Remembering When an Alan Parsons Project Instrumental Became an NBA Arena Anthem in 1984

Why It Matters

The song’s exposure illustrates how music can become a powerful branding tool for sports franchises, while also highlighting gaps in licensing that can leave creators uncompensated.

Key Takeaways

• Sirius was created as intro to 1982 “Eye In The Sky”.
• Bulls PA announcer Tommy Davis introduced “Sirius” in 1984 home games.
• The instrumental became synonymous with Michael Jordan’s rookie season.
• Parsons earned a royalty boost only after the 2020 “Last Dance” documentary.

Pulse Analysis

When Alan Parsons layered a Fairlight‑sampled clavichord over swelling synths in 1982, he intended “Sirius” merely as a prelude to the title track “Eye In The Sky”. The instrumental’s cinematic rise and brief guitar burst reflected the era’s progressive‑rock experimentation, yet it remained a hidden album cut until a chance encounter in a movie theater sparked its second life.

Chicago Bulls public‑address announcer Tommy Davis heard the track that same year and, seeking a dramatic cue for player introductions, paired it with the team’s opening lineup in 1984. The decision proved serendipitous: the Bulls were launching rookie Michael Jordan, whose meteoric rise turned every televised game into a global showcase. As “Sirius” echoed through the United Center, viewers associated the soaring notes with Jordan’s electrifying presence, and other arenas quickly adopted the formula, cementing the piece as a staple of sports entertainment.

Parsons, however, was neither consulted nor compensated for the widespread use of his composition, a common oversight in the pre‑digital licensing landscape. Only after the 2020 Netflix series “The Last Dance” featured the song did he receive a modest royalty payment, underscoring the financial risks artists face when their work becomes part of public‑domain‑like sports culture. The episode highlights the need for clearer synchronization rights and proactive royalty tracking, especially as leagues increasingly monetize audio branding across broadcast, streaming, and in‑venue experiences.