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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Did anyone watch Madness playing the concert onside BBC TV Centre which is closing at the end of March 2013? Then former BBC DG Michael Grade presenting the Goodbye show on BBC 4? It's a shame the Beeb had to sell an icon.

unclebuck · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 276 Location: Warwickshire

Didn't watch the concert, but watched the accompanying 'Goodbye' programme.
Was struck by the seemingly universal and occasionally very forthright condemnation of the sale by everyone (and there were some very notable figures) who took part. Some were quite emotional.
Danny Baker compared it to the decisions taken by BBC executives in the sixties and seventies to wipe old recordings of shows in order to re-use the tapes. In many cases this important part of our heritage was lost forever. Sadly, that mentality appears to have survived.
The decision is a disgrace - this building had far more relevance to the creation of the British society we have today, than most castles or stately homes.
As usual, we are not informed who took this decision.
A sad act of cultural vandalism.

ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

I agree but gather that at least certain sections of the BBC will be moving back there in around 3 years time Confused

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FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5747 Location: Hampshire

I watched the history programme hosted by Michael Grade. There were plenty of laughs and some good stories but I sympathised with the almost universal opinion of the guests regarding the very sad decision to sell TVC. So many of them felt it was far more than bricks and mortar and that having all the different strands of TV production happening on the same premises made for an inspirational atmosphere.

I never worked there but used to visit quite a lot in my BBC days. Security was not as tight in those days before the IRA became active in the early 1970s and it was great to wander around going into the observation rooms overlooking the various studios watching what was going on, spending time in the club etc.

I had zero interest in watching the concerts before and after the main programme.

RIP TVC Sad

but thanks for the memories Smile

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Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 1:13 pm Post subject:

Interesting shows, although I'm not sure Grade was quite right for the presenter (perhaps Parky or Edmonds could have done it - I'd have said Wogan but he seemed in a world of his own). I'm happy they didn't cut all the condemnations of the decision, but I think it's interesting that David Attenborough didn't seem to have a problem with TVC closing, and he seems as wise as anyone.

I'm glad I managed to do the building tour a few years back - it's a great place. I think what's going to be missing is the idea for licence-fee payers that there's a place all our money is going to that we can see in action. If that makes sense?

Number Six · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 438 Location: In the village

Just caught up with the programme last night. Ironically, I did the tour a month ago and came away wishing that I had worked there. Facinating place.

As for the programme itself I thought it fascinating. Not sure about some of the guests though. Wogan was just playing Wogan and I'm not sure what Baker was doing there since I don't associate him with television, apart from the odd guest appearance on HIGNFY. Glad to see his recent problems haven't stopped hom from trying to take over every topic. Does he get paid by the word, I wonder. Strangely, and as much as I have never lost the urge to punch Noel Edmonds in his smug face, I did find myself agreeing with him. As for David Attenborough he's forgotten more about television than the rest of them will ever know so I'll take his view over theirs any day. I can appreciate that the luvvies want to keep it open but creativity does not count. The building's fifty years old. There must be more up tp date methods, and I'm not keen on my licence fee being spent on huge London salaries if they are not needed.

On a final note, the end with Morecambe & Wise superimposed skipping down the corridor was very poignant
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