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
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
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
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 The words were dubbed out but the BBC later rescinded their decision following complaints from the public.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Share this
Digg
Del.icio.us
StumbleUpon
Slashdot
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Googlize this
Tags