BBC Radio 2 Sets Schedule For 40th Birthday Specials

40th Anniversary

BBC RADIO 2's 40th anniversary special lineup for SEPTEMBER 30th will include a replay of the late KENNY EVERETT's 1981 return to the BBC and a special featuring the parodic "SMASHIE AND NICEY" team of washed-up jocks portrayed by comics HARRY ENFIELD and PAUL WHITEHOUSE on TV.

The lineup kicks off with PAUL HOLLINGDALE, the first voice heard when RADIO 2 launched on SEPTEMBER 30th, 1967, hosting "Breakfast Special" with the music played on the first show 40 years ago, followed by a return of "Five to Ten," the predecessor to today's "Pause for Thought," and a special edition of request show "Junior Choice" with ED "STEWPOT" STEWART. 

The EVERETT tape will air 11a-1p, followed by MICHAEL ASPEL with "Family Favorites" (which originated on RADIO 2's predecessor, the LIGHT PROGRAMME, in 1945), ENFIELD and WHITEHOUSE's "Pick of the Pops with SMASHIE AND NICEY" counting down the top 10 of that week in 1967, and a special with BRIAN MATTHEW playing music and artist interviews. 

The evening lineup will include a 1971 edition of pianist ALBERTO SEMPRINI's "SEMPRINI Serenade," a 2000 episode of "Sing Something Simple," and a 1968 broadcast of KENNETH HORNE's comedy show "Around the HORNE."

Morning mainstay TERRY WOGAN will announce the winner of the station's survey for the "ultimate pop icon" of the last 40 years, the result of a listener poll underway now.

'Dream Dylan Concert' Planned

RADIO 2 is also planning to air a "Dream DYLAN Concert" next month including 11 rare live BOB DYLAN recordings from 1962 through 2001, including a version of "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Groom's Still Waiting at the Altar" with the late MIKE BLOOMFIELD on guitar from a 1980 SAN FRANCISCO concert, recorded three months before BLOOMFIELD's death. RADIO 2 and sister AAA 6MUSIC air DYLAN's XM SATELLITE RADIO "Theme Time Radio Hour" show.

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