Some of the biggest British pop stars of the 80s will take part in a brand new weekly online series, featuring performances and interviews, in a show that will help touring artists affected by the current lack of live shows generate income.

That Was Then… This Is Now! will arrive next month in a pay-per-view format hosted online, allowing for artists to share equally in the revenue.

The series, consisting of five editions, will be broadcast live at 7pm on Thursday evenings (a nod to the classic Top Of The Pops timeslot), and will feature interviews and live studio performances shot in the highest 5k resolution, with presenters Mike Read and Sky TV’s Hayley Palmer.

The series is produced independently by Mike Stock of Stock Aitken Waterman fame, alongside DJ Mike Read (Saturday Superstore).

On creating the show in order to support artists who rely every year on touring, Mike Stock said: “These artists are still making great music and we wish to showcase their classic hits alongside their still exciting new material. These are heritage acts who have been largely ignored by the Government and have been cut off from any income this year. We hope to provide some financial assistance as well as giving audiences something of real high quality to enjoy.”  

The first series of the show will feature artists such as Paul Young, Kim & Marty Wilde, Toyah, Steve Harley, Chesney Hawkes, Limahl, The Fizz and many more.  

On the creation of the show, Mike Read said: “That Was Then… This Is Now will be putting great heritage singers, musicians and songwriters back in the spotlight through their classic hits and great new music.” 

On being a part of the show, Kim Wilde said: “Stepping onto the set of This is Now with Mike Stock and Mike Read felt simultaneously like taking a step back in time, and taking the first exciting step forward to the next chapter in pop. The pop-loving public have been waiting for a show like this for a very long time, I’m so proud to be a part of its inception!” 

“I was actually quite emotional walking onto the TWTTIN set, it felt like an actual gig… You remember those right?” added Chesney Hawkes. “Tales of yonder when we all used to gather and watch real people play live music from a thing called a stage. The show itself feels like a music time capsule reminiscent of Top Of The Pops back in the day. Thank you to the two Mikes for the opportunity of being involved in a project that feels special and authentic. I am genuinely excited to see all my contemporaries do their thing throughout the series.”

For full details on the broadcast visit www.thisisnow.tv.