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Songbook

Join us as we celebrate the art of songwriting

Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook
Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook
Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook
Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook
Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook
Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook
Donovan in Sky Arts' Songbook
Ian Broudie in Sky Arts' Songbook
Ian Broudie in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook
Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

THE NEW SERIES OF SONGBOOK STARTS ON 12 NOVEMBER ON SKY ARTS 1! Artists featured in the series include Midge Ure, Ray Davies of The Kinks, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, Kasabian and James Blunt. Take me to Songbook series 3 please >>

How did some of the most famous songs of our times come to be written? What was the inspiration behind them? And how do they sound when performed "unplugged" by the composer themselves?

This innovative series explores the magic of song-writing with some of today's most successful talents. An intimate interview in which they discuss their song-writing careers, the process of constructing and developing the song, and their hopes and fears once it was completed, followed by an 'unplugged' performance of the tune in question. Songbook is presented by music journalist and author of Guitar Man and Song Man, Will Hodgkinson. “The pop song is a powerful art form, simple and universal yet hugely difficult to get right,” comments Hodgkinson. “Learning from songwriting greats about how they wrote their most famous songs has been a fascinating, rewarding experience.”

Revealing their song-writing secrets in the second series were:

Jarvis Cocker
Albert Hammond
Donovan
Ian Broudie
Bernard Sumner
The Feeling
Duran Duran - a two part special performance

In a thrilling one-off for this series, Duran Duran will record their Songbook performances in London in front of a live audience. Combining some of their greatest hits with new material, their ten song set will add a previously unexplored dimension to the series. Unlike the other acoustic performances being recorded, Duran Duran will play with their full band; for what promises to be an electric performance.

In the first programme Simon, Nick, Roger and John talk about the formation of Duran Duran; including how Simon Le Bon turned up for his audition carrying a book full of lyrics and wearing pink leopard skin trousers; how the purchase of their first keyboard led to the writing of Planet Earth; their early years rehearsing above the Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham; how Nick Rhodes came up with the experimental sounds on their massive hit Rio, after Simon wrote the lyrics on the back of napkin in an American cocktail bar. Songs performed are: Planet Earth, Late Bar, The Chauffeur, Rio and Skin Trade

Programme two covers how depressed they were when their 1983 single Union of The Snake failed to enter the charts at Number One, how a chance meeting between John Taylor and Cubby Broccoli led to Duran Duran collaborating with John Barry to write the Bond theme song View To a Kill, how the tragic death of a friend of Simon Le Bon’s was the inspiration behind Ordinary World; the reunion of the full band line-up in 2001, and the creation of The Valley from their latest album, Red Carpet Massacre. Songs performed are: View To a Kill, Do You Believe in Shame, Ordinary World, Reach Up For The Sunrise and The Valley.

In the first series of Songbook, featured artists included:

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Latest comments

Craig McEwan

Wed 4 February 2009, 18:02

I really enjoy watching Songbook. It doesn’t matter whether you think you like the featured artist beforehand (such as Mick Hucknall), because after an intimate chat and a solo performance you can’t help being impressed.

One question / suggestion - Has Midge Ure been asked to do it ?

Meshach Broderick

Thu 5 February 2009, 16:25

I missed the first series! How can I see it?

Joanne Adams

Thu 5 February 2009, 17:40

I was told Duran Duran would be on tonight but it seems like they aren’t so when will this show be shown?

Pete Wood

Thu 5 February 2009, 19:45

Yeah, anyone else know when the Duran Duran feature will be aired?

Sari from Sky Arts

Fri 6 February 2009, 19:02

The much awaited Duran Duran two part special edition of Songbook will premiere from 8pm on 26 March 2009. We’ll bring you video clips of it as soon the editors have done their job and put the programme together.

B.W.

Sat 7 February 2009, 16:19

I am also looking forward to watch the Duran Duran performance.
@Sari,you mention it’s going to be a two part special edition,does this mean that the whole live performance will be broadcasted (11 songs)?
Many thanks and please hurry the editors up to show us some preview clips

Dee

Sun 8 February 2009, 20:21

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Jarvis Cocker on Songbook. Wish I had come across the series sooner. Please try to make the previous episodes available somehow. Please....

Gem

Sun 8 February 2009, 23:41

When is the Donovan episode airing? Was so excited to see him in the trailer! Also, Jarvis played a song called ‘From Auschwitz to Ipswich’ but I can’t find it anywhere - more info please! Is this from a forthcoming album and if so when is it released?

Dennis

Sun 8 February 2009, 23:41

great to see Songbook return, fantastic series - can’t wait for the Bernard Sumner episode!
As future candidates, I’d love to suggest Martin L. Gore (of Depeche Mode) and Robert Smith (of The Cure)

Dennis

Mon 9 February 2009, 15:26

@Gem - the Jarvis song was released on his first soloalbum in 2006.

Graham Watson

Wed 11 February 2009, 12:51

What about the most successful songwriter of the past 15 years - Dianne Warren. Would love to see her on Songbook.

Wayne Kisbee

Wed 11 February 2009, 16:01

Please get Mike Peters of The Alarm to do this.

He would be absolutely perfect for Songbook.

Cheers

phill farrow

Sat 14 February 2009, 10:17

never paid jarvis much attention before seeing this ,this will change now didnt want the show to finish .How do you find out the shows shedule and will the 1st series be repeated .ps paul weller would be a great edition.
cheers

Sean

Sat 14 February 2009, 12:41

This page is all well and good, but when the hell is the show on? Nowhere on this page can I find when Songbook is screened.

I suggest going for Britain’s premier and most prolific songwriter; Damon Albarn.

Graham

Sat 14 February 2009, 14:16

I agree Diane Warren would be a great choice. What about Richard Marx, Billy Steinberg, Walter Afansieff, David Foster or Mutt Lange

john erics

Sat 14 February 2009, 18:42

Great series. Really enjoy it. Some people to consider for future series’: Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Barry and Robin Gibb, Bacharach and David, Smokey Robinson, Thom Yorke, Bert Jansch, Morrissey, Holland, Dozier, Holland, Noel Gallagher, Jimmy Webb. Personally I would love to hear their thoughts on this subject. Keep up the good work

Paul Turner

Sat 14 February 2009, 21:49

Yes, a great series. I particularly enjoyed Chris Difford and Glen Tilbrook. I would love to see Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding of xtc. Also Tim Smith of Cardiacs. Oh yes, how about Mark Hollis, ex Talk Talk.

Simon

Sun 15 February 2009, 00:03

Dennis - great idea. Nail on the head - I would love to see those two artists. Perhaps Damon Albarn, Jeff Lynne, Miles Hunt (Wonder Stuff), Gary Barlow, Steve Harley…

Dip

Sun 15 February 2009, 15:19

Cant wait to see Barney Sumner.....legend.

Kathy

Sat 21 February 2009, 02:18

Where are the Duran Duran clips?

Robert McKay

Mon 23 February 2009, 22:06

Oh my god Broudie is going to be on. I am a happy bunny.

Matt J

Mon 2 March 2009, 20:47

love the series! would love to see Barlow, Noel G, Brett Anderson, McCartney and maybe pete doherty and carl barat from the Libertines! Keep up the good work

KIMBERLEY

Wed 4 March 2009, 19:19

MEEE TOO IM A HUGE DURAN DURAN FAN CAN NOT WAIT TILL THERE ON SONG BOOK

Aymi

Sat 7 March 2009, 20:46

Please could you let us know if these will ever be repeated?? If so when and especially the Jarvis Cocker one?

Cheers,

Aymi

chris

Sun 8 March 2009, 18:00

when is neworder barney set going to be repeated?

Mon 9 March 2009, 18:25

loved the barney songbook, is their a repeat? Are the studios he filmed in in manchester?

Michael

Wed 11 March 2009, 05:27

They need Howie Day, that would be a show worth while. And the Airborne Toxic Event. I second Martin Gore.

katie

Thu 12 March 2009, 18:21

Way to go!!!Thanks for the Duran Duran preview

Jon

Fri 13 March 2009, 13:15

Barney was awesome. Can’t believe I missed this series until now. Just one request. RODDY FRAME PLEASE.

Jayne

Mon 16 March 2009, 00:25

Is there a DVD of this eries?

Matt

Fri 20 March 2009, 00:03

If you could Bag Dylan that would be great! Or maybe Neil young, Joni Mitchell. Jack johnson, Chris Martin, Mason Jennings, Steve stills, Thom yorke!

Hope you make a 3rd series!!

james

Sun 22 March 2009, 21:20

Whens the Bernard Sumner show gonna be uploaded please ?!

ash

Mon 23 March 2009, 13:52

still waiting for the bernard sumner show, when is this goign to be up here?

Petar Andonov

Mon 23 March 2009, 18:04

I would like to ask you how could I watch Duran Duran performance on March 26 from Bulgaria: online on Sky Arts or in any other way ? What does 8pm mean: UK time or US time ? I would highly appreciate your reply.

Paul Beveridge

Wed 25 March 2009, 12:06

will they come out on dvd

christopher

Wed 25 March 2009, 15:10

I`ll keep this short
I was dubious that on ` songbook ` the usual format had changed.
A full live band ? A rehersal for the show ??
I ignored my instincts and switched on how could a music fan not watch a two part edition of a unique new show.

I watched the intro sequence and the rodies passing guitars to the band members had little importance after I witnessed the coreographed entrance poor old Will Hodgkins (I assume embarassed) included.

This is when I switched off

`Song Book` you`ve changed man so much for basics

Christopher West

Fri 27 March 2009, 01:15

Its 8:14 pm I still don’t see the duran duran show

nick fortune

Sat 28 March 2009, 02:15

great series.

would love to see N Tennant & C Lowe (criminally underrated songwriting duo).
Also R Ashcroft, G Michael, G Barlow & G Chambers

Margaret

Sat 28 March 2009, 21:01

Any chance fans in the US will get a chance to see any episodes? Maybe coming out on DVD? Would really like to be able to view the Duran Duran episodes.

chris

Tue 31 March 2009, 18:30

Why wasn’t the duran duran video on here? Not everyone has the sky channel.

Justin

Wed 8 April 2009, 14:10

Does will have to grip that book so intently?

If he shut up a bit, we’d a bit more music.

Chris

Wed 15 April 2009, 11:52

Fantastic series. The best one so far has been Ian McCulloch...what and inspiration for aspiring songwriters everywhere. There are many artist who I would like to see on the show but number one would have to be Neil Finn......that would be amazing

Mark Reed

Fri 24 April 2009, 20:01

Any chance of something like… listings of who is on when? how can I watch what I want otherwise?

Bex

Sat 25 April 2009, 15:43

Thought the Duran performance and interview was brilliant!
Have been a fan of the band since the early days and thought the programme highlighted their drive and ongoing passion for the band and its music. They have always had more than their fair share of criticism, especially from the music press but there’s no denying they have made some fantastic songs as “Songbook” showed. Looking forward to their next album!

Lincoln

Fri 1 May 2009, 17:00

I don’t have SKY so would love to see the Duran Duran show get a release on DVD. Have seen a couple of clips that look great.

Dave

Fri 15 May 2009, 13:01

Excellent series. I would like to suggest featuring Al Stewart on a future episode

Steven neild

Mon 25 May 2009, 15:24

Can you buy the past two series on DVD?

Ian Kilby

Sat 20 June 2009, 23:21

Love the series shown on ABC2 in Australia.

How about Neil Hannon from The Divine Comedy?

Laura Good

Wed 15 July 2009, 00:02

I too was wondering if the series is available to buy on DVD? Sydney. Aust.

matt

Sat 18 July 2009, 11:26

More of this please!

with music videos and terrible corny chat shows musicians do not spend time to talk and discuss their music anymore to the audience. I was not a fan of DD when I was younger but was mightily impressed with their performance on songbook.

The Valley was amazing - yet they dont play it in their current live gigs..

Simple Minds?

Perhaps do Toni Halliday -

Phil A

Sat 25 July 2009, 17:36

I recorded both series on HD but they take up 30% space of my Sky+. Don’t want to delete them as these are unique insights. Can I buy them on DVD please? How about 2-part feature on Jeff Lynne (ELO), Roy Wood, Moody Blues, Chris Martin, 10cc,

Phil.

Sat 25 July 2009, 17:43

In addition to Jeff Lynne (stripped down ELO would be great) Can I second the requests for Steve Harley, Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy), Gibbs, Barlow and Guy Chambers. Even my least favourites have always been very interesting on their techniques. Great original programme - more please.

Adele Mitchell

Wed 26 August 2009, 16:04

Love the series, really interesting. Would really like to see Martin L Gore from Depeche Mode, a genius songwriter who is severly underrated

Judge Wooden

Sun 20 September 2009, 18:26

Why not delve into Hardcore from Jarvis, its the best things ever made—truly a testomony to his depressed character?

Gustavo Henrique

Sun 4 October 2009, 13:42

The first series of Songbook has just started to be broadcasted here in Brazil. Phil Collins´ episode was great and I enjoyed it. Ian McCoulloch will certainly be great! Another two names I´d like to see in the future are Robert Smith from The Cure and Roddy Frame from Aztec Camera.

Andrew

Sun 4 October 2009, 14:25

One of the best programmes on tv. I agree with the earlier comment that it really doesn’t matter if you think you like the artist, you are always impressed. I’m not a fan of so many repeats on tv, but please run all episodes again.

There are a few American artists I would love to see on this show. Barry Manilow would be fascinating and Prince also.

Nigel Wright

Sun 29 November 2009, 15:27

What happened to Kasabian? They were in the original listings for Series 3 but don’t appear in the finalised programme listings. Neil Finn, Sia and Ron Sexsmith would be interesting, but if its essentially UK songwriters, I’d like to see Mark Hollis (highly improbable!), Stephen Duffy, Richard Hawley, Edwin Collins, Hugh Cornwell or Andy Partridge

David Mann

Sun 29 November 2009, 17:46

how about the two greatest british songwriter/performers ever Roy Harper {probably a bit to sophisticated for your average duran duran fan,songwriters give me a break} My second choice Richard Thompson both legendary contemporary songwriters

Jo N

Mon 7 December 2009, 14:48

Would love to see the Manics on this show. The way they write songs - via a division of labour wherein the words James sings have been written by Nicky (or, previously, Richey) and set to music by him and Sean - is so interesting, and obviously they’ve written some very heartfelt stuff both before and after Richey’s disappearance. It would also be interesting to talk to them now when this is beginning to shift for the first time in their career, Nicky having written music to some of Richey’s words on Journal for Plague Lovers.

Matt

Fri 25 December 2009, 14:38

Excellent series BUT it is slowly becoming like any other music show. Please go back to the old format of just the songwriter with an acoustic guitar (or piano) and no backing artists. Keep it simple. Lets hear them as they were originally writen. The Ray Davies and Texas ones were spoilt due to having a full band plugged in with choirs!!!

Paul Metzger

Tue 5 January 2010, 21:06

What about Robert Smith? David Bowie?

Mark

Tue 12 January 2010, 00:46

Excellent show, very inspirational i have been watching it on ABC2 in Australia, however it is not showing anymore. Is the DVD available?

Rebecca

Thu 14 January 2010, 18:55

Not sure some of the Series 3 bands are really worthy of the Songbook tag. Kasabian don’t exactly have a legendary catalogue of hits. As for James Blunt..

What about some older songwriters? Or some modern greats? And where is Neil Hannon, one of our greatest contemporary songwriters?

Dominic

Fri 15 January 2010, 16:28

Great show and always intriguing whoever the artist is. I would love to see David Bowie on this show, other suggestions Prince and Mark Oliver Everett from The Eels.

Steve

Thu 21 January 2010, 21:38

God sakes!! Duran Duran. The great series Songbook is now DEAD. Dreadful. Why destroy such a good program by now having a live concert with a full band.....comeon!!!

Lee

Thu 28 January 2010, 15:24

Definately need to have access to Songbook via DVD!

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Songbook

Join us as we celebrate the art of songwriting

Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook

Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook

Jarvis Cocker in Sky Arts' Songbook

Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook

Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook

Albert Hammond in Sky Arts' Songbook

Donovan in Sky Arts' Songbook

Ian Broudie in Sky Arts' Songbook

Ian Broudie in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

Duran Duran in Sky Arts' Songbook

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