Simple Minds grew from the ashes of punk and post-punk, and adopted synthesiser technology. Songs rife with social commentary began to chart in the 1980s, sparking a pop enlightenment while art-dance mavericks The KLF navigated the tension between success and credibility.

Success and Excess

Laura Fraser

Pete Stanton

DIY or Die

Blazing a Trail

The first act in Scotland's pop story takes in schoolboy skiffle, psychedelic folk revolution, a 'beat riot', gallus rock rebellion and the unique story of Scottish punk. The biggest names of the era - Lulu, Donovan, Nazareth, The Average White Band, and more - tell their stories in their own words about going from bedroom dreamers to international superstars.

Disaffected Scottish youth embraced bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain and Cocteau Twins, whose music spoke to how they experienced everyday life. The emergent indie scene in Bellshill elevated bands like Teenage Fanclub, BMX Bandits, and The Soup Dragons. Dance music, most notably by Glasgow band Chemikal Underground, is exported around the world, highlighting the modern diversity of Scotland's music industry.

The rise of the independent record industry in Scotland and why it continues to produce some of the most interesting and influential pop music in the world - as told by the indie pioneers and global superstars who made the music, the people behind the scenes, and the fans.

Success and Excess

Seasons1

Season 1 Episodes3

Cast1

Crew2

Discussion

Episode Summary