Bands vie to be first on new BBC radio station

Oasis, Blur and the Manic Street Preachers are among the artists battling it out to be the first heard on a new BBC radio station.

The digital-only 6 Music station is the BBC's first national music radio station for 32 years.

Members of the public can vote on the BBC website for the first tune to be played when it goes live on March 11.

Comedian Phill Jupitus will introduce the track when he presents his Breakfast Show at 7am.

John Sugar, programme editor of the new station, said: "The Move's Flowers In The Rain has become synonymous with the launch of Radio 1, as Tony Blackburn committed needle to vinyl on Radio 1's opening day in 1967.

"This is a similarly historic moment, but this time we wanted the public to decide who the honour should go to."

Only people with cable or satellite television, a digital radio, or internet access will be able to hear the station, which combines classic rock with up-and-coming acts.

The contenders are Shiver by Coldplay, Sex & Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll by Ian Dury, I Try by Macy Gray, Rock The Casbah by The Clash, Don't Look Back In Anger by Oasis, Sex Machine by James Brown, Song 2 by Blur, Ghost Town by The Specials, Design For Life by Manic Street Preachers, Rock 'n' Roll by Led Zeppelin, The Passenger by Iggy Pop, Ironic by Alanis Morissette, and Burn Boy Burn by Ash.

Listeners can vote for the songs, chosen by some of 6 Music's presenters, at www.bbc.co.uk/6music.