Bob Dylan introducing "Dark Streets of London"...

[Alex]

Bob Dylan about the Pogues on Theme Time Radio Hour Episode 64 "AROUND THE WORLD PART 1":

"While we were in London, let's give a listen to a famous irish man. He has performed some of the most interesting irish music over the past few years and his writing is reflecting ethnic pride. Talking 'bout Shane MacGowan - and here he is with his band "The Pogues". The band was originally called "Pogue Mahone" which is gaelic for "kiss my ass". The BBC figured that out and banned their single. They shortened their name to "The Pogues" and that's how we know them today. And here they are with their song about the underside of LondonTown. Written and sung by Shane MacGowan. The Pogues - Dark Streets of London.

[Fionn MacCool]

The BBC never banned any singles because of the name did they? I thought it was just Birmingham Six? And they changed their name because it wasn't very marketable?

[MacRua]

BBC strongly objected to "kiss my arse" proudly announced on the air at daytime. So DJ's wouldn't play 'Dark Streets' because they couldn't say the name of the group.. John Peel did it, after 10 pm.

Stiff going to re-release 'Dark Streets' single insisted on shortening the name (to The Pogues) since there was little point in issuing a record that wouldn't get played properly.

But the whole buzz started with quick ban on BBC Radio Scotland.

[philipchevron]

BBC strongly objected to "kiss my arse" proudly announced on the air at daytime. So DJ's wouldn't play 'Dark Streets' because they couldn't say the name of the group.. John Peel did it, after 10 pm.

Stiff going to re-release 'Dark Streets' single insisted on shortening the name (to The Pogues) since there was little point in issuing a record that wouldn't get played properly.

But the whole buzz started with quick ban on BBC Radio Scotland.

Yes, a producer from BBC Scotland presumed to speak for Irish listeners, that they would find the name "offensive". Protect me from PC oafs! It didn't really matter, everyone was calling the band The Pogues by then anyway in London and, all these years later, the changing of the name still provokes more press comment than the name itself. Talk about pissing into the wind in the wrong direction! Testify, Bobby D, testify!