Easy Beat

British radio program

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Easy Beat was a British radio program broadcast on the BBC's Light Programme network. It aired on Sunday mornings and, along with Saturday Club, was one of the few outlets for pop music on the BBC before the advent of Radio 1.2

The program was hosted by Brian Matthew, known for his affable presentation style. Due to "needle time" agreements, which limited the number of records the BBC could play, Easy Beat often featured live cover versions of popular songs rather than the original recordings. The show also embraced genres like skiffle and trad jazz, reflecting Matthew's broader musical tastes.12

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Rock and radio in the United Kingdom
…Saturday Club and Sunday morning’s Easy Beat. Both were presented by the avuncular Brian Matthew and blighted by a bewilderingly broad musical base and an imbalance between studio sessions and recorded music. The restriction on records played was a result of the “needle time” agreement with record companies; prompted by…
Read More
…Saturday Club and Sunday morning’s Easy Beat. Both were presented by the avuncular Brian Matthew and blighted by a bewilderingly broad musical base and an imbalance between studio sessions and recorded music. The restriction on records played was a result of the “needle time” agreement with record companies; prompted by…
Read More