first episode charts the band emergence in 1972 making an instant visual and musical impact. At the time, their costumes, although stylish, were considered to be bizarre and their music could be described in a similar way – a defiantly experimental variation of art rock with infectious pop hooks.

The programme also explains how the creative tensions between Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno pulled the band in different directions but ultimately, resulted in two ground-breaking albums.

In the second episode, the story continues, hearing from key band members, showcasing the songs and reflecting on the Roxy legacy.

Roxy at 50: The Fans’ Story can be heard on BBC Radio 2, Saturday morning 30 July, 1-2am.

Roxy at 50: The Band’s Story, episode one will be aired Saturday morning 6 August, 1-2am with episode two the following Saturday, 13 August at the same time.

Each programme will be available to hear on BBC Sounds following broadcast.