PODCAST

Eras

BBC Radio 2

Zoe Ball tells the story of one of pop music’s most enduring and least likely icons: Phil Collins.

music music history

All Episodes

28:51

Phil Collins: Episode 4: Against All Odds

Eras ·

2026/01/19

In the 1990s, Phil Collins’ status as rock and roll’s resident nice guy is thrown into question after the collapse of his second marriage, the leak of a certain fax, and a subsequent tabloid frenzy. Bruised by the experience, Phil begins a gradual retreat from the industry – moving to Switzerland, then quitting Genesis, and ultimately announcing his own ‘Final Farewell Tour’ in 2004.But retirement is easier said than done. Zoe Ball follows Phil Collins through an epic and emotional final act, as

28:38

Phil Collins: Episode 3: The Imperial Years

Eras ·

2026/01/19

In 1985, after a couple of massive singles and an Oscar nomination, Phil Collins stands on the precipice of global megastardom. Then comes No Jacket Required, Live Aid, a red hot hit streak with Genesis – and he’s hurled over the edge.From time zone defying Concorde operatics to soundtracking – and starring in – Miami Vice, Zoe Ball charts Phil’s imperial era. The critics might be giving him a hard time, but in stadiums all over the world legions of fans sing every word to his constantly expanding

28:30

Phil Collins: Episode 2: Can You Feel It?

Eras ·

2026/01/19

It’s the dawn of the 1980s, and Phil’s life has been thrown into turmoil by the breakdown of his marriage – but amidst the heartbreak, he finds a new drive to create. Zoe Ball follows Phil Collins as he steps away from Genesis and makes his first, unforgettable statement as a solo artist. The album – and a certain drum fill in its opening track – propel Phil to the status of Britain’s most unassuming popstar. With it comes his first taste of both the highs and lows of so much exposure. Opportunities

28:40

Phil Collins: Episode 1: In the Beginning…

Eras ·

2026/01/19

Who’s that cherubic lad, beaming out from the cover of a 9 penny knitting pattern?Meet young Philip Collins – a boy born with two distinct paths laid out before him. Follow his dad into the world of office work and suburban domesticity? Or listen to that voice that tells him to climb onto stage, any stage, and perform?In episode one of Eras: Phil Collins – Zoe follows Phil as he receives his first toy drum, age three, and discovers a lifelong obsession. One that will ultimately lead him to his

29:31

Queen: 5. Brian May & Roger Taylor celebrate the...

Eras ·

2025/10/27

Hosted by comedian and lifelong Queen super fan Bill Bailey, this latest installment of the ERAS series dives deep into the story of the band told through the prism of their operatic masterpiece, Bohemian Rhapsody, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Bill sits down for brand-new conversations with Brian May and Roger Taylor, Queen’s legendary guitarist and drummer, who look back on their extraordinary journey, and the legacy of their most famous song.Photo Credit: Mick Rock 1974,

26:41

Queen: 4. The Reign Continues

Eras ·

2025/10/13

In this episode of Eras: Queen, Bill Bailey tells the story of the band's most poignant and powerful chapter.By the start of the 90s, Queen knew time was running short as Freddie Mercury was gravely ill. Instead of slowing down, they pushed forward, making another album, Innuendo, and creating the video for "These Are The Days Of Our Lives," Freddie’s final on-camera appearance. This episode explores the profound impact of Freddie's public announcement of his AIDS diagnosis, followed by his passing

35:12

Queen: 3. Heavy Is The Crown

Eras ·

2025/10/13

This episode of Eras: Queen, Bill Bailey explores the emotional and creative toll of fame on the band. After a breakneck pace in the previous decade, Queen quietly disappear from the spotlight in the early 80s, each member pursuing solo projects.They return sharper with renewed clarity for their next album, The Works, culminating in their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. A year later, Queen continue their role as global icons, performing behind the Iron Curtain in Budapest.Now fully back in

36:56

Queen: 2. Coronation

Eras ·

2025/10/13

Bill Bailey tells the story of Queen and in the second episode it's 1975, and Queen are on the brink of failure. With financial issues they are exhausted and overlooked, but take a huge gamble on something long, weird, and radio-unfriendly: Bohemian Rhapsody.As the world turns to Queen we explore their evolution into stadium-shaking titans throughout the late 1970s. Through archive and new interviews, including journalist David Quantick and singer Adam Lambert, we see how Queen were on a roll with

31:06

Queen: 1. Ascension

Eras ·

2025/10/13

Bill Bailey tells the story of rock's most flamboyant and iconic band.In the first episode of Eras: Queen, it's the late 60s, and four outsiders with academic brains collide in London. We find out how Freddie, Brian, Roger, and John were drawn together through college friendships and a shared creative vision.In the first half of the 70s, they played college gigs and support tours, started to refine their live show and build an audience proving they could command the attention of their growing fans

30:05

Bob Marley: Interview with Cedella & Skip Marley

Eras ·

2025/02/03

Rock Star. Poet. Visionary. Peacemaker. He’s sold tens of millions of records - but his influence goes far beyond music. He’s one of the most recognisable faces on Earth - but how much do you know the man behind the smile?As the world celebrates 80 years of Bob Marley, Trevor Nelson sits down with Cedella and Skip Marley to hear their personal takes on the enduring legend of Reggae’s first and greatest superstar.

28:18

Bob Marley: 2. Catch A Fire

Eras ·

2025/01/20

Trevor Nelson tells the story of Reggae’s first and greatest superstar.In the second episode of Eras: Bob Marley, it’s 1972, and The Wailers find themselves in London. When a strange twist of fate puts them in front of Island Records’ Chris Blackwell, a new chapter begins for Bob, Peter and Bunny.But under the pressure of life on the road, tensions grow between the old friends - and something has to give. As the eyes of the world turn to Bob Marley, a golden age of Reggae begins.Featuring brand new

28:30

Bob Marley: 1. Soon Come

Eras ·

2025/01/20

Rock Star. Poet. Visionary. Peacemaker. Trevor Nelson tells the story of Reggae’s first and greatest superstar, Bob Marley.In the years since his death in 1981, Bob Marley has become an icon unlike any other. In Episode One of Eras: Bob Marley, you’ll discover where his story began. From the rural village of Nine Mile to the yards of Kingston, follow Bob’s first steps into the music industry, and his earliest encounters with the band that would make him famous - The Wailers.Featuring brand new

28:22

Bob Marley: 4. Legend

Eras ·

2025/01/20

Trevor Nelson tells the story of Reggae’s first and greatest superstar.In the final chapter of Eras: Bob Marley, Bob’s incredible life comes to end. But his Legend is immortal.Friends, fans and collaborators celebrate his legacy of activism, his potent spirituality and his undeniable musical accomplishments, which left the world so much richer than he found it.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Series Producer: Joe Foley

28:30

Bob Marley: 3. War

Eras ·

2025/01/20

Trevor Nelson tells the story of Reggae’s first and greatest superstar.In Episode 3 of Eras: Bob Marley, it’s an election year - and Jamaica is rocked by political turmoil. Bob is living peacefully at his home in Kingston, but when violence comes to 56 Hope Road, his days in the city are numbered. The next chapter of his story will cement his legacy as the King of Reggae - an icon whose impact goes far beyond music alone.Featuring brand new interviews with friends, fans and collaborators, plus rare

28:14

Episode 4 - Legacy

Eras ·

2024/08/12

When you’ve been in the game for as long as Sting has, it’s tempting to just keep giving the people what they want. But that’s just not him, is it? In Episode Four, Vernon Kay finds Sting in a place in which inspiration is everything. Whether it’s a lute album, a turn on Broadway, traditional folk or Reggae, Sting refuses to be pinned down. That’s the attitude that’s won him millions of fans, the respect of his peers, and a musical legacy that only a handful of stars can match. And in his eighth

28:22

Episode 3 - Consider Me Gone

Eras ·

2024/08/12

The Police are no more. But Sting never rests on his laurels. In Episode Three, Vernon Kay follows the first stages in a solo career spanning four decades. Embracing his origins in Jazz, and his magpie instinct for melody, Sting joins the ranks of the great British soloists. At the same time, he’ll help to forge the bond between pop music and philanthropy that still exists today. Through the BBC archive and brand new interviews, you’ll hear how Sting embraced the new, honed his craft, and fought for

28:15

Episode 2 - New York, Newcastle

Eras ·

2024/08/12

When Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers formed the Police, none of them could have predicted the phenomenon that they would become. In Episode Two, we follow the band from the start of that journey to their world-dominating peak. In 5 years, they’ll go from grubby bars to the home of arena rock - Shea Stadium. Along the way, they’ll produce some of the defining hits of a generation. But as Sting asserts himself as a songwriter, tensions brew… and something has to give. Featuring rare BBC

28:23

Episode 1 - I’ve Always Been Famous

Eras ·

2024/08/12

Storyteller. Activist. Superstar. This is the story of Sting. Vernon Kay is your guide to one of British music’s most individual artists. In Episode One, you’ll hear the stories, and the music, that shaped Sting’s early life. From the terraces of Wallsend to Punk-era London, where a single phone call changed his destiny forever. Told in Sting’s own words through the BBC archive, and featuring brand new interviews with friends, fans and collaborators, you’ll get to know the man behind the name. A Cup

29:42

ABBA: 5. ABBA Voyage

Eras ·

2024/04/21

After establishing themselves as one of music’s pop giants, the ABBA legacy continues in an exciting new chapter - ABBA Voyage. The futuristic and visually groundbreaking show ignites a new love for ABBA, once again.In Episode 5, Sara Cox sits down with the producers of ABBA Voyage - Svana Gisla and Ludvig Andersson (who is also Benny from the band’s son) to discuss how the concept came about, and what really went into creating one of the most talked-about shows of the last decade. As Svana and

28:10

ABBA: 4. Thank You For The Music

Eras ·

2024/04/04

After a wildly successful but grueling decade, ABBA were no more. Their ‘indefinite hiatus’ allowed each member of the group to follow their own path. But nothing lasts forever - not even endings.In Episode 4, Sara Cox tells the story of a comeback like no other. From pop history’s greatest Greatest Hits, to theatrical smashes, Hollywood acclaim and futuristic entertainment experiences, ABBA have achieved a truly timeless legacy. Through the BBC Archive and brand new interviews, you’ll understand

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