The Onyx - BBC


	BBC



		The Onyx had the honor of being one of the most played bands in the early days of BBC Radio One. Over the course of 5 years the band recorded an endless array of studio sessions and Radio One Clubs. At the time the BBC was required to dedicate a certain amount of time to real musicians playing real instruments. DJ’s were not allowed to play records all day long, real people had to fill in the gaps. This of course led to an unprecedented number of our favorite bands entering the Maida Vale studios to record songs for broadcast. For some bands this was only a fleeting visit, for others it was fairly regular gig. Depending on which show the band was recording would guide their choice of material. If a band were recording for John Peel and Top Gear for example they had more creative freedom than the daytime shows. Often the remit was ‘keep it short and keep it recognisable’. Often band’s would plug their latest single, while also recording some choice cover versions or try out a newly written song. The Onyx were BBC regulars. Having a formidable reputation as a covers band the BBC would rope them in, often once a month, often to record cover versions for broadcast (and occasionally a version of their latest single). As most of the shows the band recorded for were mild daytime fodder (Terry Wogan, Terry Brandon, Jimmy Young, etc.) they often recorded hits of the day. The band also appeared on Volume 265 of the Top of the Pops LP series (Time Off and On Our Way). These very rare LP's contained live and studio recordings, along with DJ chatter and cue sheets. Produced in small runs they were usually issued for use at overseas radio stations. Onxy were preserved on at least one LP with two tracks; Here’s a selection of BBC recordings from 1970/71 Time Off On Our Way (Sky) Paint It Black (Rolling Stones) Meet On The Ledge (Fairport Convention) A version of Good Vibrations also exists, but unfortunately t remains tucked away on a dusty old reel to reel.

		As well as in-studio session the BBC also hit the road and broadcast live sessions as part of the Radio One Club. Live from venues across the UK these gigs gave bands the opportunity to let their hair down, so to speak, without the constraints of performing popular three minute pop songs. Thanks to local entertainer, and one time Onyx superfan, Trevor Prisk (aka Trevor Fontaine), several Onyx Radio One Club shows still exist via rough and ready off-air recordings. Mainly consisting of covers, the tapes provide a rare glimpse of the Onyx in live setting. Dates are lost in time, but the first two are probably '68/69 and the final show will be '71/72. Here’s the setlists, along with some audio samples.


		Unknown location. Exeter, Devon. Guitar: Alan Hodge

		Lightning Strikes Wake Up Sunshine Can't Explain Alone Again Or Paint It Black Does Anybody Know What Time It Is


		Queens Hall, Barnstaple, Devon. Guitar: Alan Hodge

		On Our Way Whole Lotta Love March Of The Mods Something's Coming On She's Not There


		Old Barn Club, Penzance, Cornwall. Guitar: Bernie Lee

		Can't Explain Beyond and Before Don't Let It Bring You Down Wooden Ships Funk 49 You Don't Have To Cry


		To wrap up the Onyx involvement with the BBC, here’s a list of sessions and transmission dates (thank you to Nigel Lee’s for supplying the majority of data). Considering the reputation the band had this must be an incomplete list, but it gives you some idea on busy the Beeb kept them! All listing are for The Onyx, Vineyard recorded no sessions with the BBC.

		1968 December 16th - 20th: David Symonds 30th - 3rd Jan 1969: David Symonds 1969 January 30th Dec 1968 -3rd: David Symonds February 10th - 14th 1969: Jimmy Young 22nd: Chris Denning 24th – 28th: Keith Skies March 10th – 14th: Jimmy Young April 12th: Phil Jay 14th – 18th: Dave Cash 21st – 25th: Jimmy Young 28th – 2nd May: Sounds Like Tony Brandon May 28th April – 2nd: Sounds Like Tony Brandon 12th – 16th: Sounds Like Tony Brandon 19th – 23rd: Terry Wogan July 21st – 25th: Terry Wogan August 11th – 15th: Sounds Like Tony Brandon October 6th – 10th: Terry Wogan 12th: Pop Workshop 27th – 31st: Terry Wogan November 10th – 14th: Dave Cash 17th – 21st: Jimmy Young 23rd: Dave Eastwood December 8th – 12th: Terry Wogan 28th – 4th Jan 1970: Jimmy Young 29th – 2nd Jan 1970: Terry Wogan 1970 January Dec 28th 1969 – 4th Jan: Jimmy Young Dec 29th 1969 – 2nd Jan: Terry Wogan 19th – 23rd: Dave Cash February 2nd – 6th: Terry Wogan 9th – 13th: Jimmy Young 23rd – 27th: Terry Wogan March 9th – 13th: Jimmy Young April 20th – 24th: Terry Wogan 27th – 1st May: Sounds Like Tony Brandon May 27th April – 1st: Sounds Like Tony Brandon 11th – 15th: Sounds Like Tony Brandon 18th – 22nd: Jonnie Walker June 13th: Noel Edmonds 22nd – 26th: Sounds Like Tony Brandon July 20th – 24th: Jimmy Young 25th: Gary Taylor August 17th – 21st: Tony Blackburn September 5th: Pop Workshop 7th – 11th: Tony Brandon 14th – 18th: Jimmy Young October 5th – 9th: Barry mason 12th – 16th: Jimmy Young November 2nd – 6th: Terry Wogan 2nd – 6th: Jonnie Walker 1971 January 11th – 15th: Terry Wogan 1972 January 17th – 21st: Dave Lee Travis


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