Survivor's 1982 classic 'Eye of the Tiger' has been crowned the nation's ultimate walk-out anthem, according to new research by Compare the Market. The rousing Rocky III theme tune narrowly edged out three legendary Queen tracks to claim the top spot in a poll of 1,500 Britons.
Queen Tracks Dominate the Top Five
Hot on the heels of the winner came a triumvirate of Queen classics: 'We Are the Champions' secured second place, 'Don't Stop Me Now' claimed third, and 'We Will Rock You' landed fourth. Additional powerhouse numbers in the top 10 feature Tina Turner's 'Simply the Best' at fifth, AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' at sixth, and Fatboy Slim's 'Right Here, Right Now' at tenth.
Music Triggers Powerful Memories
The research highlights the deep connection between music and memory. Three-quarters (75%) of Britons say a certain tune immediately transports them to a particular point in their lives. Pop was declared the genre most capable of stirring treasured memories (48%), followed by rock (31%) and summer dance bangers (20%). For many, this phenomenon occurs frequently: six in ten (59%) of those surveyed reported experiencing it 'often' or 'all the time'.
Music ranked as the second most powerful trigger for reliving a memory (47%), narrowly trailing behind a photograph (55%). A staggering 88% of people believe that music positively affects their mood, while 77% say it enhances shared experiences with friends or family, and 69% agree it boosts confidence and prepares them for something significant.
Live Sport and Music: A Winning Combination
Live sporting events ranked among the most cherished memories for Brits (18%), pipped only by the birth of a child, a wedding, or a special holiday. With in-stadium entertainment now integral to the live sport experience, more than half (52%) of Brits say hearing music is crucial for maximising their enjoyment of live sport.
As The Hundred returns this summer, Compare the Market – proud Principal Partner of the competition – is spearheading a campaign to encourage fans and players to 'Catch Every Moment'. The beloved meerkat Aleksandr kicked off proceedings at Abbey Road, leading players Phil Salt, Liv Barnes, and Sophie Mundo to Lord's, the home of England cricket.
Players and Officials Weigh In
Phil Salt, England Men's player and this year's captain of the Welsh Fire, said: 'Music is such an integral part of any live sporting event, but in particular The Hundred. Whether that's walking out to bat, especially when you're first up, or the atmosphere the crowd generates, there's nothing quite like it. But it's not just when you're out on the field. It's a huge part of the dressing room, bringing everyone together as a team and inspiring them. I'm a big fan of indie-rock band Blossoms, so I'll definitely add a few of their tunes to the Welsh Fire pre-match playlist this summer.'
Tom Wallis, Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market, said: 'As proud Principal Partner of The Hundred, we know first-hand how much music and entertainment adds to the buzz of a big match day. The research shows just how deeply music and memories are intertwined for Brits, and there's no better place to see that in action than a packed ground over the summer. We loved kicking off the celebrations as Aleksandr led the charge with some of England's brightest and up and coming talent on their way to Lord's.'
Top 10 Walk-Out Tracks
- Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
- We Are the Champions – Queen
- Don't Stop Me Now – Queen
- We Will Rock You – Queen
- Simply the Best – Tina Turner
- Thunderstruck – AC/DC
- Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
- The Final Countdown – Europe
- Don't Stop Believin' – Journey
- Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim
