Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny is set to continue its beloved tradition this New Year's Eve, promising viewers another night of vibrant performances and joyful celebration. The show, which has become synonymous with ringing in the new year for many families, will air on December 31, 2023, at 11:30 PM on BBC Two and iPlayer.
This year's lineup features the legendary Roger Taylor of Queen, the iconic The Boomtown Rats, and rising stars like CMAT and Jungle. Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will accompany these artists as they perform, leading the audience and viewers through the countdown to midnight. Among those sharing the stage are Kathy Sledge, Marc Almond, Paul Carrack, Ruby Turner, Toby Lee, and The Dead South, creating an eclectic mix of well-known names and fresh talent.
Despite the festive cheers and excitement, there's one detail about the show that's left some viewers feeling deceived. Though presented as live, the Annual Hootenanny is filmed beforehand—typically well before Christmas—in Maidstone Studios, Kent. This reality has led to surprise and disappointment for some who assumed they were watching real-time performances.
Social media buzzed with reactions this year, particularly when legendary performer Rod Stewart inadvertently revealed the show's secret. “Rod Stewart is currently performing live in Las Vegas. This is how I found out Jools Holland’s Hootenanny was pre-recorded!” wrote Sarah O’Connell on X (formerly Twitter), sparking realization among fans. Others echoed her sentiments, with one viewer commenting, “Wait, is Rod Stewart in Vegas or London? I’ve seen him on two separate NYE shows!”
This confusion is not new; it tends to arise each year as audiences discover the truth behind the Hootenanny’s schedule. Another user expressed discontent: “The fact #JoolsHolland #Hootenanny is filmed in mid-December and presented as if it’s live is annoying. I feel like I’m watching a lie.” This dissatisfaction reflects the divided opinions across social media about the show’s authenticity.
The BBC has defended this format, describing the show as “an idealised New Year’s Eve party with a line-up...impossible to deliver on 31st December.” Yet, many viewers still feel conflicted. One user lamented, “#Hootenanny—my heart was broken when I learned this was not live, but recorded earlier. Devastated!”
Despite the mixed feelings, many loyal fans await the show with eagerness. They relish the chance to celebrate the new year alongside esteemed musicians and familiar faces. The vibrant atmosphere, the extraordinary music, and the camaraderie between performers certainly create the close-knit spirit one expects on New Year’s Eve.
Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny has grown from its inception back in 1994, becoming not just another television special but rather part of the national tradition. For many, it evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy gatherings spent soaking up live music from the comfort of home.
So, if you're spending New Year's Eve at home, gather your loved ones, pour some bubbly, and enjoy what has become one of the hallmark celebrations of the holiday season! Tune in at 11:30 PM on BBC Two for this fantastic showcase, running until 1:30 AM on January 1, 2025. Celebrate as Jools and his extraordinary guests usher in the new year with style and energy, no matter how many surprises have surfaced about the nature of the show.