Hello, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and this time we’re diving into a brand-new release that will delight fans of one of Ireland’s greatest bands – Horslips at the BBC.
This beautifully presented set from Madfish Records brings together virtually every surviving BBC recording from the band’s heyday, along with later material from their reunion years. Spread across four CDs and a DVD, and housed in a hardback book-style case, it’s a release that not only celebrates Horslips’ music but also captures their unique place in Celtic rock history.
What’s in the Box?
The five-disc set contains:
CD1: BBC In Concert 1973–74, Old Grey Whistle Test performances, and Sounds of the ’70s sessions
CD2: 1979–2010 material, including more BBC In Concert appearances and collaborations
CD3: Horslips with the Ulster Orchestra (2011) – a stunning 24-track performance
CD4: Bonus disc – Short Stories, Tall Tales working mixes (1979) discovered late in production
DVD: BBC TV performances including Old Grey Whistle Test appearances, documentary footage from 1974, promotional clips, later reunion material, orchestral collaborations, and a wonderful 50th anniversary documentary from 2022
Also included is a lavish 84-page hardback book packed with essays, interviews, rare photos, memorabilia, press ads, and artwork. The design echoes the deluxe Jethro Tull book-style sets – elegant, practical, and perfect for collectors.
Some fans might be wondering if this set is essential, especially if they already own the mammoth More Than You Can Chew 35-disc box from 2022. The answer is yes – this BBC set was always intended as a standalone release. In fact, it adds a vital new layer with its wealth of radio and TV performances, plus the surprise discovery of the complete working mixes for Short Stories, Tall Tales.
For me, the DVD is the real gem. Seeing Horslips on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1974 performing tracks like Dearg Doom and Faster than the Hound was extraordinary. The accompanying 1974 documentary is particularly moving, showing the band in Ireland with a raw passion for their Celtic roots and culture. Later clips – including The Man Who Built America promo video, reunion footage, and orchestral collaborations – make this a time capsule of the band’s journey across five decades.
Who Is This For?
Dedicated fans: You’ll want this as a companion to More Than You Can Chew – it’s the missing BBC chapter.
Newcomers: If you’ve only dipped into albums like The Táin or The Book of Invasions, this is an accessible way to experience their live energy and legacy.
Collectors: The packaging, book, and archival approach put it on a par with the very best deluxe sets from Jethro Tull, Wishbone Ash, and others in the Madfish catalogue.
Final Thoughts
Madfish and the Horslips team have once again shown their commitment to physical media done right. These sets are made with love, care, and attention to detail – and you can feel the fan’s perspective woven into every page, disc, and clip.
Horslips at the BBC is more than just a box set – it’s a celebration of a band who fused rock and Celtic tradition into something timeless. If you’re a fan, you already know this belongs in your collection. If you’re new, it’s the perfect place to start your journey.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
