The BBC Sessions 1984–1986 is a compilation of six distinct radio sessions. Because the band was expanding during this period, the lineup changes across the tracks.

The core personnel throughout the sessions included:
Shane MacGowan: Lead vocals and guitar.
Spider Stacy: Tin whistle and vocals.
Jem Finer: Banjo, guitar, and vocals.
James Fearnley: Accordion.
Andrew Ranken: Drums and backing vocals.

Personnel by Session Era

April 1984 – March 1985 (John Peel, Kid Jensen, Phil Kennedy)
Cait O'Riordan played bass on all tracks from these early sessions (Tracks 1–15). The band was still performing as Pogue Mahone during the first Peel session.

July 1985 (Janice Long)
Philip Chevron joined on guitar for this session (Tracks 16–19). These tracks also feature guest musicians Henry Benagh (fiddle) and Tommy Keane (Uilleann pipes).

November 1986 (Janice Long)
Darryl Hunt replaced Cait O'Riordan on bass for the final session (Tracks 20–23). Terry Woods also joined the ranks on cittern and mandolin by this time.