Some great choices so far; I don't have a definitive favourite but of the ones mentioned ITV's 1970s Big Match theme, The Big Fight Live, Channel 4's Tour De France theme, Soul Limbo, BBC Snooker and the original Channel 4 Racing music are among the ones I really like.
Others I like:
Little Britain by Dreadzone, which was the theme to ITV's brilliant Football League Extra highlights programme in the late 90s and early 2000s:
The BBC's BDO World Darts Championship theme from the late 90s and early 2000s. An instrumental of a Skunk Anansie song, I felt it fitted the sport well:
Lap of Honour by the London Stadium Orchestra. Initially used as ITV's 1978 World Cup theme, but perhaps better known as the intro music to the football coverage on ILR stations such BRMB, Capital Gold and Radio Clyde:
The instrumental version of Alive & Kicking by Simple Minds. This has been the theme to talkSPORT's flagship Saturday football show Matchday Live since they won national Premier League commentary rights in 2007. Was also used by Sky Sports in their early days:
The cricket theme from Channel 9 in Australia (as heard on ITV4's Ashes highlights shows). Originally the theme tune to an Aussie cop show called Bluey:
The Bundesliga title theme (heard on all TV coverage of the league, much like the main Champions League music is across Europe) as used from 2002 to 2010. Replaced this season with a pacey remix of the same theme, but I prefer the original. Full version:
Grandstand
Match Of The Day
Crane (BBC Darts)
Drag Racer (BBC Snooker)
The Chain (BBC F1)
Holy Mackerel (Rugby Special)
Chaseside Shoot Up (BBC Golf)
World Of Sport 1983 - 85 theme
Red Carpet Ride (ITV Golf)
Light & Tuneful (Wimbledon)
Soul Limbo (BBC Cricket)
BBC Showjumping (based on Mozart)
Champions League (based on Handel)
Scotsport (1988 to 93)
Matador (ITV World Cup 82)
Jubilation (The Big Match)
Aztec Gold (ITV World Cup 86)
The Olympic Track (ITV Olympics 88)
Goal Crazy (ITV Football 1988 - 92)
Barcelona (BBC Olympics 1992)
Gloryland (ITV World Cup 94)
Jerusalem (ITV Euro 96)
Rendezvous 98 (ITV World Cup 98)
Channel 4 Racing (1984 to 2002)
World In Union (Kiri te Kanawa and Hayley Westernra's versions)
Super Sunday - Here We Go (Sky)
I also liked Channel 4's theme tune for their Tour de France coverage (always ended with Frere Jacques)
I can just about remember BBC using a synthesized ABBA-esque piece of music for Bowls coverage in the mid 80s.
Other themes that spring to mind are the one ITV used for snooker in the 80s and a chime-ish tune that BBC used for Shot of The Championship in said era.
Finally, I can still remember ITV's theme music to Horse Racing in the early 80s (trumpet driven, with a flute in the middle - ended with "Da Da Da-Da Da-Da-Da DA" - I would LOVE to hear that again.:)
I don't think anyone's mentioned the BBC Athletics theme.
Anyway, yes, Grandstand (late 70s/early 80s) is strangely affecting. (Back then, I used to watch the credits of Grandstand and then, if they didn't clash, the credits of World of Sport- with its great stirring music- and then I'd switch back for Football Focus.)
So many great themes in the past, sadly not now.
From Australia, Channel Nine's cricket theme (late 70s/early 80s) and BBC Radio's Sports Report.
From Australia, Channel Nine's cricket theme (late 70s/early 80s) and BBC Radio's Sports Report.
Of course, Sports Report - memories of the late, badly missed Peter Jones.
I love the Channel 9 cricket theme - still used today, I think - which was originally the theme to the cult Aussie cop drama Bluey (used to be show on ITV in the early 80s).
"Match of the day" is probably the most iconic theme tune in the history of television in this country let alone sport. Nothing else even comes remotely close - this applies even to those who don't like football as they all recognise the MOTD theme.
Probably this thread should be titled "apart from MOTD........".;)
Of course, Sports Report - memories of the late, badly missed Peter Jones.
I love the Channel 9 cricket theme - still used today, I think - which was originally the theme to the cult Aussie cop drama Bluey (used to be show on ITV in the early 80s).
Yes, Peter Jones, alongside Bryon Butler- more eloquent times.
As for the cricket theme, I think it was dropped for a while, but was brought back by popular demand- unfortunately, they felt they had to update it, which is why I've specified the 'classic' version.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about sports themes, John- can you think of any more obscure ones that are any good and what's been the best A Question of Sport theme ?
Looking at your list reminds me that I should have included the BBC 1978 World Cup.
It's such a shame that the art of the television theme seems to have gone.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about sports themes, John- can you think of any more obscure ones that are any good and what's been the best A Question of Sport theme ?.
It's such a shame that the art of the television theme seems to have gone.
Amen to your last point.
I grew up in the 80s and loved most sports - that's how I can remember most of them.
I'm not sure about any obscure themes, but by a long chalk th best theme to A Question Of Sport was the mid 80s to early 90s version - I especially love the dodgy edit at the start with the crowd chhering then groaning
Does it get better than Grandstand? Also love MOTD and the BBC's F1 themes. The BBC generally are excellent at picking theme tunes for their sport shows.
Comments
Others I like:
Little Britain by Dreadzone, which was the theme to ITV's brilliant Football League Extra highlights programme in the late 90s and early 2000s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEEnRDpINuM
The BBC's BDO World Darts Championship theme from the late 90s and early 2000s. An instrumental of a Skunk Anansie song, I felt it fitted the sport well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lgzmPM7-1c
A few from the radio...
BBC Radio's Sport on Two/Five theme. Used for years. Such a shame when they replaced it with a pacey version of the 5 Live theme a few years back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q3IIwoIl4Q
Lap of Honour by the London Stadium Orchestra. Initially used as ITV's 1978 World Cup theme, but perhaps better known as the intro music to the football coverage on ILR stations such BRMB, Capital Gold and Radio Clyde:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT0LyTfCOaI
The instrumental version of Alive & Kicking by Simple Minds. This has been the theme to talkSPORT's flagship Saturday football show Matchday Live since they won national Premier League commentary rights in 2007. Was also used by Sky Sports in their early days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnUYWgPesb8
And from beyond these shores...
The cricket theme from Channel 9 in Australia (as heard on ITV4's Ashes highlights shows). Originally the theme tune to an Aussie cop show called Bluey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sKWxHXNw8
Major League Baseball International's theme. Will be familiar to viewers of Channel Five and ESPN America's World Series and All-Star Game coverage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q12lj9QpNCg (from 1.28)
The Bundesliga title theme (heard on all TV coverage of the league, much like the main Champions League music is across Europe) as used from 2002 to 2010. Replaced this season with a pacey remix of the same theme, but I prefer the original. Full version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDNfZ9aheo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBjNBTjZs0Y
The of course they replaced it with some bland generic old mush:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbU4fPYRvcY&feature=related
..and if pot black can get a mention then....you can't beat a bit of bully http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7RuorQhH7Q&feature=related
Grandstand
Match Of The Day
Crane (BBC Darts)
Drag Racer (BBC Snooker)
The Chain (BBC F1)
Holy Mackerel (Rugby Special)
Chaseside Shoot Up (BBC Golf)
World Of Sport 1983 - 85 theme
Red Carpet Ride (ITV Golf)
Light & Tuneful (Wimbledon)
Soul Limbo (BBC Cricket)
BBC Showjumping (based on Mozart)
Champions League (based on Handel)
Scotsport (1988 to 93)
Matador (ITV World Cup 82)
Jubilation (The Big Match)
Aztec Gold (ITV World Cup 86)
The Olympic Track (ITV Olympics 88)
Goal Crazy (ITV Football 1988 - 92)
Barcelona (BBC Olympics 1992)
Gloryland (ITV World Cup 94)
Jerusalem (ITV Euro 96)
Rendezvous 98 (ITV World Cup 98)
Channel 4 Racing (1984 to 2002)
World In Union (Kiri te Kanawa and Hayley Westernra's versions)
Super Sunday - Here We Go (Sky)
I also liked Channel 4's theme tune for their Tour de France coverage (always ended with Frere Jacques)
I can just about remember BBC using a synthesized ABBA-esque piece of music for Bowls coverage in the mid 80s.
Other themes that spring to mind are the one ITV used for snooker in the 80s and a chime-ish tune that BBC used for Shot of The Championship in said era.
Finally, I can still remember ITV's theme music to Horse Racing in the early 80s (trumpet driven, with a flute in the middle - ended with "Da Da Da-Da Da-Da-Da DA" - I would LOVE to hear that again.:)
Anyway, yes, Grandstand (late 70s/early 80s) is strangely affecting. (Back then, I used to watch the credits of Grandstand and then, if they didn't clash, the credits of World of Sport- with its great stirring music- and then I'd switch back for Football Focus.)
So many great themes in the past, sadly not now.
From Australia, Channel Nine's cricket theme (late 70s/early 80s) and BBC Radio's Sports Report.
Does Pot Black count ? I suppose it does.
Of course, Sports Report - memories of the late, badly missed Peter Jones.
I love the Channel 9 cricket theme - still used today, I think - which was originally the theme to the cult Aussie cop drama Bluey (used to be show on ITV in the early 80s).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHXfHFNlJ_w
Loved this as a kid.:cool:
Probably this thread should be titled "apart from MOTD........".;)
Mexico 86 ITV!
The Grand National music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E84G72QYF5E
Well, for me, the Tour de France music is the best of the bunch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pdbnmqwmgo
Obviously The Chain has a place on the list, as does Grandstand (check this live version out)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sOKuzo8nSY
At the moment, there are few new tunes that live up to the historic classics.
The current NFL on CBS music is rather good though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7e7Dz3MFq4
Yes, Peter Jones, alongside Bryon Butler- more eloquent times.
As for the cricket theme, I think it was dropped for a while, but was brought back by popular demand- unfortunately, they felt they had to update it, which is why I've specified the 'classic' version.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about sports themes, John- can you think of any more obscure ones that are any good and what's been the best A Question of Sport theme ?
Looking at your list reminds me that I should have included the BBC 1978 World Cup.
It's such a shame that the art of the television theme seems to have gone.
Amen to your last point.
I grew up in the 80s and loved most sports - that's how I can remember most of them.
I'm not sure about any obscure themes, but by a long chalk th best theme to A Question Of Sport was the mid 80s to early 90s version - I especially love the dodgy edit at the start with the crowd chhering then groaning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXHPyLEJTHk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sboS7Y0KN3c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuSI_QocKXk