Leftover Sprouts

A selection of Prefab Sprout's TV appearances, circa 1985 to 1990, to brighten your day. 

I'd like to say that this was all planned as a (slightly belated) celebration of Martin McAloon's 63rd birthday on Saturday (4th), but I only realised this when putting together the links for this post. Apologies, Martin, wishing you all the best and thanks for keeping Prefab Sprout's music alive (and live)!

The feast starts off with Paddy McAloon busking The King of Rock ’n’ Roll before it segues to a full band studio performance, then cuts back and forth between the two (visually in the main) before a live wrap up of sorts. 

The other notable things, apart from the brilliant songs and songwriting, is Paddy's variety of grooming and wardrobe choices. I don't remember seeing Prefab Sprout on TV much at the time, apart from the occasional video or Top Of The Pops performance, but it's fascinating to see which Paddy you're going to get.

The bearded look with aviator glasses adorned the sleeve of the Steve McQueen album, but Paddy really rocks it in a live setting, even with the added distraction of Bob Carolgees and Tony Slattery. However, I've never seen the 'tache and linen suit look adopted for the TV promotions for Hey Manhattan before now. And of course 1988's floppy 'curtains' look was surely the inspiration for Shaun Ryder's finest moment a couple of years later.

Wendy Smith is consistently cool throughout, though the performance of Appetite on Italian TV places her so far stage right that she's virtually in the wings. That's a weird one, all round. As is the French TV promo for Cars And Girls, with an introductory link that comes across like an episode of Mind Your Language with the presenter announcing "Prefab Sprooot"!

And Neil Conti just seems to be having the best time, beaming smiles, whatever the show, setting or country. What a guy!

1) The King of Rock ’n’ Roll (Wired, Channel 4, UK) (1988)
2) When Love Breaks Down (Hold Tight, ITV, UK) (1985)
3) Hey Manhattan (Dimanche Martin, Antenne 2, France) (1989)
4) Johnny Johnny (The Tube, Channel 4, UK) (1986)
5) Cars and Girls (unknown show, France) (1988)

6) Looking for Atlantis (Wogan, BBC, UK) (1990)

7) Appetite (unknown show, Italy) (1986)

I posted another set of Prefab Sprout in June last year, none of which are repeated here, so pop on over if you want further visual treats.

I've also reactivated links to Paddy McAloon's Shorts, the 2-sided Dubhed Selection that I originally posted in September 2021. You can find it here.