Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll - Episode Guide

Prog-rock legend and inventor of world music Brian Pern takes us on an imagined journey through the last half-century of rock music. In part one, Pern investigates rock's prehistoric origins, asks who was the smartest band and reminisces about dressing up as a crab.

Brian looks at rock stars who turn to acting (himself included), charity singles and protest songs. Noel Edmonds reveals for the first time how the Russians tried to take down the Concorde containing Phil Collins on his way to Live Aid in Philadelphia.

Brian looks at what breaks up bands, from drink and drugs to creative tension. Plus rock stars who want to save the world and the state of music today as the series draws to a close. With cameos from John Humphrys and the one and only Peter Gabriel.

Brian reunites with his Thotch bandmates to discuss the making of their first ever jukebox musical, Stowe Boys.

Brian plans to stage his entire unreleased solo album live from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with a host of special guests.

Brian records a charity Christmas record in aid of bipolar polar bears.

Brian makes a major comeback to the music business, after taking a year out after having a heart attack. He has allowed award-winning film maker Rhys Thomas, access all areas as he appears on 'Desert Island Discs' and books a gig at the Isle of Wight Festival. He also introduces his new wife Astrid Maddox Pern.

Rhys Thomas explores how Brian broke America with the success of his album, Shelf Life, as Brian himself is inducted into the USA Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Brian heads back to LA were he is reunited with his family and a ex-wife he hasn't seen in more then a decade.

The former manager of Thotch sues the band for non-payment of royalties, forcing them to get back together to raise money that the owe Basil Steel. Martin Freeman also causes a problem with the way he is reading the audiobook of Brian's autobiography.

Following the recent death of musician Brian Pern and in a change to the scheduled programme, award-winning film-maker Rhys Thomas OBE presents an exclusive, cobbled-together tribute to the star with whoever he could get hold of at short notice. Including friends, lovers, fans and his dentist.

As further tribute to Brian Pern who died last month, Brian Pern Night continues with Brian Pern at the BBC, featuring some of the musician's greatest Top of the Pops performances with some poorly written captions underneath.