EastEnders theme more recognisable than God Save the Queen
The dramatic drumbeats of EastEnders are more recognisable than the national anthem, according to a new poll. Almost four in ten people say they are more familiar with the theme tune to the BBC soap than God Save the Queen. EastEnders came top of the poll with 37 per cent finding it the most recognisable, compared to 36 per cent with the national anthem.
The theme was originally composed by Simon May and Leslie Osborne and is widely known for the dramatic use of drums that begin and end each episode. The survey conducted by the Performing Rights Society (PRS) also found the Match of the Day (14 per cent) theme tune and Coronation Street (12 per cent) were among the most recognisable pieces of music.
Source: The Telegraph
As a side note, Coronation Street has been on air since December 1960. I remember it being on the television when we’d come back from church on Sundays when I was a kid. Some amusing Corrie facts:
Ken Barlow married Deirdre Langton on 27 July 1981. The episode was watched by over 24 million viewers – more viewers than the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana two days later.
The theme tune has remained largely unchanged since it first appeared in the 1960. David Browning played the trumpet on the original recording of the theme, and was given the choice of either a royalty payment for each time the theme was broadcast, or a one-off payment at the time of recording. He opted for the one-off payment.
Source: Wikipedia