showtimesThe Best Of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells I, II & III
Following the hugely successful tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, "The Best of Tubular Bells I, II & III" will tour Europe in autumn 2026. Mike Oldfield, one of the most pioneering and influential musicians of all time, created his visionary "Tubular Bells" series spanning three albums and 27 years: "Tubular Bells", composed in 1971 and released in 1973, was Mike Oldfield's debut studio album. He was just 17 years old when he began composing the music and played almost all instruments on the album single-handedly. Oldfield gained worldwide attention when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film "The Exorcist" – to this day one of the most haunting examples of music in film. "Tubular Bells" became the best-selling instrumental album of all time and won a Grammy in 1974 for best instrumental composition. "Tubular Bells II" finally appeared in 1992 (the recording of its premiere at Edinburgh Castle is one of the most-watched and most-streamed musical events of all time), and "Tubular Bells III" was released in 1998. In 2023, Oldfield announced his retirement from touring after 23 studio albums and countless chart successes. His musical partner Robin Smith, who accompanied him for over 30 years and also performed in rare live performances of "Tubular Bells" – including at Edinburgh Castle and at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics – brings this magnificent music to audiences with a top-class live orchestra. "Tubular Bells I" is performed in full, together with extended sections from "Tubular Bells II" and "Tubular Bells III" plus
