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19 September 2014
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Blue Peter's theme tune

Blue Peter Music Makers gave 40 young musicians the chance to get involved in recording a new version of the theme tune 'Barnacle Bill'.

The track is one of the best known pieces of music on TV and has been used on the programme since the first ever episode in 1958. There have been lots of different versions of the tune but perhaps the most famous is Mike Oldfield's track from 1979, which was also released as a single.

Mike Oldfield

Demonstration from Mike Oldfield
Mike Oldfield is the man who inspired Murray Gold to become a composer. His version of the Blue Peter theme tune was one of the best loved and included dozens of different instruments, which he all played himself. In this video clip Mike shows former Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom how he put the piece together back in 1979.

Watch the video

More Blue Peter theme tunes

Listen to some of the other versions of the Blue Peter theme tune to get an idea of what different types of music have been used. How many do you recognise?


Ashworth/Hope's original ran from 1958 to January 1979
Listen


Mike Oldfield's famous piece ran from January 1979 to June 1989
Listen


Simon Brint's first version of the theme tune was used from 1989 to 1992
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Simon Brint's third theme tune was used from 1992 until August 1994
Listen


The Yes/No People's tune ran from September 1994 until August 1999
Listen


A Japanese flavour was added in 1999 by Simon Brint
Listen


From 1999 to 2004 it was David Arnold and the Philharmonic Orchestra
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The current Blue Peter theme tune is by Nial Brown
Listen




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