As we’ve previously noted, tomorrow sees the launch of the all-new, post-watershed version of The Bill. And, as the world must surely know by now, one of the biggest changes is the new title sequence music.
After over 25 years, the original music, Overkill by Andy Pask and Charlie Morgan, is being replaced by a new composition by Samuel Sim. On the official website, this video concludes with the first look at the new opening title sequence.
I have to say that from that clip I’m underwhelmed. The rhythmic violins that dominate throughout feel more like underscoring than a tune in its own right, and are certainly nowhere near as memorable or distinctive as the tune they are replacing. The concluding beats, though, do pay a nice homage to Overkill.
YouTube user blacktelephone1 has uploaded a video which claims to be the longer version for the show’s closing credits. Again, they don’t really do anything for me.
Of course, the Bill’s outgoing theme has been revamped several times over the show’s history. Compare the version from Series 1 with the most recent version, for example.
And, for completeness’ sake, we can’t forget Bill Bailey’s masterful performance on Room 101 when he nominated the change to The Bill theme tune to be banished. Originally, it was in 7/4 time but was remixed to be in the more usual 4/4 meter.
I can’t help thinking that either of Bailey’s reinterpretations — either French café jazz or 4/4 disco — would have been better than the new version. But who knows? Maybe it’ll grow on me.
- The Bill: Live By The Sword, ITV1, Thursday & Friday, 9pm
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