Christmas is almost upon us. A light frosting on the trees outside may be the closest we get to snow, but we at ArtsWom realise the major part of Christmas (aside from family arguments) is what’s on the TV. If you feel apprehension at the latest wedding/death on ‘Corrienders Farm’ then turn on to SkyArts for a visual and audio feast. A common theme on December 25th is musical artists who are no longer with us, so Sky Arts will be celebrating the lives of 3 diverse musical legends who have passed away leaving the world a slightly sadder place.
Christmas day 2007 will be the one year anniversary of soul legend James Brown’s passing and a special tribute to the Godfather of Soul will be broadcast. Expect clips of Brown during his peak as a soul and rhythm and blues singer down on his knees, giving his performance everything he’s got, and then some.
Luciano Pavarotti, who died in September of this year, is remembered by a showing of a concert from 1990 featuring popular arias such as Nessun Dorma from Turandot. Expect a tear to form in your eye as the departed tenor reaches the climax of the greatest ever opera song to enter the public consciousness.
Later on in the evening is The History of the Clash, a documentary tracing the turbulent career of Britain’s greatest punk group, led by the late Joe Strummer, a true icon for the modern age. Dubbed ‘The only band that matter’, witness their rise from gobby punk upstarts to world conquering rock stars who performed a legendary 10 night residency at Bond’s in Times Square in 1981. Then wince as in-fighting, drug addiction and power struggles tear the band apart. A great days viewing for the music buff, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Broadcast times

14:00- 15.30 Pavarotti: The Event Live
15:30 – 16:15 & 22:00 – 22:45 James Brown - Godfather of Soul
21:00 – 22:00 The History of The Clash