has there ever been a complete top of the pops arc

[Gary Freeman]

I just wondered if there had ever been a complete archive that was junked at any one moment prior to the existing archive starting, or did the programme get wiped on a weekly/ monthly basis from its inception?

[Adam James Smith]

There was never a complete archive. For a start, many of the early editions were never recorded at all, and those that were were junked VERY quickly. For instance, as early as April 1965, the only Beatles TOTP recording that was preserved even up to that point was a single spot for "I feel Fine". (and even early retrospective shows like the 1973 one still use the same few clips that survive today)
I think I'm right in saying (correct if wrong) that the sixties edition of the show were hardly shown abroad, so there was even less point preserving them that other programmes such as Dr Who. It was treated as really emphemeral stuff, which is why less that five percent of the first decade of the show still exists.

[William Martin]

I can't realy add much to that, probably when the xmass specials started they would keep then for a year incase they were needed for the 1 or 2 specials on xmass day and or boxing day or nearest then wiped, I don't think the beeb considered them to be of great cultural value, lucky for us that some technicians risked their jobs by copying some clips and shows, there may be more that we don't know about and considering some of the recent threads and postings there is a half decent chance that more complete 60s shows and clips do exist.

[Laurence Piper]

I think i'm right in saying that there were two occasions when The Beatles pre-recorded clips for TOTP prior to April 1965, not one. The other time was around A Hard Day's Night period.

It's a bit unclear how soon after transmission TOTP editions were wiped. It was regularly being pre-recorded by 1966 (or as it went out). Why? Presumably just for sales purposes if there was no intention to keep them at the time. Certain editions were clearly being kept at least for up to a year (even in the '60s) in order for clips to be re-used in the Xmas shows. Also in the very early '70s, clips were being bought for inclusion in the German Disco programme up to a year after their original TOTP appearance.

I understand from postings on this site that paperwork apparently came to light which shows that TOTP was due to be properly archived from the middle of 1967 onwards, although clearly this did not happen!

[William Martin]

1967?, interesting, why did they decide to do that? great shame they didn't though I need hardly say. could that be the reason that the only complete editions are post mid 1967 or that a big old coincidence?

[Adam James Smith]

>>I think i'm right in saying that there were two occasions when The Beatles pre-recorded clips for TOTP prior to April 1965, not one. The other time was around A Hard Day's Night period.

You could well be right, Laurence. The point I was making was thateven by April 1965, all but one o fthe Beatles TOTP appearances up to that point had already been junked.