We relive how comedy, concerts, and sheer grit brought modern live entertainment to the Gulf, from Billy Connolly and Lenny Henry to Bollywood stadium spectacles and ballet on the beach. Heat, customs, and failing gear tried to stop us; diplomacy, craft, and humour carried the day.

• British comedians breaking new ground across the Gulf
• Jasper Carrot’s late-career surge and Lenny Henry’s airport pranks
• Cancelled shows, customs hiccups, and strict cultural lines
• Bootleg tapes, censored artwork, and local media quirks
• Airport systems for moving bands and gear fast
• Indian and Arabic weddings with complex technical limits
• The Sharjah Bollywood epic with camels, horses, and balloons
• Gypsy Kings rescue plan after lighting failure
• Ballet under blistering lights and DIY power solutions
• Winning over electricians and hotel crews through respect
• Saudi gigs, Sadiqi stories, and a narrow escape
• Shout-outs to crews, mentors, and long-time colleagues

Go to YouTube for the video version of this podcast. There’s a link is- https://youtu.be/e0Yjm_wJSBA and some fabulous images of the Deserts Rats in action and more ...

If you would like to have a podcast production for your organisation, get in touch with me:phillblizzardmedia@gmail.com

It's Only Rock and Roll is a Phil Blizzard Radio Production - for your production email philblizzardmedia@gmail.com