Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

Musician Mike Oldfield tells the story of his song 'Tubular Bells'. A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo (Dutch Public TV) from 2007.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

One of the best composers of the last 50 years. He’s a brilliant guitarist too!

[@the0point]

lol guy has one track.

[@AlexDainese]

100.

[@ianferguson3455]

A genius quote. “It’s just better, don’t ask me why. I hate that question, It just is” This mans music will be played and appreciated for years to come. Music that just touches the soul.

[@yvesandrethevenot3489]

Exactly ! There is no " why ".

[@tonioreyes]

vroeger luisterde ik Tubular bells elke dag voor het slapen gaan. ik zette de plaat op en viel dan in slaap met deze heerlijke muziek

[@SsgtHolland]

The Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield was the song that made me aware of the beauty of music, I will never forget the moment I heard it for the first time. And I will never forget the joy I felt when I heard it again. This was the time that you had to wait for music to be played again on the radio and you had to be sure the DJ told the name of the artist and song.

[@winterprei5979]

Same! It was the first song I remember really loving myself. I was 6 years old when it was a hit song in my country and we drove to Italy for the summer holiday. I remember it playing on the radio, while I was sitting behind my parents in the back seat of the car and really enjoying that song. Years later, I was about 20 years old (and before we all had internet at home), I was driving by myself with the radio on and they played Moonlight shadow. I hadn't heard it in years, got excited all over again, and pulled over at a gas station just to listen. When I got back to the city I lived in, I went straight to the record store and bought a Mike Oldfield cd just for Moonlight shadow, and got the rest of the songs as a bonus. I drove my friends nuts that year with Moonlight shadow. Every time someone got in my car, they had to listen to Moonlight shadow. I'm in my forties now and I still love that song and Maggie Reilly's voice.

[@mikearchibald744]

@@winterprei5979 I hated that song. But I quite liked most of the other songs on that album.

[@gaztaylor4178]

I love the original version ft Maggie Riley on vocals and the other version with Pepsi I think it was on the old live vh1 music channel Pepsi and Shirley of wham fame they were the two babes for sure.

[@sspbrazil]

It’s a masterpiece.

[@slaphappy7559]

Mikes music has guided me through despair more than once, carrying this music with you through life can bring a clarity you may not find elsewhere

[@ndekamper]

Dit nummer is twee dingen: Bassie en Adriaan en een mooi moment om te gaan douchen tijdens de Top 2000

[@deejayC]

I could listen to Mike playing Tubular Bells solo on a grand piano all day. Wonderful.

[@kevsumner2064]

He was playing it so differently to any other pianist I've heard in the past. So much feeling. I'd love to hear him play the whole piece solo or maybe a mix of all three versions.

[@geowynleda4641]

I was 15 when I was introduced to Tubular Bells. It spoke to me the way no other piece of music has before or since. I don't hear it, I feel it. I have just about everything Mike has recorded but I always come back to the first and best. Thank you Mike.

[@jupiterbuoy2930]

Me too! Nothing comes close to this wonderful piece of music.

[@jdbdg6208]

Het spannende muziekje uit de Bassie en Adriaan afleveringen.

[@ljmike1204]

en de exorcist

[@kooskansloos4834]

Dan ken je Jean-Michel Jarre wellicht ook

[@alexekelmans1945]

Ja, dat is altijd het eerst waar ik aan denk als ik deze intro hoor. Mooie herinneringen Bassie en Adriaan.

[@KittyK.]

Oorlogswinter (de serie)

[@MrSalarmax]

Jooaaah! Altijd blijven lachen!

[@janiceprescott5694]

By the grace of God its a masterpiece ✨ Thankyou

[@nomad7412]

I usually steer clear of using superlatives, however, this man is simply a musical genius. I have listened to him since his first days and have great stories and memories associated with his music. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your music talent with me Mike Oldfield.

[@leesawford]

Nomad - probably best you keep ‘ steering away’ mate.

[@thornyturtleranch6152]

When I was 3 or 4 or so my father picked up a mike oldfield ommadawn album, that music resonates with my whole being as a person of earth, all my life I've loved that music in ommadawn. Mike is a masterful composer. Thank you mike.

[@neoroman0510]

My feeling exactly! It just sticks with you somehow.

[@TheValueOfN]

Ommadawn is definitely my #1 Desert Island Disc for much the same reason as yours, Thorny.

[@liamobrien5738]

ONE OF THE GREATEST PIECES OF MUSIC EVER...

[@lozthedrum8479]

liam obrien Without a doubt!

[@triffiks]

THE greatest piece of music

[@unclebigkid1020]

Beethoven once said “ I have taken music to its limits , anyone who wants to create music now will have to find a new way”. And I think Mike Oldfield did just that in tubular Bells.

[@bumberClart1000]

Absolutely man 💚🎧

[@leesawford]

Totally agree ...Apart from all the other music! That’s ALL better !.. but apart from ALL the other music ...of all genres ...EVER written ..oh, and ALL the other music that’s yet to be written (probably) ...apart from all of that..it’s up there somewhere for sure! ...maybe!

[@garymills2702]

Tubular bells saved my life and helped me survive being a teenager.

[@marcuskeulertz5852]

Music in general saved my life. My interest in music started when I was a 7 year old boy. My mom bought me my first vinyl with assorted classical music pieces in a record store in downtown Bonn. I listened to this record every day after school was over and loved those children's suited pieces from Rimsky Korsakoff, Beethoven,Mozart and many others. When I was older my aunt bought me Abba's "Super Trouper on cassette I inhaled their music. Years later when I was 12 years I started to explore more sophisticated bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, ,ELO ,Deep Purple,whilst my class mates were into RAP and drugs. My passion was the music which helped me to survive as a teenager. I never got in touch with any drugs. Fortunately.

[@ceevee369]

+1. The crescendo build up of all instruments had something powerful to pull energy out for a next fight. That and Rocky

[@wizmos74]

Mike Oldfield and Vangelis ,my two greatest composers

[@g.t.36]

Yes mine too.

[@bumberClart1000]

💚🎧

[@g.t.36]

@@bumberClart1000 To the unknown man by Vangelis. From the album Spiral One of my favourites

[@paco5386]

Can't forget the collaboration of Vangelis & Jon Anderson

[@Mindphaser1]

What about Jean Michel Jarre?

[@rss3785]

The absolute best musician of all time.I have loved his music for the past 35 years and am never tired of hearing his compositions!

[@christianblack9426]

1:38 it does appeal to people going through that stage, as I am only 19, and it appealed to me when I was 13 years old, and I was going through a lot. Felt like an outcast. Mike Oldfield is still my favorite modern musician.

[@briancordova1299]

My LP got warped from playing it so much. And after all of these years, I am still entranced by Mike's musical magic.

[@romo2674]

I feel sorry for you in a certain way

[@roberthickerty390]

I rate it right up there with any of the great classic composers. Well written, moves from one place to another so smoothly, and provokes many emotions.

[@mikecollings2808]

Don't forget the artwork, probably the most instantly recognizable album cover of all time

[@andygummybear123]

except for Dark side of the Moon

[@mikecollings2808]

@@andygummybear123 not sure about that, I think more none music fans would recognize those tubular bells instantly

[@paulmanson253]

As much as I adore Tubular Bells,I must say the most iconic album cover was King Crimson,Court of the Crimson King. Unforgettable. TB is visually low key. Memorable,calming,but so many other albums are truly visual as well. So many visual categories. So many memories.

[@TesterAnimal1]

@@andygummybear123 Not forgetting Autobahn!

[@volt9903]

IT'S ONE OF MOST ICONIC....IN THE TOP LET'S SAY....TOP 3??YES FROM ME.

[@scopex2749]

This one album launched Mike Oldfields career And Richard Bransons Career! LIFE CHANGING MUSIC that has shaped music to this day! A true masterpiece....... The rest of us kneel before you Maestro........RESPECT! Mike is no big head, he is humble and gracious at all times

[@Squab1972]

Keyboard Krazy well said and doesn’t show attitude like today’s stars.

[@lyrimetacurl0]

@Ru22eLL Branson inadvertently made billions and billions since it was what made him lucky.

[@Porkcylinder]

Keyboard Krazy almost makes up for Branson being such an obnoxious arsehole

[@raymondscott8499]

I am 72 now and I clearly remember buying the vinyl L.P in the first weeks of its release. Like quite a few Saturday afternoons I bought this album purely for the cover, thought id give it a chance.Got it home and stuck it on my Dads old Grundig Mandella gramophone, didn't get it at alI, musical scribble, it had no tracks. Then it struck home I got it.I had just started reading Lord of the rings and stuck it on headphones( pair of Koss that weighed about 3 stone) The 2 masterpieces for me meshed perfectly. The rest as they say is history. Another bought for the artwork was Dark side of the moon, but I did choose some stinkers as well. I miss those Saturday afternoons with my wife doing her clothes shopping and me sat in a record booth drawing on a Gold leaf smoke and loving it. Those were the days my friend .

[@madiantin]

My parents had a cassette of this and I heard it and fell in love. I nicked off with their cassette and would listen to it in my bedroom over and over and over again.

[@teknical100]

Create don't destroy, the way to get through your teenage years.

[@richards9407]

I like that.

[@BrianSmith-vl7xu]

or destroy then recreate

[@norwegianzound]

Shame Oldfield wants to destroy the EU. He's an ardent Brexiteer.

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

Also helps to run fast. Bullying wasn't considered a big deal back then. My dad was in the air force. Moving around alot means your always the new kid and the bullies like to screw with the new kid.

[@sspbrazil]

True

[@2012listo]

Mike, I was one of those. I still can remember sitting in my '73 mustang mach-1, smoking weed and playing this on my cassette player. Good times! I designed the retro-stang to this music. Got laughed out of Ford for it! Ten years later they built my car.

[@logotrikes]

Oldfield has done some really REALLY good stuff, but then some not so much. A highly talented but much -troubled individual. Own everything he's done, and some gets aired more than others. The world is a better place for having Mike Oldfield in it....

[@rickr.mortis4821]

Hergest Ridge is another favorite of mine. I've been a huge fan of Mike since the early 70's. A true musician,,something that doesn't really exist anymore sadly.

[@andrewkostelnyk272]

I never have got tired to listening to Tubular Bells -an a amazing piece of music that will live forever - a masterpiece- Mike Oldfield s a genius to have composed it at such an early age -incredible!

[@antonystringfellow5152]

Very powerful piece of music. Even more powerful when you know the story behind it. A true musical genius!

[@tangerine825]

Genius ! Poland Love Mike Oldfield ;-)

[@judyhines7403]

Music of the Spheres is incredibly beautiful, one of my favorites.

[@user-ug9bm5il3j]

He is a great composer. I love him

[@johnk2743]

Mike Oldfield can't possibly know how profound Tubular Bells has influenced my life. It's one of those records that don't wear over time but ripens with age.

[@lylewilliams1371]

What a haunting melody! Thank you.

[@blackkittens.]

I bought the vinyl in the 80's. Still have it :)

[@kainkai007]

Mike the best Musician in the last century !

[@geoffjoffy]

Mike is such a likeable man.

[@douglee1911]

Very complex and fragmented man, but likeable.

[@DrWhom]

In an aspergeresque, authentic kind of way.

[@brianz7917]

And Handsome.

[@lyrimetacurl0]

Genius isn't aspergic, it's just something that appears weird because it's above you.

[@DrWhom]

​@@lyrimetacurl0 I never said anything about genius in general, I just said that his likability had an aspergeresque aspect. Hey, maybe I know I thing or two about being a genius and aspergers...

[@theforestreasons8650]

In 2018 year, i was in Greece, and all time, when we go on the roads behind mountance in the car was played this song - tubular bells. And now, this music asociation for me with beutifull nature of Greece.

[@agentred8732]

Eccentric. Honest. I love heart Mike Oldfield.

[@darcy_taylor3103]

Great Musician ! Greets From Poland Mike !

[@Filete]

Thanks to John Peel, he had the audacity to play so many unknown artists and bands! Nowadays radio is just an extension of labels with no freedom at all.

[@fritzcat6198]

One of the greatest albums of all time. I was in high school when it came out. Smoked weed and enjoyed the heck out of it!

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Such a hypnotic track

[@tellinit4real87]

I get creeped out every time I hear that song . That's the one movie I wish I'd listened to my mother about .

[@astra004]

Thanks to Mike Oldfield for this inspiring piece of music. It helped a lot.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

I often came back to that BBC performance. Mostly late in the evening after a long day.

[@Squab1972]

Great album and a timeless classic, thank you for sharing.

[@jerzinho92]

I say the same. Dont ask me why. It is. 😆. I love you Mike 👍🏻

[@IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony]

It has all that Mike says it has and the wonderful memories of the past in which it was produced. I was in love, and had not yet had my heart broken.

[@pedromanafaia]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@kellymelrose8527]

it still sounds amazing in 2024

[@gaztaylor4178]

My favourire album of all time still listen to it today 2023 solid album from start to finish 👍 🇬🇧

[@davidweatherhead1431]

The greatest musical album EVER 👌👌

[@mrrolandlawrence]

what a fascinating series of videos. mind blown. amazing to hear the insights of the songs. mike you are a legend!

[@khymaaren]

The most regular looking musician I listen to. Honestly, if I ran into him on the street, I wouldn't be able to guess his profession. And I like it.

[@larslindqvist1320]

One of the best composer there is, i think not more people know if him is because he's withdrawn personality

[@soundhobo]

The soundtrack to my youth...and a scary film. Still love it all these years later 👍

[@jamesroyce1845]

I grew up listening to TB and have enjoyed all of Mike's work throughout the years. TB has evolved but there is so much great music to listen to. I even have the VR stuff produced many years ago - not brilliant by today's CGI standards but fun. There is so much depth to Mike's music - love it all.

[@kooskansloos4834]

Couldn't believe this is the same guy behind Moonlight Shadow. Love that song too.

[@Meddled]

Perry Kettler Dave Angel, Ecowarrior.

[@kooskansloos4834]

@@Meddled Meaning?

[@jane1975]

@@kooskansloos4834 You have to of watched the Fast Show to know, its used for his characters titles on the show, played by Simon Day.

[@gurneymcbuzzin]

Don't forget the theme to Blue Peter.

[@jeninegrasc8414]

Perry Kettler people always forget about that song. I think it’s one of his best.

[@sufiest666]

One of the greatest musicians of the 20th century

[@yvesandrethevenot3489]

Absolutely. Way underrated. His importance will prevail, some day.

[@Vaisin]

I love his music, he seems nicer than I expected and that's awesome!

[@angusbrut9179]

at 14 at the time iplayed this non stop

[@allisonhunter2940]

That was so interesting, very honest and real

[@irishelk3]

I don't know why people always focus on Tubular Bells, he's made a lot of good music; that's like someone just acknowledging Leonard Cohen for Hallelujah. His music has brought me a lot of joy.

[@safakacar3965]

I agree , he has composed and performed other masterpieces as well ... like ommadawn or incantations... his "pop" albums in 80s were impressive too... but he was only 17 when he started composing tubular bells and only 20 when it made a ground-breaking impact on the musical scene of that decade...his gift as a multi-instrumentalist was at the very center of the work etc... personally I am a grateful fan too and ommadawn is not less stunning in my list of oldfield s best...

[@fufufoofoo]

Agree, Every Music Lover should listen to Ommadawn, and others

[@irishelk3]

He's great man, all my friends and family are always like who's that guy you're always playing?, he has that effect on people.

[@theshamelesspitchmenforjes2173]

I wish that Tubular Bells was never connected to the Exorcist. The connection gets in the way of the beautiful gentleness and sadness of the music.

[@jonnuanez2843]

Um, well it's an iconic piece of music associated with you-know-what-movie. That movie was not just your average gorefest but an actual thriller with maybe-real life implications. Prince will always be associated with Purple Rain. It's simple yet elegant and touches the heartstrings. Same here. And people are always free to check out other pieces as well from anybody. It's on them.

[@terpag11]

Wow. What a great bunch of answers. Seems like a real guy, no pretensions at all.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

I remember him saying in a 90s interview that he could play anything that anyone has ever played on guitar. Yeah, very humble guy 😉

[@leesawford]

Are we watching the same interview ? One of the most pretentious of the series !

[@colinbremner9030]

@@henrikpetersson3463 its probably true though, if i remember correctly Mike played every instrument on that album.

[@kainkai007]

Mike Oldfield, you're just a magician :)))

[@JustReadable]

Such a masterpiece. It accompanied me since back then. And kudos to John Peel.

[@robmoir7524]

I really enjoy Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells part one and part two I first heard that around the middle of September 1974 I really enjoyed it then as well

[@philrabe910]

Possibly my favorite album of all time. now I have to haul it out and give it a spin. It is one of 3 actual vinyl albums I own.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

I'd like to thank you for what you did.

[@wysiwyg2006]

i adore TBII, thats the masterpiece for me *the whole album!

[@jasebrown2634]

And then then it got stuck on the Scariest film ever made.

[@mattiemclean9882]

Not that scary...

[@willyappel7722]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZO1lGtuhdl6d80

[@Sassenhaim]

@@willyappel7722 dankje 👍🏻maar clowns zijn ook horror volgens sommigen 🤡😫

[@robmoir7524]

I would never watch The Exorcist J a s e Brown no way I never have and I never will

[@robmoir7524]

@@mattiemclean9882 what do you mean not that scary ? The Exorcist I never want to see that movie I never have and I never will

[@DAYGLOUKNOUKNO]

Hey he looks like Daniel Craig.......!!!!!! On a serious note......how much joy has T.Bells brought to the generations......BLOODY MASTERPIECE!!! And just a Smart kid too.....WE SALUTE YOU!!!

[@patbrownastoria]

Back when I used to go through used record store bins a lot, I found this record more than any other.

[@christopherbentall3478]

What a impact it made whern it came out

[@thomaskolb8785]

One of the most likeable superstars ever.

[@kevinstrawser5073]

In the 1970,s this is the best song to test a new stereo. Play TB THROUGH A SET OF AR7S,UNREAL

[@mickwinters8484]

You are truly a GOD my friend, followed you my entire life you are a musical genius!:)

[@surferdjnj]

I remember being like 7-9 when this came out. It was part of the Exorcist soundtrack I think. I loved it and it's darkness freaked me out all at the same time. It, I think, was the beginning of my subconscious mind understanding that music could make me feel different things / ways.

[@edwardtait4285]

Love it...:-)))

[@TheCaptainKim]

John Peel! Nice to hear his name mentioned again.

[@johnakaoldguy3158]

Such a classic piece.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

All the suffering and problems he had at least created a beautiful piece of art. I guess that most extraordinary pieces of art come from this source.

[@Xnocturnus]

THANK YOU, for this timeless masterpiece!! >..

[@deezynar]

Great music. Someone should use it in a movie.

[@loki76]

I have several of his albums. I love listening to them when reading books. Especially the books by Dean Koontz. It just works well together.

[@harrieakkers3002]

Tack you... Love from sweden...

[@iismyalias]

It took me a looong time to listen to this and appreciate it for being the exceptional work it is, without out getting flat out terrified. I was a really young kid when The Exorcist came out and totally shouldn't have been watching it!

[@kkuenzel56]

I wore out my 8 Track tape of Tubular Bells back in the 70s. Masterpiece!

[@bkinouye]

This was the very first audio cassette I ever bought.

[@axel6699]

Ha! As a family, we bought our first cassette player (Philips I think) together with our first tape - Tubular Bells.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

What is this "audio cassette" of which you speak...?

[@April-sp8un]

I ruined an 8 track i borrowed from brother in law cause i played it over and over. Felt bad cause couldnt afford to replace it. He had album too. I did too for awhile

I am surprised to find a clip about Mike Oldfield in 2020. Yeah, it was published in 2018 but some Google algorithm must have thought I could like this. And I do. Actually, I still have a few LPs (vinyl) from those days when I listened to MO day out day in. Almost. Nice!!!

[@snuffpappy]

Amazing writer / performer.

[@MrPhilgascoine]

If he is reading these comments I was to say thank you thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@markrichmond4796]

Just watched the video of Tubular Bells 2 Live from Edinburgh Castle........brilliant! 😀

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

An amazingly brilliant piece of music !

[@gilliebrand]

John Peel a star that helped stars shine a little brighter.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

"Tubular Bells" remains Mike Oldfields masterpiece. However. He has done MANY albums and searching through it all is a rewarding journey. I can't say I love all the albums or most songs but there is plenty from pop/rock to progressive rock to ambient to embrace. "Return to Ommadawn" is his latest album right now. I can't say it is very similar to the more famous "Ommadawn" but I really love it. Fantastic album! If you aren't into buying albums... Just go on KZbin and give lots of the songs a chance.

[@anthonyfarshaw8619]

"Return to Ommadawn" is maybe not very similar to "Ommadawn", but clearly it has elements from "Ommadawn" as well as "Hergest Ridge" and "Incantations".

[@snuijt8815]

Adriaantjeeeee

[@JeffRL1956]

In about 1980, I was a radio DJ and one of the news guys was so terrified by the movie "The Exorcist" that he demanded that we never, EVER play "Tubular Bells" at any time during his shift when he was in the building. Of course, knowing that, all of the DJs would play it just before or right after his newscast as often as we could. He was so freaked out by it every time that he couldn't even yell at us or threaten to kill us, although he would usually say that later after he'd calmed down a little. I won't mention his name because he went on to have a good career in national radio, but it was on a network that probably has never played the song once in all the years since it came out. (No, not NPR if that's your guess.)