There’s a Theme Developing Here

As a child I was something of a telly addict. I lived in a household where both parents went out to work, relatively unusual in the 1970s, and where, as long as I remembered my key, I was generally left in total charge of the TV after school and during the day when it was holiday time. To be honest I could be here all day reminiscing but I will focus on one of my main reasons for watching a programme, the theme tune.

If a programme had a really good theme tune I would instantly be interested, and even if the show itself was bad, I would often switch on for the theme and then turn over once it had finished! So, what were my favourite themes when I was growing up?

I suppose I should start with the Sunday afternoon line up on ITV. My favourite lunchtime show was The Persuaders starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis. What a great theme tune, which is still instantly recognisable 50 years later. Following that, the next show was almost always a Gerry Anderson production. Whatever show was on, you were guaranteed a brilliant Barry Grey theme tune. The standout for me was the psychedelic masterpiece Joe 90. It was a favourite at Northern Soul nightclubs because it was so good to dance to. Then it was Sunday afternoon football with Brian Moore in the Southern TV region and the Big Match. The excitement of the theme tune often outdid the matches themselves! Finally, perhaps the king of theme tunes at the time, the incredible Black Beauty theme tune, Galloping Home. Even now, it’s a piece of music to send shivers down your spine.

The children’s programmes from Monday to Friday had a great range of theme tunes. My favourite tunes were from a pair of ITV Sci fi series. Timeslip had an unsettling theme tune that reflected the very challenging nature of the material, but it was the Tomorrow People that was the stuff of nightmares! If you have never watched it, take a look at the link below.