I was probably only about nine or ten when ITV’s investigative journalism flagship “World in Action” did a program about trains. The particular issue concerned a spate of derailments involving short wheelbase wagons, including a reconstruction the derailment and fatal collision at Roade in 1969 using 00-scale models.
For a small boy interested in trains, it was obviously fascinating stuff. But it was the theme music that stuck with me; both the dramatic opening theme, and the slower, more melancholy closing credits music, both of which are included in the above clip.
There’s something about those descending minor-key runs in the distinctive tone of the Hammond organ, both signficant elements of progressive rock’s musical palette. Not that I was aware of the existence of Yes, ELP or King Crimson at the time, that was something I wasn’t to discover until several years later.
Any idea who composed the theme? (It’s great)
According to Wikipedia, it’s disputed. Usually credited to Jonathon Weston, but American folk musician Shawn Phillips also claims ownership. The YouTube embed above credits it to Phillips
Wow! hearing that again gave me goosebumps. I probably haven’t heard that in 40 years. I had totally forgotten about the closing theme. Was it an edited version used on the programme? I can’t imagine it really went on for that long.
I’m assuming they used the first minute-and-a-half or so, The last part didn’t sound familiar, so I assume ITV was into the adverts by then.