Perfect Day - Children in Need 1997 - Charity Single

In 1997, a version of the song created by advertising agency Leagas Delaney was showcased on the BBC in a lengthy corporate promotion of its diverse music coverage which was broadcast on BBC channels and in cinemas. It featured Lou Reed himself and other major artists in what the Financial Times described as "an astonishing line-up of world class performers". In reference to the licence fee, the film ends with the message "Whatever your musical taste, it is catered for by BBC Radio and Television. This is only possible thanks to the unique way the BBC is paid for by you. BBC. You make it what it is".

Prompted by huge public demand the track was released on November 17, 1997, as a charity single for Children in Need, and Reed said, "I have never been more impressed with a performance of one of my songs." It was the UK's number one single for three weeks, in two separate spells. The record contributed £2,125,000 to the charity's highest fundraising total in six years. The release featured two additional versions of the song: one entirely sung by female performers, one by male performers. The BBC also produced a Christmas version of the accompanying music video which is the version here.

Look out for artist number 19 (me)!!!

[gw]

This song reminds me of good times, no responsibilities being a child and feeling warm in my old family home 🙏

[kevinwhelan]

I bought this on release- so beautiful. And how good is the video? Superb. Thank you, BBC; thank you to whoever posted this❤

[Johnthemanc]

This is in my favourite song folder on YouTube. 😊

[onlysmartieshavetheanswer]

Such a major time of change for the BBC with its new brand, 75th anniversary, the launch of BBC Online and the beginning of the transition to digital.

A fantastic brand video.

We need an AI 4K upscale of this masterpiece

[darrenleeson]

I was 17 when it came out I thought it was brilliant....it still is now 45

[vincentvega]

What a beautiful song...about a bloke having a perfect day....whilst off his face on smack. How lovely

[gokaiginger]

Thus reminds me of Saturdays in my friends cafe. God I miss it and her so much 😢

[StefanHoyer]

Performers in order of appearance:

Lou Reed
Bono
Skye Edwards (Morcheeba)
David Bowie
Suzanne Vega
Elton John
Andrew Davis
Boyzone
Lesley Garrett
Lou Reed
Burning Spear
Bono
Thomas Allen
Brodsky Quartet
Heather Small (M People)
Emmylou Harris
Tammy Wynette
Shane MacGowan
Sheona White (you!!!)
Dr. John
David Bowie
Robert Cray
Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin' Criminals)
Ian Broudie (The Lightning Seeds)
Gabrielle
Dr. John
Evan Dando (Lemonheads)
Emmylou Harris
Courtney Pine
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Davis
Bono
Brett Anderson (Suede)
Visual Ministry Choir
Joan Armatrading
Laurie Anderson
Heather Small
Tom Jones
Heather Small
Lou Reed

[bmg]

I remember my music teacher Mrs Sweeney teaching us this and we had a page with mini profiles of the artists on it. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I grew up to later love these artists. She was such a cool teacher.

[cupcakefairy]

I have a false memory of Pavarotti singing on this track...Anyone else?

[TH-wyuy]

Why didn't Tom Jones and Heather Small ever do a duet - perfectly matched.

[sean]

Remind me of train spotting. Bring back begbie

[JSAiKO]

Well this failed AI upscaler is a thing of nightmares...

[TUUK]

A good look at how crappy AI upscaling was in 2020.

[goodwood-rcnx]

given what the subject it is alleged to be about guess was glossed over

[doktora]

such a brilliant idea using a song about heroin for a children in need charity single..well done..wtaf.

[danieldemaras]

HAhahahahahahaah this is so bad. You can tell Lou found this ridiculous. How pompous