Radio 2 has revealed the line-up for Radio 2 Live at Home, which will be broadcast on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 across radio, TV and online.
Sheryl Crow, Craig David, Erasure, Sir Tom Jones, The Killers, John Legend, McFly, Gregory Porter, The Pretenders and Nile Rodgers & Chic feat. Rebecca Ferguson will perform exclusively for Radio 2 Live At Home.
As Proms in the Park and Radio 2 Live In Hyde Park are unable to go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic, Radio 2 will be creating a weekend of garden party performances from musicians in the UK and the US.
From 7-10pm on Saturday and Sunday, Radio 2 DJs will present three hours of performances and interviews with UK and international artists. Some artists’ performances will be recorded at their homes in America, while all UK performances will be filmed at Radio 2’s Live At Home stage in the British countryside.
All performances will be available to listen to on BBC Sounds and will also broadcast on BBC iPlayer from 8am on Saturday, September 12 and available to watch for one month after transmission.
Jeff Smith, head of music, Radio 2, said: “Radio 2 Live At Home will celebrate some of our favourite artists performing in the great outdoors, as well as offering the opportunity to relive some classic sets from our Festival in a Day from years gone by. Who wouldn’t want to relive Jeff Lynne’s amazement at 55,000 people singing along as ELO performed their first full set in 27 years, or Kylie’s impromptu reunion with Jason Donovan on stage for a unique performance of Especially for You.”
On Saturday, September 12, Jo Whiley will host Radio 2 Live at Home on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 7-8pm, Rylan Clark-Neal will host from 8-9pm and Fearne Cotton from 9-10pm. Saturday’s show will feature music from The Pretenders, Gregory Porter, Sir Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers & Chic featuring Rebecca Ferguson and Sheryl Crow.
On Sunday, September 13, Trevor Nelson will front the show on Radio 2 from 7-8pm, followed by Sara Cox from 8-9pm and Zoe Ball from 9-10pm. Sunday’s programme will include music from McFly, John Legend, The Killers, Erasure and Craig David.
The weekend culminates with a special one-hour programme on Sunday, September 13 on BBC Two, presented by Jo Whiley and Trevor Nelson and featuring highlights from all Radio 2 Live at Home performances.
Highlights and a selection of full sets will also be available to watch on BBC Red Button across the weekend from the morning of Saturday, September 12.
Previous Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park festivals will also be celebrated, as viewers and listeners will be able to relive the sets on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds from September 1, with selected tracks also be played as part of the Saturday and Sunday night shows on Radio 2.
Sets include Pet Shop Boys (2019), Kylie Minogue (2018) featuring the impromptu reunion of Jason Donovan for Especially for You, Rita Ora (2018), Lenny Kravitz (2018), Take That (2017), Shania Twain (2017), Sir Elton John (2016), Jeff Lynne’s ELO (2014) who performed a live concert for the first time in 27 years, and Smokey Robinson (2013).
Sheryl Crow said: “I can’t wait to play live with an audience, but for now, I’d like to welcome Radio 2 listeners to my barn in Nashville to enjoy a few songs.”
Craig David said: “Whilst we can’t party in person, we can have a house party for Radio 2 Live at Home.”
Andy Bell from Erasure said: “With Vince joining from New York, we’re looking forward to entertaining you - each of us performing from either side of the Atlantic.”
Sir Tom Jones said: “Lockdown for me has been a peaceful time spent at home but I can’t wait to get back behind a microphone with my band to sing for you!“
The Killers said: “Out of the ordinary times, so we followed suit and jumped on the roof of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas to do what we do. Felt strangely natural!”
John Legend, who will be performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra, said: “I really wish I could be performing live in London and looking at thousands of smiling faces, but I'll be sending love and sunshine from my garden in LA as we perform for Radio 2 Live at Home.”
McFly said: “We’re thrilled to be back together making new music, so can’t wait to perform together for the first time this year for Radio 2 Live at Home.”
Gregory Porter, who will be performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra, said: “It’s always a pleasure to perform for British audiences as the UK have always been so supportive! While there is an ocean between us, I’m looking forward to sharing a few of my favourite songs with you.”
Chrissie Hynde, of The Pretenders, said: “After months in lockdown, come rain or shine, we are so happy to be able to perform in the glorious British outdoors for Radio 2 Live at Home!”
Nile Rodgers’ set will be an international affair, with Rodgers performing from Central Park, members of Chic from locations across the US along with Rebecca Ferguson from a British countryside location.
Rodgers said: “We’ve always loved playing for the BBC. I remember the magical atmosphere in the BBC Radio Theatre when I performed for Radio 2 In Concert in 2017, so I jumped at the chance to perform a few songs for Radio 2 Live at Home from New York City. And what a treat to be joined by the wonderful, Rebecca Ferguson.”
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