A series of six nostalgia shows, broadcast on Saturday tea-time hosted by Capital
Radio, then Radio One, DJ Mike Smith who would introduce pop stars and other figures
from a particular year, along with fads and the fashion of the era.
Starting with 1974 he introduced Suzi Quatro, The Glitter Band, The Three Degrees
all performing in the studio to re-recordings of their biggest hit of the year. Followed
by 1968 with Mary Hopkin, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, and Marmalade. 1964
brought us The Swinging Blue Jeans, Wayne Fontana, The Merseybeats and P J Proby.
Bizarrely 1977 would be represented by The Drifters, Darts, Brotherhood of Man and
Smokie. 1959 featured Frankie Vaughan, Freddie Fingers Lee and Craig Douglas. Finishing
with 1981 and Bucks Fizz, Kiki Dee, Kate Robbins, Steve Strange and Aneka.
BBC1's The Rock n Roll Years and Thames TV's Unforgettable showed that there was
a desire for an oldies on TV format, but despite its success Greatest Hits only lasted
one series.
