1981-1983: Flying Vinyls in the Sky
The 80s was well and truly here, and Top of the Pops was beginning to look a bit dated. Executive Producer at the time, Michael Hurll, thought the show needed an injection of life back into the show, and hence on the live 900th edition of the show, a new opening sequence and themetune debuted alongside the four original Top of the Pops presenters.
Thursday 9th July 1981 saw a regular title sequence for the first time in seven years, and the memorable "flying records out of the sky" opening titles. The classic circular Top of the Pops logo was modernised, and rounded, and a new theme tune by Phil Lynott - "Yellow Pearl" debuted. This iteration of the title sequence would live on until the 1000th edition in 1983.
Opening Title Sequence
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 1
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 1
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 2
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 2
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 3
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 3
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 4
Opening Title Sequence Screenshot 4
Presenter Graphics
Presentation Preview Unavailable
Performance Graphics
Performance end graphic - 9th July 1981.
Performance end graphic - 9th July 1981.
Chart Rundown Graphics
Chart rundown graphics - 9th July 1981.
Chart rundown graphics - 9th July 1981.
Chart rundown graphics - 9th July 1981.
Chart rundown graphics - 9th July 1981.
End Credit Graphics
Presentation Preview Unavailable
Stage Designs
Stage design, circa July 1981.
Stage design, circa July 1981.
Stage design, circa July 1981.
Stage design, circa July 1981.
Stage design, circa July 1981.
Stage design, circa July 1981.