University Hits The Right Note With 60th Anniversary Playlist Featuring Nirvana, U2 And Elton John ​

The University of Bradford has created a special playlist featuring 60 artists who performed on campus as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, including global stars such as Nirvana, U2, Elton John, Mike Oldfield, The Stranglers, The Pretenders, Billy Bragg, Primal Scream and Stormzy.

Compiled using material from the University's archives, the playlist charts six decades of live music and student life, featuring artists who performed at University venues long before many became household names.

Among the most notable names are Fleetwood Mac, who performed in 1971, Elton John, who appeared during his Winter 1971 tour following the success of Your Song, and U2, who played the Students' Union in 1980 while touring their debut album Boy. Nirvana also performed at the University in 1991, just months after the release of Nevermind, while Stormzy brought his acclaimed live show to campus in 2015.

One article from the University archives chronicles how one student rep travelled to Reading in 1991 to convince then 'biggest band in the world' (at the time) Nirvana to perform at Bradford.

Research for the playlist uncovered a wealth of material from Students' Union ledgers, newspapers and magazines, revealing not only who played but how much they were paid.

The records show glam rock favourites Slade and Mud each received £1,000 for performances in 1976, while pop-rockers The Nashville Teens earned £100 during the same period. One of the biggest earners was Mike Oldfield, whose 1980 appearance reportedly earned him £3,000, plus a share of ticket sales, equivalent to more than £13,000 today.

The playlist reflects the changing musical tastes of successive generations of students and staff, spanning genres from folk, progressive rock and punk to ska, indie, grunge, hip hop and grime. Artists featured include Fairport Convention, Lindisfarne, Iron Maiden, UB40, The Undertones, The Cure, Stereolab, Dream Warriors and J Hus.

The playlist forms part of a wider programme of events marking the University's 60th anniversary year. Celebrations will include a new campus mural, a special 60th anniversary lecture delivered by Vice-Chancellor Professor Gillian Murray, and an anniversary event attended by Chancellor Anita Rani. During the lecture, Professor Murray, who took up her role in July, will reflect on six decades of achievement and set out her vision for the University's future.

Professor Gillian Murray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “This playlist celebrates the rich cultural life that has been part of the University of Bradford for decades. From future global superstars to emerging talent, these performers helped create the vibrant campus experience enjoyed by generations of students.

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it is a reminder that diversity, creativity and a strong sense of community have always been at the heart of the university life in Bradford.”

The playlist is available on the University’s Spotify account from October 14.

Bradford 60th playlist
Pictures of Matchstick Men - Status Quo

Albatross - Fleetwood Mac

Your Song - Elton John

My Friend The Sun - Family

Bless The Weather - John Martyn

The Dark-Eyed Sailor - Steeleye Span

A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum

The Mexican - Babe Ruth

Dreamer - Supertramp

Emma - Hot Chocolate

Who Knows Where The Time Goes? - Fairport Convention

Hoedown - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

(Get A) Grip (On Yourself) - The Stranglers

Tiger Feet - Mud

Tobacco Road - The Nashville Teens

I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson

Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear - Alan Price

Airport - The Motors

Meet Me On The Corner - Lindisfarne

Couldn't Get It Right - Climax Blues Band

Mama Weer All Crazee Now - Slade

Sultans of Swing - Dire Straits

Victoria (Live) - The Kinks

I Want You To Want Me - Cheap Trick

Lucky Number - Lene Lovich

Making Plans For Nigel - XTC

Teenage Kicks - The Undertones

Into The Valley - Skids

Another Girl, Another Planet - The Only Ones

Gertcha - Chas & Dave

Brass in Pocket - Pretenders

Another Nail In My Heart - Squeeze

Geno - Dexys Midnight Runners

Tubular Bells (Main Theme) - Mike Oldfield

Special Brew - Bad Manners

Food For Thought - UB40

Prowler - Iron Maiden

A Forest - The Cure

I Will Follow - U2

It's A Mystery - Toyah

The Boy From New York City - Darts

Roxette - Dr. Feelgood

Reward - The Teardrop Explodes

Every Day Hurts - Sad Café

Happy Birthday - Altered Images

Sign of the Times - The Belle Stars

Fantastic Day - Haircut 100

Girls Talk - Dave Edmunds

Rip It Up - Orange Juice

Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain

French Disko - Stereolab

My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style - Dream Warriors

Movin' On Up - Primal Scream

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

A New England - Billy Bragg

Oblivion - Terrorvision

Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 - Stormzy feat. MNEK

Did You See - J Hus

She's So Lovely - Scouting For Girls

Sweet Lovin' - Sigala & Bryn Christopher