Ten Records Banned by the BBC

bannedcover
Guaranteed to get a record talked about WAY more than it would have been ordinarily, hence defeating the object of banning it in the first place. But ever the bastion of righteousness and “good” tatse, the Beeb have a history of refusing to play certain songs on account of their content. Here are ten examples...

Wings - Give Ireland Back to the Irish

WingsPaulMcCartneyPaulMcCartneyW233

Macca's response to 1972's Bloody Sunday massacre in Belfast. Had the suits in Whitehall all of a fluster as the troubles spiralled out of control

Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen

Sexpistols

Released during the Queen's 1977 Silver Jubilee year. Despite its ban it reached number 2 in the charts, leading to accusations that the chart had been fixed to avoid it hitting the number one spot.

The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl – Fairytale of New York

pogueschristmas

Became one of the most ubiquitous Christmas songs in history since its release in 1987. Twenty years later the BBC banned the original due to its use of the words faggot, slut and arse. The words were dubbed out but the BBC later rescinded their decision following complaints from the public.

George Michael – I Want Your Sex

george_michael_2

Number one single from George Michael's 1987 album, Faith. No clever metaphors here then George. Banned due to the saucy subject matter.

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg – Je t'Aime

JaneBirkinSergeGainsbourg

Far too racy for it's time, this 1978 single ends with a simulated orgasm from Birkin leading it to be banned by five countries and denounced by the Vatican.

Rolling Stones – Lets Spend the Night

Rollingstones

Seen as lyrically risqué at the time, which is why radio opted to play the B-side, Ruby Tuesday, instead. The result? Two hits for Mick, Keef and the boys. Thank you very much...

Donna Summer – Love to Love You Baby

DonnaSummer

The Beeb claimed that this 1976 disco classic contained the sound of 23 orgasms - enough to scare the living daylights out of the grand fromages at the time. Still reached number 4 in the charts though.

The Shamen – Ebeneezer Goode

shamen

Controversial number 1 from September 1992 given it's overt references to the drug, ecstasy (come on, you can work it out!) leading to a BBC ban and the single's eventual withdrawal following growing media pressure.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax

Frankiegoestohollywood

Due to it's sexual content, the BBC banned the song when it was at number six in the charts. Following the hype, it then proceeded to go straight to number one where it stayed for five weeks,  becoming the seventh most successful single of all time in the the UK.

Tom Robinson Band – Glad To Be Gay

tomrobinson

An open attack on attitudes to homosexuality at the time, this 1978 top twenty hit has become one of Robinson's defining songs and is widely regarded as a gay anthem to this day. Unsurprisingly, the Beeb wouldn't play it.

Win Great Prizes Now

Songpeople is proud to offer a brand new prize this month - Bring your media with you wherever you roam with the newest 8gb iPod Nano. Watch 32 hours of videos, enjoy up to 4,000 of your favourite songs or share hundreds of photos with your friends. And do it all on a device that's about the size of a credit card!

Stay tuned for info on next month's exclusive prize...

Share This

Top Lists

Top 10 Sexiest British Female Singers of 2009

Last year saw the dawn of various talents from across the pond in the likes of Pop superstars Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, but it would seem that...

Top 10 Best Music Feuds Ever

News image

Top 10 best band fights Huge Egos, pressure from record labels and important performances, in some cases the added confusion of drug cocktails…the perfect blend for a good ole...

Top 10 Most Unexpected Music Murders

News image

Following the ruling of the LA County coroner that Michael Jackson's death on 25 June 2009 was Homicide, we have put together a list of the top 10 most...

Ten Most Shocking Artists Since Pop Music Began

News image

The pop world has been generally inhabited by those of a more controversial and non-conformist persuasion. But even within the realms of the expected rock'n'roll behaviour, some stars have...

More in: Music