For generations of British moviegoers, a trip to the cinema hasn’t truly begun until a specific sound graces the speakers—a bold, brassy tune that sparks memories, excitement, and a nostalgic sense of occasion. That sound is the unmistakable Pearl & Dean theme music, officially titled “Asteroid.” This short musical piece has cemented itself as a key part of the UK’s cinematic identity, preceding everything from popcorn-fuelled blockbuster nights to quiet indie screenings.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the fascinating history of Pearl & Dean music—from its creation to its cultural legacy, evolution, and the way it continues to shape the cinema-going experience today.
The Origins of Pearl & Dean
Founded in 1953 by brothers Ernie and Charles Pearl alongside business partner Bob Dean, Pearl & Dean was created to revolutionize the way advertising was handled in British cinemas. Their idea was simple yet effective: show advertisements before the main film and use distinctive branding to create a memorable experience.
What set them apart from the beginning was their commitment to a cohesive audiovisual identity. Unlike their competitors, who used generic or inconsistent music, Pearl & Dean wanted something instantly recognizable. While the company’s early years relied on standard orchestral fanfares, everything changed in 1968 with the commissioning of an iconic jingle.
The Birth of “Asteroid”
In 1968, Pearl & Dean approached British composer Pete Moore, an accomplished jazz musician and arranger known for working with Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee. They commissioned Moore to create a unique musical signature for their advertising reels—something bold, futuristic, and instantly engaging.
The result was “Asteroid,” a 28-second instrumental track that begins with a driving brass fanfare and maintains a rhythmic, echoing pulse that sounds at once both cosmic and classic. Its structure is simple, but its boldness and clarity made it immediately effective. At a time when the space race was captivating the public’s imagination, Asteroid captured a sense of excitement and modernity.
Moore reportedly composed and arranged the piece in a single afternoon. Little did he know that his brief jingle would go on to achieve cult status.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
By the 1970s, “Asteroid” was more than just a catchy tune. It had become a national institution.
British audiences began associating the music with the start of their cinematic experience, and for many, it signified the comforting familiarity of popcorn in hand, lights dimming, and the anticipation of a great film. Because it was used exclusively in the UK, it took on an added layer of local charm and identity.
Over time, the piece became the subject of endless remixes, references, and parodies. British comedy series such as The Fast Show and The Comic Strip Presents mocked or paid homage to its instantly identifiable rhythm. It became part of the national soundscape—just as identifiable as Big Ben’s chimes or the BBC News theme.
In 1995, a dance act called Goldbug sampled “Asteroid” in a cover version of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” The mashup charted at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, exposing a whole new generation to the music and further solidifying its place in pop culture.
A Visual Identity to Match the Music
Pearl & Dean’s iconic music was never just about the sound—it was also about presentation. Over the decades, they paired “Asteroid” with various visual treatments that evolved with cinematic styles and technology.
In the 1960s and 70s, the music was accompanied by colorful geometric animations and stylized transitions that mirrored the visual flair of the time. In the 1990s, with the help of creative agency Lambie-Nairn, Pearl & Dean refreshed their branding, introducing film sprockets and cinematic transitions to align with modern expectations while retaining the timeless theme tune.
By keeping the audio branding consistent but updating visuals, Pearl & Dean demonstrated a deep understanding of their audience: traditions matter, but they must evolve gracefully.
Reviving a Classic: The 2006 Re-Recording
In 2006, to commemorate their heritage and respond to growing nostalgia, Pearl & Dean re-recorded “Asteroid” at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Pete Moore himself conducted a 30-piece orchestra, adding a new dimension to the piece. The updated version kept the essence of the original but introduced enhanced fidelity, richer instrumentation, and even a touch of female vocals to give it renewed energy.
This modern version was released for public download and even as a mobile ringtone, showing how the classic could comfortably live in both digital and traditional spaces. It became a best-selling ringtone for a time, once again reaffirming the music’s timeless appeal.
Pearl & Dean in the 21st Century
Though the media landscape has changed drastically in the digital age, Pearl & Dean has adapted by continuing to supply cinema advertising across the UK for outlets such as Empire Cinemas, Showcase Cinemas, The Light Cinemas, and many independent and boutique cinemas.
While their competitors like Digital Cinema Media (DCM) serve massive multiplex chains like Odeon and Cineworld, Pearl & Dean continues to thrive by maintaining their identity, using “Asteroid” to create a vintage-meets-modern cinematic feel.
They’ve also expanded into outdoor cinema events, drive-ins, and brand partnerships—always bringing along that musical branding that evokes a sense of tradition, fun, and timelessness.
Why “Asteroid” Still Matters Today
In a world dominated by streaming services, where on-demand entertainment has become the norm, going to the cinema has taken on new meaning. It’s no longer just about the film—it’s about the experience. Pearl & Dean’s “Asteroid” is a reminder of the ritualistic joy of going to the movies, a tradition that transcends generations.
Hearing that brassy fanfare transports audiences into a different headspace—out of the everyday and into the cinematic world. It’s a cultural artifact, one that connects a grandparent who saw Star Wars in 1977 to a teen seeing the latest Marvel release in 2025.
Few jingles in media history can claim that level of emotional and generational impact.
Conclusion
“Pearl & Dean’s ‘Asteroid’ isn’t just a piece of music—it’s a legacy.”
For over half a century, this 28-second jingle has remained unchanged in spirit and unmatched in impact. It is woven into the fabric of British cinema and continues to be celebrated as one of the most iconic pieces of branding in the entertainment industry.
Whether you heard it as a child clutching pick ’n’ mix or encountered it later in life during a special screening, the Pearl & Dean music is almost certainly burned into your memory. And as long as there are cinemas, and stories to be told in the dark, “Asteroid” will echo through them—calling us back to our seats with that unforgettable pa-pa, pa-pa, pa-pa rhythm.
FAQs
1. What is the name of the Pearl & Dean theme music?
The theme music is titled “Asteroid”, composed by Pete Moore in 1968.
2. Who composed the Pearl & Dean music?
British composer Pete Moore, known for his work in jazz and orchestration, composed the theme in 1968.
3. Has the Pearl & Dean music changed over time?
While the core of “Asteroid” remains the same, it was re-recorded in 2006 with updated orchestration and sound quality at Abbey Road Studios.
4. Why is the Pearl & Dean music so iconic?
Its distinctive brass rhythm and association with the start of cinema ads in the UK made it a lasting auditory cue for generations of moviegoers.
5. Where can I hear the Pearl & Dean music today?
The music still plays in many UK cinemas before film screenings, particularly those served by Pearl & Dean such as Empire, Showcase, and The Light.
Also read: Dior Advert Model Name: Everything You Need to Know.