I was about to write that Theme One is a “seldom heard” classic by Beatles producer George Martin, but seeing how for years, every single morning when Radio 1 began its broadcasting day this was the ceremonial first song, that really wouldn’t be the case for our UK readers. In fact, people of a certain age in England heard this all the time as Wonderful Radio 1’s signature fanfare.

Radio 1 was launched at 7:00 am on September 30th, 1967 after the prosecution of the offshore pirate radio stations such as Radio Caroline. as a way to service the youth listeners. The Controller of Radios 1 and 2, Robin Scott, came on said a few words, then introduced Martin’s Theme One. After this Tony Blackburn, who’d been a DJ at Radio Caroline himself, played The Move’s Flowers in the Rain followed by the Bee Gees’ Massachusetts.
 

 
But back to the music: What a brilliant and glorious way to start the day hearing this song must’ve been at the time. It’s like waking up with the warn sun on your face, even in rainy Britain. Really an inspiring and amazing track. Theme One also closed Radio 1 and 2 at the end of the broadcast day at 2 am. This is one of my favorite pieces of music ever. I wish it had been developed into a full symphony. (I love the George Martin side of Yellow Submarine. It’s incredible!)

The composition was later used for the Sounds of the Seventies radio show, but this version was done by the Van Der Graaf Generator! Renowned heavy metal drummer Cozy Powell recorded a disco version as well. I can’t help wondering if PiL’s calming Radio 4, which closed Metal Box, was a sort of homage to Theme One. (Lydon was a huge Van Der Graaf Generator fan, don’t forget)

Here’s Van Der Graaf Generator performing their progrock version of Theme One live in concert.