BBC Banned Music Top Singles Banned By the BBC

Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Other.

AI Generated Image

BBC Banned Music: Iconic Singles Blocked by the British Broadcasting Corporation


Explore the history behind some of the most famous singles banned by the BBC, also known as Auntie Beeb.

Controversial Singles


The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), being a public broadcaster, has historically banned tracks it deemed too explicit or offensive. Despite these bans, many songs still became hits. Here are a few notable examples.

Sex Pistols - "God Save the Queen" (1977)


Released during the Queen’s Jubilee, this single featured provocative lyrics and imagery that the BBC found offensive. Although banned from airplay, it reached number two on the BBC's official singles chart. Rumor has it that it was the true top seller, but controversies kept it from the number one spot.

Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin - "Je T'Aime... Moi Non Plus" (1969)


This duet, notorious for its explicit content, was the first number one hit to be banned by the BBC. Despite the ban and criticism from the Vatican, it topped the BBC singles chart and gained international success, hitting number 69 in the US.

Donna Summer - "Love to Love You Baby" (1976)


Influenced by Gainsbourg and Birkin’s duet, this disco anthem featured explicit moans and was banned by the BBC. Nevertheless, it became a major hit, reaching number four on the UK charts and number two on the Billboard pop chart.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood - "Relax" (1984)


One of history's most controversial singles, "Relax" faced a BBC ban for its explicit lyrics. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the song spent 42 weeks on the UK singles chart, including five weeks at number one. The ban was lifted by the end of 1984, but debate continues over whether it fueled the single's success.

Paul McCartney and Wings - "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" (1972)


Written in response to the Bloody Sunday events, this track was banned across UK media, including the BBC and Radio Luxembourg. Its title couldn’t even be mentioned on air. Despite this, it topped the Irish singles charts.

These instances highlight the tension between artistic expression and broadcasting standards, showing that bans sometimes only fuel public interest and success.

You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: BBC Banned Music Top Singles Banned By the BBC.

You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.

“MRR and PLR Article Pack Is Ready For You To Have Your Very Own Article Selling Business. All articles in this pack come with MRR (Master Resale Rights) and PLR (Private Label Rights). Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.”