A decorated British musician, Mike Oldfield is renowned for his debut solo album titled Tubular Bells. Released in 1973, Tubular Bells soon became an unexpected critical and commercial success. A talented guitarist, Mike also turns his hand to play a variety of other instruments, such as the keyboards and drums. The Orchestral Tubular Bells was released in 1974, and is an orchestral version of the Tubular Bells performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. On the 50th anniversary of Tubular Bells, a talented live band will perform an unforgettable celebration tour commemorating the success of Tubular Bells.
Mike Oldfield has enjoyed a long and decorated career as a musician, rising to prominence with his album Tubular Bells. In 1971, Tubular Bells was used in The Exorcist and released on Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Records, which helped Mike to achieve over 2.7 million sales in the UK. Since his critical and commercial success with Tubular Bells, Mike has since gone on to release titles such as Hergest Ridge, Incantations, Ommadawn, Five Miles Out, QE2 and the worldwide hit single Moonlight Shadow. Specialising in genres of progressive rock, folk, classical, pop and new-age, Mike is a highly versatile musician who is renowned across the globe. In 2012, Mike was sought to perform at the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony, and in 2017 he released his most recent album – Return to Ommadawn.
Given the huge success of Tubular Bells, there have been many reworks and tributes to the album. In 1974, David Bedford and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra worked together to produce Tubular Bells' orchestral rework – The Orchestral Tubular Bells. The track encompassed the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing, accompanied by Mike playing the guitar. The Orchestral Tubular Bells again secured huge success, having been used in films such as The Space Movie and the NASA film and reaching no.17 on the UK Album Charts.
In celebration of Tubular Bell’s 50th Anniversary, the internationally-acclaimed masterpiece will be performed on tour with a live full band – created by long-term collaborator Robin Smith. Described as a ‘bold and progressive fusion’, Tubular Bells takes audiences on a journey back in time to the release of Tubular Bells, and on a whirlwind tour of jazz, folk, classical, electronica and prog rock. If you are looking for an iconic musical experience at your next event, don’t hesitate in hiring Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells today.
