The Story of 1997

Revolution was in the air for the long-running music show, both in terms of the music and the show itself. Techno-pop punk rock arrived in the form of Republica and frontwoman Saffron, followed by the likes of Placebo and Chumbawamba, who were all livening things up at the BBC Elstree studios. The year also saw the emergence of reggae star Finley Quaye, NY trio Fun Lovin’ Criminals, with their sample-driven tales of city life, and hogging the charts were Danish outfit Aqua, with their own brand of plastic pop. With a new chief, Chris Cowey, in charge of the show, evolution was also in the air during another fascinating year in the life of Top of the Pops. Contributors include Saffron from Republica, Sharleen Spiteri of Texas, Brian Molko of Placebo, Finley Quaye, Huey Morgan, Aqua, Chris Cowey, Trevor Nelson and Jayne Middlemiss.