I have just heard of the sad death of Sitcom music writer Ronnie Hazelhurst. His theme tune credits include: Are you Being Served, Last of the Summer Wine, The Two Ronnies and Yes Minister. RIP Ronnie.
Ronnie Hazelhurst 1928-2007
He worked on Last of the Summer Wine from the start and to now. It's the only sitcom which has new incidental music each week and Ronnie Hazelhurst composed it.
Yeah - shame. He is name that I'm well aware of and you can't say that of many sitcom theme writers.
You don't really get BBC composers anymore, do you? He was certainly one of the old school.
But yeah, it's no surprise that it's only him and Howard Goodall who people know the names of.
Just talking about him on Stuart Maconie.
Apparently he always used to imagine the words of the title to make the tune.
A sad loss.
RIP Ronnie.
My first post and it's sad one. Just heard a montage of his 'hits' on Radio4. Bugger me,talk about a golden age! Probably showing my age, but just hearing them made come over all cup of tea and a biscuit.
RIP Ronnie
Hi Lazzard, and welcome to the site. Such a shame that he died. Truly talented man - and coming up with brand new incidentals for EVERY EPISODE of Last of the Summer Wine is no mean feat!
Yes, a massive talent and his music was a big part of the appeal of Summer Wine I think. People can and do mock the show but it's one of the most recognisable themetunes in TV history and his incidental music always boosted the show too.
The bloke was obviously a genius-just seen the tribute to him by Matt Berry on charlie Brookers screenwipe,he done quite a few theme tunes.Had not realised his input in many british sitcom theme tunes.Thanks Ronnie for all those tunes
The 'Are You Being Served' theme was amazing. I think someone did a Drum 'n' Bass remix of it, a few years back. I'd love my sitcom to have a theme song that was as memorable as that was.
Aussie music genuises Regurgitator did a great remix with it called Are U Being Served?.
I love Regurgitator! I didn't know they did a remix, I'll have to try to find it.
One thing though Aaron, to be a real Aussie you have to refer to the as "The Gurge". 
Quote: Cauldron Chick @ October 22, 2007, 10:42 AMOne thing though Aaron, to be a real Aussie you have to refer to the as "The Gurge".
Yeah, but then there's even less chance of the undeducated proles finding them. 
! (The Song Formerly Known As) is by far my favourite track. Apart from being tremendously catchy, it IS my life. (The AYBS mix is on Art BTW.)