Jump to: Musical Overview | Behind the Tune | Watch Video | FAQ
Top Gear Theme: Musical Overview
Watch the Top Gear Intro
Behind the Tune: Meaning & History
The Top Gear theme tune is actually a cover of the 1973 instrumental hit “Jessica” by the American rock group The Allman Brothers Band. Since the show’s original launch and its massive relaunch in 2002, the song has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in British television.
Throughout its 30 series and 223 episodes, the theme has perfectly captured the spirit of adventure, engineering, and humor that defines the show. The driving tempo and optimistic melody mirror the feeling of an open road, making it the perfect accompaniment for the world’s most famous motoring program.
While the show has seen many presenters and formats change over the decades, the core melody of “Jessica” remains the one constant that signals to fans in the United Kingdom and across the globe that it’s time for some automotive mayhem.
