Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells – John Peel version

Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells – John Peel Version

Introduction

Mike Oldfield’s album “Tubular Bells” holds a significant place in the history of music. Its association with BBC DJ John Peel and its unique characteristics have contributed to its enduring popularity.

John Peel’s Endorsement

John Peel, a prominent BBC DJ, played the Tubular Bells album in full on his Radio 1 show. He described it as “remarkable,” recognizing its exceptional qualities [1].

John Peel’s Praise

Peel went further in his praise for Tubular Bells, stating that it represented a breakthrough in music history. He described it as “a new recording of such strength and beauty” that surpassed any musician’s previous achievements [1].

Tubular Bells Album

Tubular Bells is Mike Oldfield’s debut studio album, released on May 25, 1973. It served as the first release for Virgin Records, further adding to its significance [3].

Instrumentation

One remarkable aspect of Tubular Bells is that Mike Oldfield played almost all the instruments featured on the album. This showcases his exceptional skills as a multi-instrumentalist [4].

Initial Sales and Success

Although Tubular Bells initially had slow sales, its fortunes changed dramatically when its opening theme was used in the soundtrack of the horror film “The Exorcist” in December 1973. This exposure led to a surge in sales and significantly raised Oldfield’s profile [5].

Chart Performance

Tubular Bells achieved remarkable success in terms of chart performance. It remained in the top ten of the UK Albums Chart for a year, reaching number one for one week. It also reached number three on the US Billboard 200 and topped the charts in Canada and Australia [6].

Orchestral Version

An orchestral version of Tubular Bells, titled “The Orchestral Tubular Bells,” was released in 1975. Produced by David Bedford, this rendition added a new dimension to the original album [7].

Subsequent Albums

Mike Oldfield continued to release follow-up albums, building on the success of Tubular Bells. These include Tubular Bells II (1992), Tubular Bells III (1998), The Millennium Bell (1999), and a re-recorded version, Tubular Bells 2003, commemorating its 30th anniversary [8].

Recognition

The contribution of Tubular Bells to British music was further recognized when Mike Oldfield performed extracts from the album during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In 2010, the album cover was featured on a series of UK postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail, highlighting its cultural significance [9].

Conclusion

Tubular Bells, with its endorsement by John Peel and its unique musical qualities, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Its initial slow sales were transformed by its association with “The Exorcist” soundtrack, leading to widespread acclaim and chart success. The album’s enduring legacy is evident through its orchestral adaptations, subsequent releases, and recognition in major cultural events and honors [1][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

Sources:

1. John Peel Wiki. (source: https://peel.fandom.com/wiki/Mike_Oldfield)
2. Financial Times – Life of a Song: Tubular Bells. (source: https://ig.ft.com/life-of-a-song/tubular-bells.html)
3. Wikipedia – Tubular Bells. (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubular_Bells)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” and its association with John Peel

What was John Peel’s endorsement of “Tubular Bells”?

John Peel, a BBC DJ, played the entire “Tubular Bells” album on his Radio 1 show and described it as “remarkable” 1.

How did John Peel praise “Tubular Bells”?

John Peel went further in his praise, describing “Tubular Bells” as “a new recording of such strength and beauty” that represented a breakthrough in music history 1.

When was “Tubular Bells” released and what is its significance?

“Tubular Bells” was released on May 25, 1973, and holds the distinction of being Mike Oldfield’s debut studio album. It also marked the first release on Virgin Records 3.

Who played the instruments on “Tubular Bells”?

Mike Oldfield played almost all the instruments on “Tubular Bells,” showcasing his talent as a multi-instrumentalist 4.

How did the initial sales of “Tubular Bells” fare?

Initially, “Tubular Bells” had slow sales. However, its fortunes changed when its opening theme was used in the soundtrack of the horror film “The Exorcist” in December 1973. This exposure led to a surge in sales and increased Oldfield’s profile 5.

How did “Tubular Bells” perform on the charts?

“Tubular Bells” achieved significant chart success. It remained in the top ten of the UK Albums Chart for a year, reaching number one for one week. It also reached number three on the US Billboard 200 and topped the charts in Canada and Australia 6.

Is there an orchestral version of “Tubular Bells”?

Yes, an orchestral version of “Tubular Bells” titled “The Orchestral Tubular Bells” was released in 1975. It was produced by David Bedford 7.

Did Mike Oldfield release any follow-up albums to “Tubular Bells”?

Yes, Mike Oldfield released several follow-up albums, including “Tubular Bells II” (1992), “Tubular Bells III” (1998), “The Millennium Bell” (1999), and a re-recorded version titled “Tubular Bells 2003” commemorating its 30th anniversary 8.