BBC Kills Off Electric Proms to Save Cash

The BBC is axing the annual Electric Proms concert series as part of "efficiency savings". The shows which began in 2006, were intended as a spin-off from the classical music Proms and saw pop artists collaborate with orchestras and choirs.

During its five year run the Electric Proms featured the likes of Oasis performing with the Crouch End Festival Chorus and Mark Ronson with the BBC Concert Orchestra as well as intimate shows from Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams. All the shows were broadcast on TV as well as Radio 2 and BBC 6Music.

The 2010 event which featured a scaled back line up of just three shows but with bigger artists -- Sir Elton John, Robert Plant and Neil Diamond -- will now be the last.

In a statement from the BBC today Bob Shennan, controller of Radio 2 and 6Music said: "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings. I feel that Radio 2 can achieve the same impact of the Electric Proms in an alternative, more cost effective way. I'm disappointed that the lifetime of Electric Proms has come to an end, but very proud of its fantastically rewarding run of creating new moments in music for the past five years."

Instead of the Electric Proms Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2, says that they are going to concentrate on unique live events, such as last week's Manic Street Preachers homecoming gig in Blackwood that was made available online.

"We intend to create more of these special moments throughout 2011," he said. "It's also our ambition to work with BBC2 again very soon as the radio/television/online offering was hugely enjoyed by listeners and viewers."

Wathc Robert Plant Perform "Angel Dance' at Last Year's Electric Proms