CLASSIC BRITISH SPORTS THEMES
Millions of UK viewers enjoy sports on television and the classic British sports themes that accompany them. These signature tunes have achieved an iconic status in the sports and media culture of the UK. They have become audio footprints, echoes in time, calls to action, popular crowd chants, and media clichés. They evoke nostalgia and excitement in equal measure. The tunes are indelibly linked to sport.
Choosing a top ten of classic British sports themes, of necessity, leaves some memorable tunes out. I apologize for those omitted. But ten is ten! We’ll just have to disagree on which are the best ten! I think what probably most sports fans would agree, is that a great starting point for any classic British sporting theme playlist is the F1 Grand Prix music: THE CHAIN by FLEETWOOD MAC. This classic rock tune is the definitive sports signature tune. It says cars. It says: Hey! We’re going racing! So hit the YouTube play button, sit back, and enjoy the MUSIC FOR SPORT Top ten classic British sports themes.
TOP TEN CLASSIC UK TV SPORTS THEMES.
1. Formula 1 GRAND PRIX
Formula 1 BBC opening titles – THE CHAIN – FLEETWOOD MAC
2. Match Of the Day
BBC Match of the Day theme tune – Barry Stoller
3. Cricket
TEST MATCH SPECIAL – SOUL LIMBO – BOOKER T & THE MG’S
4. Tennis
BBC Wimbledon Theme – LIGHT AND TUNEFUL – KEITH MANSFIELD
5. Golf
BBC GOLF THEME – CHASE SIDE SHOOT UP – BRIAN BENNET
6. Ski Sunday
POP GOES BACH – SAM FONTEYN
7. Grandstand
BBC GRANDSTAND THEME – KEITH MANSFIELD
8. Snooker
BBC SNOOKER – DRAG RACER – DOUG WOOD BAND
9. Boxing
BBC BOXING – SIR PERCY – THE TONY KING ORCHESTRA
10. Sportsnight
SPORTSNIGHT THEME – TONY HATCH
LINK HERE TO LISTEN TO MUSIC FOR SPORTS CLASSIC SPORTS THEMES
List compiled by Music ForSport’s musical director, Simon Webb.
