'Top of the Pops' in legal dispute

[Miss Muffet]

Top of the Pops may be in legal trouble following an open-air performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The band performed the outdoor concert at the BBC Television Centre last weekend as part of an upcoming episode of the chart show, but the local council have taken exception to the occasion, claiming it to have broken licencing laws.

A spokesman for the BBC said the problem would be rectified immediately if required:

"The recording of live performances before a limited, invited studio audience has always been treated by the BBC and the council as constituting a live event not requiring a live performance licence," he said.

"In the event that a different approach is now required, the BBC will apply for the appropriate licence."

The incident will not affect the output of this week's show however, which will be broadcast as planned.