THE SECRET POLICEMAN’S BALLS

Artist:

Various Artists

Release Date:

27 Jan 2009

Format:

DVD (U.S. and Canada)

Studio:

Shout Factory

Runtime:

510 Minutes

The Balls featured on the 3 DVD set are:
1976: Pleasure At Her Majesty’s
1979: The Secret Policeman’s Ball
1981: The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball
1987: The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball
1989: The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball

Bonus features include a 2004 BBC documentary, "Remember The Secret Policeman’s Ball?", essays and video introductions by the events’ co-producer, Martin Lewis, and other rare footage.

The Secret Policeman’s Balls are a legendary series of benefit shows staged to raise funds for Amnesty International. Beginning in 1976, they have featured the cream of Britain’s comedians and musicians, and laid the groundwork for high-profile charity events, including Live Aid. They featured comedic performances by Monty Python’s John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam, Beyond The Fringe’s Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, Billy Connolly, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) and Hugh Laurie (now best known for his role in the TV Drama, House). Additionally, the shows featured musical performances by Pete Townshend, Sting, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, Donovan, Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Kate Bush and Joan Armatrading and rare duets from guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins.

This release includes all of the Eric Clapton footage that has been used in prior video releases. Still no "Crossroads" with Jeff Beck.

Note: In 2007 in the UK, a 5 DVD set, "The Secret Policeman’s Ball: The Complete Edition" was released.