BBC Election Night Theme Tune

I wish someone could persuade the BBC to use Rick Wakeman's song "Arthur" once again as the signature tune for their Election Night coverage.

Its such a dramatic piece of music and such an appropriate subject for an event like a General Election. It was used for great effect for a number of elections - does anyone else remember it? - but, as is often the case, some clever person decided to synthesize it out of existence last time round.

Who will support my campaign to place Rick Wakeman back on the throne on Thursday, May 5?

To hear what it sounds like, 1997 incarnation here:

http://thetvroom.com/p-bbc-one-net-news-elect-1997.shtml

It was first used in 1979 I think.

Its 2001 replacement:

http://thetvroom.com/p-bbc-one-net-news-elect-2001-a.shtml

Grows on you, but not in the same class as the previous one.

And ITV1's 2001 election night package...

http://thetvroom.com/p-itv-net-news-elect-2001-a.shtml

Thanks for the links which demonstrate just how inconsequential the 2001 theme was for an event as big as a General Election. Any chance of posting the original theme which also outclasses the 1997 edit?

I think the 97 music 'Arthur' by Rick someone or whatever is awful! It's so cheeeezy.

Need something a bit more modern like the current BBC News theme.

Surprise surprise.

Don't talk daft - it's one of the best albums ever, and that titles track in it's edited form suits an election perfectly! Now, that BBC News music is tad too cheesy!

The 1997 production team weren't very happy with Mr Wakeman's original timpani roll, so I was tasked with editing on a different one as heard in the video file.

I agree. It has just the right amount of gravitas for an election programme.

I may not know about art, but I know what I like - and I don't like this. It sounds more like the opening theme to a 'Country File' type programme.

So, Freddy, do you have contacts at the BBC who know what the theme will be this time. Is it too late to bring back the original Wakeman track?

'Fraid not. I left in 2000 and lost touch with everyone. I hope the Wakeman theme does return though.