It's still "Top Of The Pops"! Online Quiz | Television

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In what year was "Top Of The Pops" first broadcast?

Answer: 1964

The long-running music programme was first transmitted on 1st January 1964, in glorious black and white! The show was recorded in a converted church in Manchester. It was not until 1969 that "Top Of The Pops" was seen in colour.

2. Which famous DJ hosted the very first show?

Answer: Jimmy Savile

Born in Leeds in October 1926, Jimmy Savile was known, and much imitated, for his large cigars, long blonde hair and catchphrases such as "Hows about that then, guys and gals" and "Now then, now then". He went on to present the successful TV programme "Jim'll Fix It" and was knighted in 1990 for his tireless work for charity.

3. The Beatles were guests on that first show. Which of their hits did the group play?

Answer: "I Want To Hold Your Hand"

Actually, like all bands did in the early years, The Beatles mimed along to "I Want To Hold Your Hand". Other acts appearing on the first "Top Of The Pops" included the Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies, and the Dave Clark Five.

4. In the early years, "Top Of The Pops" was famous for its dance troupes, who danced along to the hits of the day. Who were the first group to appear on the show on a regular basis?

Answer: The Gojos

In those early years of course, there were no music videos, and sometimes artists were not available to perform on the show, so the idea of having dancers was born. Although Pans People are the best remembered of the dance troupes, The Gojos were actually the first. Formed by choreographer Jo Cook, (who, spookily enough had previously worked with future Pans People member Babs Lord), the Gojos appeared on the show until 1968.

As well as Pans People, other dance troupes to appear on "Top Of The Pops" were Ruby Flipper, Legs And Co and Zoo.

The arrival of music videos meant an end for the dancers, and Zoo were the last group to appear in 1983.

5. "Top Of The Pops" has not always had the same theme music over the years, but the best known is an instrumental version of which Led Zeppelin song?

Answer: "Whole Lotta Love"

First used by "Top Of The Pops" in 1973, "Whole Lotta Love" was also a hit single for the band CCS. Other artists to have composed and performed the "Top Of The Pops" theme include Phil Lynott ("Yellow Pearl"), Paul Hardcastle ("The Wizard") and Vince Clarke ("Red Hot Pop"). "Whole Lotta Love" returned once again as the theme in 1996.

6. The legendary "Radio 1" DJ John Peel famously played mandolin on "Top Of The Pops" on which 1971 number one hit?

Answer: "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart

Well, he pretended to play! Perched on a stool, John Peel, along with Rod Stewart and the Faces, mimed his way through "Maggie May". The band got a bit bored with miming towards the end, and were happily kicking footballs round the stage and into the audience! John Peel also presented the show on occasions, and his sardonic wit towards the more poppier acts made for some very entertaining and amusing viewing!

7. In 1969, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsberg had a number one hit with the song "Je T'aime...Mon Non Plus". This song has the distinction of being what?

Answer: The first number one to be banned from "Top Of The Pops"

Far too risque for 60s audiences, the song was replaced on both radio and TV by an instrumental version recorded by Sounds Nice. Called "Love At First Sight", it made number 18 on the charts. Most songs and videos banned were done so for either political reasons, or for unsuitable lyrics.

Other singles banned over the years include "Wet Dream" by Max Romeo, The Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" and Spandau Ballet's video for "Paint Me Down". I wonder if "Top Of The Pops" would be happy to show them all today?

8. Like most television shows, the odd humourous (or otherwise) error has happened over the years. One mistake that amused audiences and is still recounted today, was during a show featuring Dexy's Midnight Runners. Whilst performing their 1982 hit "Jackie Wilson Said" the camera zoomed in on a large picture of a man called Jockey Wilson which was displayed behind the band. In which sport did Jockey Wilson compete?

Answer: Darts

It would appear that some hapless researcher misheard, because it was indeed a picture of 80s darts player Jockey Wilson that was shown, instead of soul singer Jackie Wilson! This clip still often appears on "Bloopers" type shows.

9. In 1994 "Top Of The Pops" had a baby brother-"TOTP 2", which was shown on "BBC2". Which DJ wrote and presented the show from 1997?

Answer: Steve Wright

Steve Wright used to present "Top Of The Pops" itself, back when he was a "Radio 1" DJ. He was also behind a few chart entries in the 1980s, most notably "I'm Alright" in 1982. He then went on to host a very popular afternoon show on "Radio 2". "TOTP2" showed clips from the past 40 years of "Top Of The Pops", bringing back a lot of memories in the process! They also had shows dedicated to just one artists or decade, and Christmas specials.

As well as the two television shows, "Top Of The Pops" own magazine was launched in 1995.

10. "Top Of The Pops" has been so popular over the years, it has even had songs written about it! Who had a hit in 1978 with a song called "Top Of The Pops"?

Answer: The Rezillos

The Rezillos reached number 17 with this song, and of course they appeared on the show! In August 2003 it was announced in the media that sales of singles were in decline, which means shows like "Top Of The Pops" have an uncertain future. It's been revamped throughout the years, but has pretty much kept to its formula of playing hits from the top 30 of the day. In 2003, former childrens TV presenter Andi Peters was charged with once again giving the show another revamp.
After a decline in viewers, the show was eventually moved to a Sunday night BBC2 slot in 2005.

Source: Author Popsicle01

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ladymacb29 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

It's still "Top Of The Pops"! Trivia Quiz

Before music videos, before "MTV", hey, even before colour television and remote controls, there was "Top Of The Pops". What do you know about this British television institution?

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