Vicky Shaw Music producer Phil Spector appears in what the BBC said is his first major television interview today, claiming he has been "hounded".

Vicky Shaw

Music producer Phil Spector appears in what the BBC said is his first major television interview today, claiming he has been "hounded".

As his retrial for the murder of Lana Clarkson approaches, the Arena programme explores the career of one of the most influential figures in the history of pop music.

The 68-year-old recluse's first trial resulted in a jury deadlock. He denies killing the 40-year-old movie actress at his mansion in 2003.

The "unprecedented material", shot in March last year, explores the rage behind Spector's music.

It intersperses his interview with footage of his previous trial, playing some of his greatest hits over the top of court proceedings.

Spector told the programme it was "the verdict that concerns me", saying pre-trial publicity meant many in the previous jury selection panel thought he was guilty or insane.

The documentary was filmed in Spector's home, in front of the piano he bought with John Lennon to play in the video for Imagine.

Spector, famed for his Wall Of Sound recording technique, said he never considered himself an "outlaw" and always wanted to be accepted.

He said: "I was just a loner and was always treated with contempt; (the establishment) never considered me with the same respect that they considered (Irving) Berlin or (George) Gershwin.

"But that just builds up the anger and the rage which made you do better, made you do a lot better."

He said: "If they don't like ya, they don't like ya if they don't like you for whatever reason they will screw you and that's just it."

Spector said "I'm very much hounded" and told how he always had security as "It sends a statement out that you prefer to be left alone."

Spector also explained the motivation behind the huge hairstyle that he previously sported - saying it was a tribute to Albert Einstein and Ludwig van Beethoven.

He said: "It was done in jest, but I was wearing my hair like Albert Einstein in those days."

The documentary is packed with anecdotes as Spector discusses his relationship with musical greats from girl groups of the 1960s to The Beatles and Tina Turner.

Comparing himself with artist Leonardo Da Vinci, Spector said: "Most producers don't create, they interpret.

"When I went into the studio I created a sound that I wanted to hear. I always compare it to what Da Vinci did when he went to a blank canvas.

"And I always considered it not rock n' roll, I always considered it art."

The film airs tonight on BBC2 at 9.40pm.