This year sees the beloved BBC 2 series Later…With Jools Holland turn 30 years old, to celebrate the landmark birthday, a special concert will be held on Wednesday 5th October 2022. Entitled Later…With Jools Holland at 30, the event will be held at West London’s Eventim Apollo and will be filmed before an audience of 3,000. For those unable to attend the live concert, details concerning the show’s broadcast will be announced later this year. Much like the show’s traditional format, the concert will be helmed by Holland and will include a variety of special guests. Specific details concerning the star-studded lineup will be kept secret until the concert; organizers have promised an array of guests who have appeared throughout the series and new acts set to make their mark in the music industry.

Later…With Jools Holland first aired on 8th October 1992 and was initially intended to be a spin-off from the BBC 2 arts programme The Late Show, which in turn found popularity after the cancellation of The Old Grey Whistle Test. With over 60 series and over 450 episodes, Later…With Jools Holland is considered an institution within music and British culture. The programme soon became a favourite among die-hard music fans due to its variety of guests and ability to bring up-and-coming acts to the living rooms of the British public.

Many popular artists owe their blossoming careers to their UK television debuts courtesy of Later…With Jools Holland, the long list includes Amy Winehouse, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Kings of Leon, Kanye West, Metallica, Mary J Blige, Norah Jones, Taylor Swift, Stormzy and The Weeknd, plus numerous others. Please see below for a couple of Live…With Jools Holland‘s most iconic performances.

Speaking on the show’s upcoming anniversary, former Squeeze band member Holland has given the following statement, “It’s unbelievable that this year sees my show reach its thirtieth birthday. It’s a testament to the great power of music that we are still going strong , and are now the longest running international music show on earth . I’m delighted and honoured that we’re going to celebrate this monumental milestone with a special one-off event in the fabulous Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith the scene of so many legendary musical moments.”

Executive Producer Alison Howe has also given a statement,  “Later…reaching its 30th birthday is testament to Jools, all the incredible musicians who have supported us and our crew whose love and commitment of showcasing live music for the audience is unmatched. With our upcoming series, this special show and our 30th Annual Hootenanny, it’s going to be an incredible three months of live music.”

Director of Music, BBC Lorna Clarke states, “The BBC’s commitment to live music remains strong and in a year which has seen the return of live music performance, I’m hugely proud that after 30 incredible years, Later…with Jools Holland is still busy unearthing the superstars of tomorrow as well as featuring some of the world’s best-loved musicians, all to entertain the music-loving BBC viewers at home.”

A new series of the regular format of Later…With Jools Holland is also set to kick off this autumn, series 61 will be aired on 1st October 2022. The upcoming series will be available to watch on BBC Two and digitally via BBC iPlayer. Scheduled to appear with Holland are an array of guests from various eras and genres, confirmed to appear include Self Esteem, The 1975, Victoria Canal, Loyle Carner, Ural Thomas, Marcus Mumford, Burna Boy, The Big Moon, Phoenix and PVA.

Tickets for Later…With Jools Holland at 30 went on sale Friday 23rd September 2022 and can be purchased via this link.