The BBC celebrated their 100th birthday earlier this week (as the British Broadcasting Company). The BBC is the world’s oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees. Over the years, the BBC has helped unite the nation and has played a prominent role in British life and culture. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and in the past the BBC has felt responsible for protecting the British public. Over the years, the BBC deemed certain pieces of music unsuitable or offensive and prevented the recordings from being broadcast. Justifications for such bans have included the use of foul language in lyrics, explicit sexual content, alleged drug references, and controversial political subject matter.

Let’s congratulate the BBC on 100 years of public service by airing some of these controversial tunes. Thanks to Jodie for this suggestion! For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs banned over the years by the BBC do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played:
Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen
Blondie – Atomic
Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers – Monster Mash
The Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack
Ian Durry and The Blockheads – Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax
Paul Simon – Kodachrome
X-Ray Spex – Oh Bondage Up Yours! (Bonus Track!)