10 Classic Rock TV Specials That Stopped Everyone From Changing the Channel

A short performance on a weekly music show could make an artist famous, but sometimes television gave rock stars something bigger. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, networks produced full-length specials built around major musicians, mixing live music, sketches, and storytelling. Some were promotional tools, while others experimented with format and style.

These broadcasts captured artists at key moments in their careers and showed how television helped shape popular music culture. Here are ten classic rock TV specials that drew strong attention when they aired.

Around The Beatles (1964)

Broadcast on ITV on May 6, 1964, Around The Beatles arrived at the height of Beatlemania, shortly after the group’s breakthrough in the United States and before the release of A Hard Day’s Night. The hour-long program aired alongside popular British entertainment, placing the band at the center of a major evening lineup.

Guests included Cilla Black, Sounds Incorporated, Long John Baldry, PJ Proby, Millie, and DJ Murray The K. The Beatles performed songs from their early albums and staged a parody of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. American viewers did not see the special until November that year.

Elvis (1968 Comeback Special)

NBC aired Elvis Presley’s television special on December 3, 1968, marking his return to live performance after years focused on films. The program blended staged numbers with informal performances recorded before a small studio audience.

During the famous “sit-down” sessions, Presley performed classics including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” The closing performance of “If I Can Dream” became one of the defining moments of his career and helped renew interest in rock and roll.

The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus (1968)

Filmed on December 11, 1968, this ambitious project placed rock acts inside a circus-themed setting. Guests included The Who, Jethro Tull, Marianne Faithfull, Taj Mahal, and John Lennon performing “Yer Blues” with Eric Clapton and Yoko Ono.

The long filming session ran into early morning hours, and the Stones felt their performance suffered compared to other acts. Mick Jagger shelved the project, and it remained unreleased until archival footage appeared officially in 1996.

33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee (1969)

Aired April 14, 1969, this fantasy special followed The Monkees after their television series ended. The story featured Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger attempting to brainwash the band as part of a surreal plot.

The finale brought together performers including Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, and Little Richard for a large musical sequence. Peter Tork later left the group soon after filming, making the special one of the band’s final appearances together.

James Paul McCartney (1973)

Broadcast in April 1973, this special resulted from an agreement between Paul McCartney and television executive Lew Grade. The show combined performances by McCartney and Wings with sketches and older material.

Songs included recent singles, selections from McCartney and Ram, show tunes, and a Beatles medley. Critics offered mixed reactions, but the program documented McCartney’s early post-Beatles career on television.

The 1980 Floor Show (1973)

Filmed at London’s Marquee Club and aired in the United States on The Midnight Special, David Bowie’s performance marked the end of his Ziggy Stardust era and previewed future musical directions.

The show included songs tied to the upcoming Diamond Dogs period and covers from Pin Ups. Bowie and Marianne Faithfull closed the program with a duet of “I Got You Babe,” reversing traditional vocal roles.

The Kinks — Star Maker (1974)

Aired September 4, 1974, this Granada Television production expanded Ray Davies’ interest in theatrical storytelling. Davies portrayed a rock star trading lives with an ordinary man named Norman.

Performed before a studio audience, the special later evolved into the concept album Soap Opera. Its staged design intentionally emphasized theatrical elements rather than realism.

Alice Cooper — The Nightmare (1975)

Broadcast April 25, 1975, this American special adapted material from Welcome To My Nightmare. Alice Cooper played Steven, a character trapped inside a disturbing dream sequence.

Actor Vincent Price appeared as a narrator figure, adding dramatic tension. Songs included album tracks and “The Ballad Of Dwight Fry,” referencing the actor from the 1931 film Dracula.

Ringo (1978)

Aired April 26, 1978, the special followed Ringo Starr and his double, Ognir Rrats, in a comedic story inspired by The Prince and the Pauper. George Harrison narrated parts of the program.

Guest appearances included Carrie Fisher, Angie Dickinson, Mike Douglas, and Vincent Price. Musical performances featured hits such as “Act Naturally” and “I’m The Greatest.”

Kate (1979)

Broadcast December 28, 1979, Kate Bush’s studio special combined music, dance, and dramatic staging. Performances included “December Will Be Magic Again,” “The Man With The Child In His Eyes,” and “The Wedding List.”

Peter Gabriel joined Bush to perform “Here Comes The Flood” and appeared in the duet “Another Day.” The program reflected Bush’s artistic approach to television performance during the late 1970s.