'The Rave' - Any details known?

[stevej]

I remember some years ago reading a yellowing 1968 copy of the NME and mention was made of The Move apparently set to star in 'their own series' to be called 'The Rave' for (I think) Granada tv. I asssumed it was probably nothing more than an empty publicity piece just to keep their name in the music press- there was often 'exclusive news' of some group or other allegedly about to start filming their own BBC or ITV series. But! Having just been reading Mr Checkfield's comprehensive 'Channelling The Beat' I see to my surprise there is indeed reference to a show or series called 'The Rave'.

Does anyone know anything further about what type of show this was- and whether it was indeed Granada who made it? Was it a regional teatime pop show aimed at young teens or was it something else entirely? I wondered if Peter or anyone else knew any more details?

Steve

[markdixon]

‘The Rave’ was recorded at the Granada studios on 06 March 1967. The Move performed ‘Night of Fear’ and another song, and Pink Floyd performed ‘Arnold Layne’. Apparently, Granada hoped that the show would be shown across the ITV network, but this never happened. 

‘The Rave’ doesn’t appear in any TV listings and most sources say it was never broadcast. However, the following letter from the NME (18 March 1967) suggests it was shown in the Granada region (which included Yorkshire at the time): 

...I've just watched the Move and the Pink Floyd on TV, and the show was great,because both these groups produce the most fantastic freak-out music! Susan Broadfield (Cleckheaton Yorks)

I’ve mentioned before in a previous thread that I believe that ‘The Rave’ was broadcast at 10:05 p.m. on 06 March 1967 as an episode of Granada’s ‘Scene’ series. ‘Scene’ is remembered as a news programme, but it often featured other formats such as documentaries, topical discussions and comedy revues. Therefore, a one-off pop show could easily have been transmitted under the ‘Scene’ banner.

A few years ago, I found this letter in the Northern edition of TV Times (25 March-31 March 1967), which seems to be about the programme.

Scene of Success

Granada should be congratulated for showing the daring experiment which made up “Scene” on March 6.

By combining things which are already in existence – free pop music, satire, psychedelic visuals, and the kind of condensed philosophy which made Bob Dylan, and now the LSD people notorious – something greater than any of these was created – something teeming with imagination – something which only TV can put over.

Tim Horrocks
Leigh, Lancs


Pink Floyd also appeared in the ‘Scene Special: It’s So Far Out It’s Straight Down’ broadcast by Granada on 07 March 1967. 

[petercheck]

Sorry Steve, I don't have any further info.

[stevej]

Not to worry Peter, I think Mark's excellent summary covers everything I ever wanted to know - and the idea that 'The Rave' was incorporated as part of 'Scene' makes a lot of sense. I'm sure 'Scene' has been mentioned before in the context of featuring some interesting up-and-coming UK pop/psych bands that didn't get much if any coverage elsewhere. Evidently 'Scene' had quite a progressive editorial team. In fact Granada as a whole produced some of the most interesting and worthwhile music programming of that era. I was watching a superb 1968 Nina Simone studio concert the other day which you would think was typical BBC2 material, but no- Granada once again. And I've always had a soft spot for the 'Doing Their Thing' 1970 colour series. They really were a most remarkable company - most un-ITV-like at times, if that makes any sense.