16. Gladiators (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8xj-Cr-J8w Now we're talking! Saturday night television at it's very best with one possible exception this pretty much defined many people's youth by facing off against their siblings in front of the box while we got referee John Anderson (yes, that was his name) asking in his very Scottish burr if the contender was ready and then if the Gladiator was ready before blowing that bloody whistle and letting battle commence. The song was written by Mark Murfin, a notable lyricist who composed radio jingles for the likes of Radio Luxembourg and Atlantic 252. Apparently, Phil Bates (of Electric Light Orchestra) was supposed to sing the tune but it isn't always that simple, so they used his image but got some small, fat and bald American session singer (I'm not being unkind, that's the only description I could find of him) to do the actual singing and he is the perfect voice you hear calling you to arms on the track. Also, if you've come to this page and you're wondering why I haven't mentioned Russell Crowe yet, all I can say is that you're far too young to be reading my articles...that and you probably won't get the Alan Partridge/Jet references I was going to use. Shame.
Wayne Madden
Contributor
First studied Journalism in Ireland in 2003, returning to Sunderland University on the tenth anniversary of my first studies in the subject to continue towards an MA. Interested in all sorts including WWE, Music, Film, TV and Games. Has travelled around a bit to places like California, Ontario and Mexico and plans to do more of the same soon again.
Recently I've been writing pieces on my favourite topics which have included obscure theme music from nostalgic shows, Guns N' Roses and a few other surprises I'll be happy to share in time!
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Wayne