First series of 'The Tube' gets DVD release...

Next month sees the release of a two DVD collection of the best live performances from the first series of "The Tube" - the groundbreaking and anarchic Friday night music programme based in Newcastle that was hosted by Jools Holland and the late Paula Yates. Also included is an interview with Andy Summers who was taking about his then collaboration with Robert Fripp 'I Advance Masked'.

As well as featuring up-and-coming acts, "The Tube" also played host to a number of well-established groups giving live performances which, for the most part, have not been seen since their original transmission and have never been released in any format before now. The live spirit of the series (first broadcast on Bonfire Night 1982) is further underlined with the inclusion of live interviews and behind the scenes footage, as well as original linking sequences from Jools and Paula. One of these interviews between Paula Yates and Sting is included on this release (see photos for some stills).

The release features sets from The Jam (in their last performance), Culture Club, Robert Palmer, Soft Cell, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, The Stranglers, Thin Lizzy, Madness, The Eurythmics, The Undertones and U2.

The DVD is currently set for release on July 31.