Brits’ favourite ‘walk-out’ track has been named (Image: olegbreslavtsev via Getty Images)
The nation’s ultimate ‘walk-out’ anthem has been revealed – narrowly beating three legendary Queen tracks to claim the crown.
Survivor’s rousing Rocky III theme tune Eye of the Tiger has topped the rankings as the song most Britons would select to accompany their entrance to a sporting occasion.
Hot on its heels came a triumvirate of classics from beloved band Queen – with We Are the Champions securing second place, Don’t Stop Me Now claiming third and We Will Rock You landing fourth.
Additional powerhouse numbers in the top 10 feature Tina Turner’s Simply the Best, AC/DC’s Thunderstruck and Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now.
Research by Compare the Market highlights the potency of music in evoking treasured memories and the deep-rooted link between sport and melody as The Hundred returns for its eagerly awaited new season.
Three-quarters (75%) of Britons say they’re immediately transported to a particular point in their lives by a certain tune – with pop declared the genre most capable of stirring treasured memories (48%).
Close behind pop came rock (31%) and summer dance bangers (20%).
It’s a frequent phenomenon for many, with six in ten (59%) of those surveyed reporting that it occurs ‘often’ or ‘all the time’.
Compare the Market conducted the study (Image: Kennedy News/Compare The Market)
The poll of 1,500 Britons by Compare the Market, proud Principal Partner of The Hundred, found that music ranked as the second most powerful trigger for reliving a memory (47%), narrowly trailing behind a photograph (55%). It’s not merely about nostalgia: a staggering 88% of people believe that music has a positive effect on their mood, while also enhancing shared experiences with friends or family (77%), and boosting confidence and preparing them for something significant (69%).
Pipped only by the birth of a child, a wedding or a special holiday, live sporting events ranked amongst the most cherished memories for Brits (18%), surpassing the likes of a graduation or a milestone birthday.
With in-stadium entertainment now every bit as integral to a live sporting occasion as the action on the pitch, more than half (52%) of Brits say that hearing music is a crucial factor in maximising their enjoyment of live sport.
As The Hundred returns this summer, Compare the Market’s Aleksandr is spearheading the campaign to encourage both fans and players to ‘Catch Every Moment’.
The beloved meerkat is getting proceedings underway at Abbey Road, leading players Phil Salt, Liv Barnes and Sophie Mundo to Lord’s, the home of England cricket.
The price comparison website is bringing top-class entertainment to grounds up and down the country throughout the summer, from t-shirt cannons and fan competitions to appearances from Aleksandr and Sergei – transforming every match day into a moment truly worth catching.
Phil Salt, England Men’s player and this year’s captain of the Welsh Fire, said: “Music is such an integral part of any live sporting event, but in particular The Hundred.
“Whether that’s walking out to bat, especially when you’re first up, or the atmosphere the crowd generates, there’s nothing quite like it.
“But it’s not just when you’re out on the field. It’s a huge part of the dressing room, bringing everyone together as a team and inspiring them.
“I’m a big fan of indie-rock band Blossoms, so I’ll definitely add a few of their tunes to the Welsh Fire pre-match playlist this summer.”
Tom Wallis, Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market, said: “As proud Principal Partner of The Hundred, we know first-hand how much music and entertainment adds to the buzz of a big match day.
“The research shows just how deeply music and memories are intertwined for Brits, and there’s no better place to see that in action than a packed ground over the summer.
“We loved kicking off the celebrations as Aleksandr led the charge with some of England’s brightest and up and coming talent on their way to Lord’s.”
1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor.
2. We are the Champions – Queen.
3. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen.
4. We Will Rock You – Queen.
5. Simply the Best – Tina Turner.
6. Thunderstruck – AC/DC.
7. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes.
8. The Final Countdown – Europe.
9. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey.
10. Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim.