Yates-Hutchence encounter tops notorious interview list

The flirtatious first meeting between Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence has come top of a list of notorious rock star interviews.

The encounter took place eight years before the pair’s famous interview on the Big Breakfast bed and nine years before Yates left Bob Geldof for the INXS singer.

It saw Yates interviewing the Australian rock legend for Channel 4 music show The Tube in the same year that she married her husband.

She later recounted their smouldering first meeting, saying: “When he walked in he was so heartbreakingly beautiful it made me feel quite feeble.

“The view of Michael’s crotch was so impressive – the Taj Mahal of crotches - that it was impossible to look at anything else and the whole nation was probably doing the same.”

In 1997, Hutchence was found dead in a Sydney hotel room hanging from a belt tied to a doorknob, while Yates died of an accidental overdose three years later.

Experts at film and TV archive service ITN Source chose the 10 top interviews with rock stars to appear on UK commercial channels, according to “the impact they made on society at the time, longevity and sheer drama”.

Russell Harty’s 1973 Keith Moon interview is second, with The Who drummer trouncing the set, questioning Harty’s “bachelor” status and trying to rip the sleeve from the chat show host’s suit.

In third place is Johnny Rotten venting his anger on TV host Chris Cowey in 1979.

Happy Mondays Shaun Ryder’s repeatedly swearing on TFI Friday in 1995 comes fourth, followed by Shakin’ Stevens attacking Richard Madeley in 1980.

:: Top Ten interviews:

1. Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence, The Tube, 1986

The first meeting between the Yates and Hutchence.

2. The Who and Russell Harty, Harty, 1973

The set and Harty’s attire are trounced, as a mischievous Keith Moon makes an uncomfortable Russell sweat over his “bachelor” status.

3. Public Image Ltd and Chris Cowey, Check it Out, 1979

A snarling Johnny Rotten vents his spleen on future Top Of The Pops director Cowey.

4. Shaun Ryder, TFI Friday, 1995

Ryder attracted controversy when he said the f-word several times pre-watershed.

5. Richard Madeley and Shakin’ Stevens, Calendar Goes Pop, 1980

Madeley’s interviewing techniques pushed the wrong buttons as Shaky attacks the host while Status Quo watch on in amazement.

6. The Beatles and Ken Dodd, Scene at 6.30, 1963

A surreal meeting of minds and haircuts.

7. John Bonham and Billy Connolly, Alright Now, 1980

Legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham gets cold feet about being interviewed by guest presenter Connolly – resulting in monosyllabic answers.

8. Mick Jagger, World in Action, 1967

The first personal appearance of Mick Jagger after his jail sentence for being in possession of drugs was quashed, debating with The Times editor William Rees-Mogg and John Robinson, Bishop of Woolwich.

9. Nick Cave, Night Network, 1988

Cave didn’t appear sober and gave the impression that he would like to poke the happy-go-lucky interviewer’s eyes out.

10. Paul McCartney, ITN, 1967

McCartney admitted that the Beatles had all taken LSD.