Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The Story of 1991

As the 1990s start to get going, this is the year in which indie kids, ravers, alternative comedians and even a certain grunge band from Seattle hit the charts.

As the 1990s start to get going, this is the year in which indie kids, ravers, alternative comedians and even a certain grunge band from Seattle hit the charts. Against the background of recession and a war in the Middle East, a new and sassy breed of artists debut on Top of the Pops. Seal goes solo, James and The Wonder Stuff cross over, and Vic Reeves becomes a sort of pop star.

As pop and the mainstream go younger, Britain’s longest-running pop show finally succumbs to a makeover and moves from Television Centre to Elstree in an attempt to start over. Meanwhile, Bryan Adams remains at number one for 16 weeks – a bit too long for a chart show and for the competition! Then Nirvana come to Elstree, group of the year The KLF team up with country legend Tammy Wynette, and a sudden death determines the Christmas number one. It proves to be a fascinating year, not only in the TOTP studio but also in pop fashion and the state of the nation.

Contributors include Seal, Tim Booth from James, Oceanic, Mr C from The Shamen, Rozalla, Miles Hunt from The Wonder Stuff, Vic Reeves and broadcaster Andrew Collins.

59 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Mel Giedroyc
Executive Producer Mark Cooper

Broadcast

Featured in...