The Thrill of It All - Episode 1

Jarvis Cocker celebrates Roxy Music as the influential band reforms for a 40th anniversary tour. The Thrill of It All features interviews with key band members, showcases the songs and reflects on the Roxy legacy. Evolving from the late-60s art-rock movement, Roxy Music epitomised fashion, glamour and innovative music. Through the 70s and 80s, the band released a string of ground-breaking albums, culminating with the 1982 classic, Avalon. Programme one begins with the band emerging in 1972, making an instant visual and musical impact. Dressed in bizarre yet stylish costumes, the group played a defiantly experimental variation of art rock with infectious pop hooks. The creative tension between Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno pulled the band in separate directions but resulted in two ground-breaking albums. Jarvis Cocker looks at the impact of Eno's 1973 departure, which was followed by the band's first UK No 1 album, Stranded. Recorded with new Roxy member Eddie Jobson, it was the first album to feature writing credits for Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay. Following a world tour, the band released a fifth album, Siren, which featured the dance-flavoured Love Is the Drug. The album was another British Top 10 hit, but following its release, the band members began working on solo projects and it was announced in the summer of 1976 that they were breaking up. Part two will begin in the punk era, as the band regroups in 1978. The Thrill of It All features new interviews with key band members: Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay, Phil Manzanera and Paul Thompson. Other contributors include producers Chris Thomas and Rhett Davies.