Main content

Frank Zappa and Lou Reed

Marc Riley explores the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ spoken word music archive: linked by rivalry - Frank Zappa in 1984 and Lou Reed in 1992. From 2015.

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's archive is justifiably and inarguably world-famous, but most of this attention and praise is showered on the riches contained within the Beeb's music archive - the life-changing Peel performances, seminal sessions from Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie.

But these musical marvels risk over-shadowing another archive that's just as diverse, rich and rewarding - the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's spoken word, music archive.

As long as there have been pop stars, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has spoken to them. Marc Riley and his trusty Time Machine - a rickety rust-bucket, back-firing jalopy - travel back through the years to visit the great and the good, the famous and the infamous, safely ensconced within the treasure trove of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archive. Marc replays candid snapshots at crucial points in the careers of some of the biggest names in music.

In each episode, Marc lines up the Time Machine to travel to two different points in time and revisit two interviews with something in common - a person or place, a shared influence or ideology, a discovery, a misunderstanding.

In the last of two episodes, the featured interviewees share a fierce rivalry.

Both artists were intent on creating grown-up rock 'n roll, both pushed the boundaries of rock music. Both were anti-establishment, both were anti-hippy. Both were the kings of their exciting new scenes - one in New York, one in LA. Yet, despite the similarities and the common ground, each loathed the other.

First there's Frank Zappa in conversation with Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 1's Andy Batten-Foster from 1984, while the second interview comes from a 1992 interview by Johnnie Walker with Lou Reed.

Producer: Ian Callaghan

A Smooth Operations production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2015.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Fri 17 Feb 2023 20:00

Broadcasts

  • Tue 3 Feb 2015 11:30
  • Mon 28 Nov 2016 23:00
  • Fri 17 Feb 2023 20:00

Marc Riley on 6 Music

Marc Riley on 6 Music

Classic and cutting-edge music, with live sessions and archive performances