The Rise and Fall of ...

This trailer sets up an eight-part series on The Smiths, presented by Steve Lamacq and Elizabeth Alker and built entirely from the BBC archive. Based on the show notes, it promises a look at the band’s rapid rise, singular sound, and the breakup that still feels unresolved decades later.

This preview, based only on the show notes, points to a turning-point episode in Madchester’s story. It follows the Happy Mondays’ chaotic Barbados sessions, the changing atmosphere around The Hacienda, and the financial unraveling of Factory Records.

This preview, based only on the show notes, points to a closing chapter for Madchester. Episode 7 follows The Stone Roses’ stalled comeback, the rise of Britpop, and a changing Manchester as the scene’s key institutions and bands fall away.

This preview is based on the episode’s published show notes, not the audio itself. Episode 5 appears to trace 1990 as a turning point, linking unrest in Britain with Madchester’s mainstream breakthrough, from World in Motion to Spike Island.

This preview, based on the episode notes, points to a turning point in Madchester’s rise: when Manchester’s sound, style and swagger break into the mainstream. Expect a focus on fashion, club culture, key releases and the moment the movement hits national TV.