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Rolling Stones on video:Mick Jagger interview with Jools Holland for ‘The Tube’
The Tube was one of the coolest and most influential music shows on British TV during the 1980s. Airing on Channel 4 from 1982 to 1987, it was a game-changer, mixing live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage with a raw, unfiltered energy that felt miles away from the polished, scripted music shows of the past. If you wanted to see cutting-edge bands before they blew up, The Tube was the place to be.
Hosted by Jools Holland and the unpredictable Paula Yates, the show had a wild, anything-goes vibe. It was filmed live in front of an audience, adding to the chaos and excitement. Bands didn’t just mime along to their hits—they played live, and that meant some legendary performances. Everyone from The Jam and The Smiths to U2, The Cure, and even a young Madonna took the stage, often in career-defining moments.
One of The Tube‘s biggest strengths was its willingness to take risks. It championed indie bands, punk, new wave, and emerging genres long before the mainstream caught on. It also had a rebellious streak—Jools Holland once got suspended for swearing live on air, and technical hiccups were all part of the charm.
Sadly, by 1987, budget cuts and behind-the-scenes issues led to its cancellation. But its impact was huge. It set the stage for later music shows like Later… with Jools Holland and remains a key piece of ‘80s music culture. Whether you watched it back in the day or discovered clips online, The Tube was pure rock and roll television—raw, unpredictable, and way ahead of its time.
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