Relive the heyday of ’80s pop in this new online celebration

Some of the biggest British pop stars of the ’80s will take part in a brand new online weekly series with an innovative business model that helps touring artists affected by the current lack of live shows generate income.

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That Was Then ... This Is Now! will arrive next month in a pay per view format hosted Online, allowing for artists to share equally in the revenue. For full details on the broadcast visit www.thisisnow.tv site.The series, consisting of five editions, will be broadcast live at 7pm on Thursday evenings, a nod to the classic Top Of The Pops timeslot.

It aims to provide a modern twist on the quintessential living room comfort watch of popular music television that has been missing from screens for generations.

Each episode of the series will feature multi-artist line-ups consisting of new and exclusive live studio performances shot in the highest resolution with presenters Mike Read and Sky TV’s Hayley Palmer, as well as interviews.

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Chesney Hawkes: 'The show itself feels like a music time capsule reminiscent of TOTP back in the day'

That Was Then ... This Is Now! will be broadcast online via pay-per-view live streaming service TicketCo TV. Its full HD quality and crystal-clear sound can be enjoyed by viewers on any device.

The show was produced independently by Mike Stock, who is best known for his work in the hit-making team Stock, Aitken and Waterman in the ’80s and ’90s.

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Alongside hosting the series, Mike Read joins Mike Stock in an executive role in the show’s creation.Having been a broadcaster since 1976, best known for being a DJ with BBC Radio 1, and television host for music chart series Top of the Pops, children’s show Saturday Superstore, and music panel game Pop Quiz.

Mike said: “These artists are still making great music and we wish to showcase their classic hits alongside their still exciting new material.

“These are heritage acts who have been largely ignored by the government and have been cut off from any income this year. We hope to provide some financial assistance as well as giving audiences something of real high quality to enjoy.”

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The first series of the show will feature artists such as Paul Young, Kim & Marty Wilde, Toyah, Steve Harley, Chesney Hawkes, The Fizz and many more.

Kim Wilde said: “Stepping onto the set of This is Now with Mike Stock and Mike Read felt simultaneously like taking a step back in time, and taking the first exciting step forward to the next chapter in pop.

“The pop-loving public have been waiting for a show like this for a very long time – I’m so proud to be a part of its inception.”

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Paul Young added: “It was such a pleasure to be able to show both the old and the new. Music never dies – it evolves.”

Chesney Hawkes said: “The show itself feels like a music time capsule reminiscent of TOTP back in the day. Thank you to the two Mikes for the opportunity of being involved in a project that feels special and authentic.”

Visit www.thisisnow.tv for more information about the show.

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