Series synopsis
Brian Pern: A Life in Rock is a British comedy television series that premiered on BBC Four on February 10, 2014. It ended on January 28, 2016. It was created by Simon Day, Rhys Thomas. It stars Simon Day, Paul Whitehouse, Nigel Havers and Michael Kitchen.
Brian Pern is an ageing rock star and former front-man of ground breaking progressive rock group Thotch. Like many artists of his age, rather than make new music, he spends more time trying to save the planet (including his campaign to teach gorillas how to Skype). Now, the BBC have asked him to front a major new documentary where he presents his guide to The Life Of Rock from prehistoric man to the present day.
Premise
Brian Pern is an ageing rock star and former front-man of ground breaking progressive rock group Thotch. Like many artists of his age, rather than make new music, he spends more time trying to save the planet (including his campaign to teach gorillas how to Skype). Now, the BBC have asked him to front a major new documentary where he presents his guide to The Life Of Rock from prehistoric man to the present day.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Simon Day as Brian Pern
- Paul Whitehouse as Pat Quid
- Nigel Havers as Tony Pebblé
- Michael Kitchen as John Farrow
Guest cast
- Martin Freeman as Young Brian Pern
- Will Sharpe as Young Pat Quid
- Jack Whitehall as Young Tony Pebblé
- Peter Gabriel as Himself
- Roger Moore as Himself
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 17 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 8 | April 5, 2017 | April 19, 2017 |
| Season 1 | 3 | February 10, 2014 | February 24, 2014 |
| Season 2 | 3 | December 9, 2014 | December 22, 2014 |
| Season 3 | 3 | January 14, 2016 | January 28, 2016 |
| Season 4 | 0 | March 29, 2017 | March 29, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deleted Scenes_Outakes Series 1 | April 5, 2017 |
| 2 | Highlights From BBC Online Series 2008-9. | April 5, 2017 |
| 4 | Deleted Scenes_Outakes Series 2 | April 19, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Birth of Rock Pern investigates rock's prehistoric origins, asks who was the smartest band, and reminisces about dressing up as a crab. |
February 10, 2014 |
| 2 |
Middle Age of Rock Brian looks at rock stars who turn to acting (himself included), charity singles and protest songs. |
February 17, 2014 |
| 3 |
Death of Rock Brian looks at what breaks up bands, from drink and drugs to creative tension. |
February 24, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Brian reunites with his Thotch bandmates to discuss the making of a jukebox musical. |
December 9, 2014 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Brian plans to stage his unreleased solo album live from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. |
December 16, 2014 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Brian records a charity Christmas record in aid of bi-polar polar bears. |
December 22, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Brian appears on Desert Island Discs, has a new album, a new look and a new young wife. |
January 14, 2016 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 A look at how Brian broke America with the success of his classic album Shelf Life. |
January 21, 2016 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The original Thotch line-up must reform after they are sued by their former manager. |
January 28, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Tribute Following the recent death of musician Brian Pern and in a change to the scheduled programme, award-winning film-maker Rhys Thomas OBE presents an exclusive, cobbled-together tribute to the star with whoever he could get hold of at short notice. Including friends, lovers, fans and his dentist. |
March 29, 2017 |
| 2 |
At the BBC As further tribute to Brian Pern who died last month, Brian Pern Night continues with Brian Pern at the BBC, featuring some of the musician's greatest Top of the Pops performances with some poorly written captions underneath. |
March 29, 2017 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Four |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 10, 2014 |
| Last aired | January 28, 2016 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Wednesday at 22:00:00 |