The Imperial March
Encyclopedia
"The Imperial March (Darth Vader
's Theme)" is a music
al theme
present in the Star Wars
franchise. It was composed by John Williams
for the film Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
. Together with Yoda
's Theme, the Imperial March was premiered on April 29, 1980, "three weeks before the opening of the film, on the occasion of John Williams' first concert as official conductor-in-residence of the Boston Pops Orchestra
." One of the best known symphonic
movie themes, it is a classic example of a leitmotif
, a recurrent theme associated with characters or events in a drama.
), the march
is often played when Darth Vader
appears. It is also played for the arrival of Emperor Palpatine
on the Death Star
in Return of the Jedi
, though it does segue
into the Emperor's own theme as he appears.
in low piccolo
s as the Galactic Empire
sends probe droids across the galaxy
in search of Luke Skywalker
. Its major opening occurs as Star Destroyer
s amass and Darth Vader is first presented in the film, 18 minutes into the movie. The theme and related motifs are also incorporated into tracks such as "The Battle of Hoth
" and "The Asteroid Field". Return of the Jedi
makes similar use of the theme, though its final statement is significantly different, making quiet use of a harp
as a redeemed Anakin Skywalker dies in his son's arms.
. An innocent theme for the nine-year-old Anakin in The Phantom Menace
, is thematically based on "The Imperial March". "The Imperial March" is also heard towards the end, as Yoda acknowledges Anakin as Obi Wan's apprentice in saying "The chosen One, the boy may be. Nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training". In the second prequel, Attack of the Clones
, "The Imperial March" is sometimes played subtly when an event foreshadows Anakin's future: It is first played when Yoda senses Anakin slaughtering a tribe of Tusken Raiders
to avenge his mother's death and later with more force when Anakin tells Padmé Amidala
what he did. It is played most prominently during the final sequence when clone trooper
s assemble and depart Coruscant
, foreshadowing that they are the predecessors of Imperial stormtrooper
s. Although "Across the Stars" is featured most prominently in the film's end credits, several notes from "The Imperial March" are heard beneath it near the end.
In The Revenge of the Sith
the piece can be heard for a few seconds in "Battle of the Heroes
" during the scene when Obi Wan and Anakin clash with their force powers.
or authoritarian
political and religious figures. The music was used by radio show host Rush Limbaugh
as the theme for his Gorbasm updates concerning the activities of then-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev
, both while he was President and after.
Jon Stewart
, on The Daily Show
in January 2009 began associating "The Imperial March" with former Vice President Dick Cheney
after his appearance at President Barack Obama
's inauguration in a wheelchair. This theme was carried across several episodes in the week following the Inauguration.
In 2007, the Band of the Welsh Guards
notoriously played the Imperial March to greet Saudi Arabian King Abdullah
when he visited the United Kingdom on a controversial state visit.
's Jerk Report during the 2006 season of the Adam Carolla Show.
An elevator music
version appears in the Family Guy
episode "Blue Harvest
", when Peter Griffin
(as Han Solo
) and Chris Griffin
(as Luke Skywalker) escort Brian Griffin
(as Chewbacca
) dressed as Imperial stormtroopers. It acts as the Death Star's elevator's background song. The episode is a spoof of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
, in which "The Imperial March" is not used.
In The Simpsons
episode "Gump Roast
", Montgomery Burns
steps toward a lectern and "The Imperial March" plays. Other episodes also use "The Imperial March" as Mr. Burns appears (for example, "A Star Is Burns
").
In The Big Bang Theory
at the very beginning of the episode The Excelsior Acquisition, Raj plays this theme from his speaker shirt while walking into the comic book store in order to show that he is "awesome and to be feared."
On the soundtrack
of the Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
saga, "Night Skies" features a slow, melodic sample of "The Imperial March", designed to reflect the thoughts of Darth Vader, who believes that his son, Luke Skywalker is on Coruscant and attempts telepathic
contact with him. The main theme plays twice in the track.
The Imperial March was used in a popular television commercial "The Force" for the Volkswagen Passat, first aired during the 2011 Super Bowl. The spot features a pint-sized Darth Vader who uses the Force when he discovers his father's Passat in the driveway.
The Imperial March is also used in Condorilla which is an Original Bombo Radyo Radio Drama. It is the opening themesong for Condorilla. Bombo Radyo is a radio station in the Philippines and is the creator of Condorilla.
In the Chuck
episode "Chuck Versus the Last Details
", Chuck hums the tune to Morgan to calm his nerves and inspire him as he impersonates a Italian arms dealer at a meeting with Vivian Volkoff. The actual theme is played as Morgan enters the meeting.
Before being replaced with a new theme around mid-2010, "The Imperial March" was the opening theme song (played at the "top of the hour") for The Alex Jones Show. While the theme played, an announcement then followed:
"Big Brother, mainstream media, government cover-ups. You want answers? Well so does he. He's Alex Jones...on the GCN Radio Network. And now, live from Austin, Texas...Alex Jones."
Parts of this theme is still played in the aforementioned The Alex Jones Show at the "top of the hour" and after returning from commercial breaks.
. Numerous high school and college marching band
s have taken to playing the march during football games, particularly when a home team's defense is on the field or has made a big play. The first regular use of "The Imperial March" was in the 1980s, when John Thompson
led the Georgetown Hoyas
men's basketball team onto the floor with "The Imperial March" being played by the Georgetown band, perpetuating the sullen, intimidating persona of the Hoyas.
In January 2003, during Super Bowl XXXVII
, ABC Sports
took to using "The Imperial March" as a leitmotif for the Oakland Raiders
. Three-time and current World Professional Darts Champion
John Part
uses the theme as entrance for his matches. The Miami Hurricanes football program
uses the Imperial March during games as part of its "evil empire
" persona.
In 2007 US Open tournament final, "The Imperial March" was played as Roger Federer
entered the stadium. This was done presumably because of the black outfit Federer wore at that tournament. Its use was repeated for his entrance in the 2009 final, when Federer again wore all black.
During New York Yankees
games at Yankee Stadium
, when the visiting team's lineup is announced, "The Imperial March" plays in the background. Ever since the Yankees obtained the "Evil Empire" nickname from Boston Red Sox
CEO
Larry Lucchino
, this practice has taken on a certain irony to both Yankee fans and their detractors.
Fans and stadium staff of the Canadian Football League
's Saskatchewan Roughriders
coined the phrase "Evil Empire" to describe the rival Edmonton Eskimos
, playing on their double E logo. The Eskimos staff and fans have embraced the image and play the theme on a regular basis during games. Likewise, the Edmonton Oilers
used the theme as a leitmotif during their successful years as Stanley Cup champions in the 1980s.
UFC fighter Ryan Bader
uses Imperial March (Rage Mix) for his entrance music.
During Lebron James' return to Cleveland on Dec 2, 2010, the Imperial March was played as the Miami Heat team was being announced.
In 2011, New York Mets
pitcher R. A. Dickey
uses the march for his entrance music.
During the Chicago Bulls
regular season games at the United Center
, when the opposing team's lineup is announced, "The Imperial March" is played in the background.
did a live cover of the song for their Live in the Tragic Kingdom
DVD.
Remixed eurodance
versions of the song have appeared on the Dancemania
series albums, including the 1999 sub-series compilation Dancemania Speed 3
.
The progressive metal band Bigelf
use it in introduction of their concerts. In addition, their singer, Damon Fox, has a Yoda decal on his keyboard.
The ragga-punk band Skindred
uses the Imperial March alongside a basic drum beat as entrance music at their live performances.
The black metal
band Immortal
's song Pure Holocaust from the album of the same name
is said to have been inspired by the Imperial March.
The argentinian band Jauría recorded a version of the song in its self-titled debut album. The song, called "Marcha Imperial", serves as an introduction to the next song, "Guerra de las galaxias" (Star Wars
).
Canadian band Barenaked Ladies
performed a version of the Imperial March on their Maroon tour, with multi-instrumentalist Kevin Hearn
singing a set of parody lyrics based on Britney Spears
' hit song oops I did it again.
The nerdcore rap rock band 2 Skinnee J's
uses the March as a backing track for their song "Irresistible Force." The band also uses parts of the piece to form the beat of "Friends Don't Let Friends Listen to Rap Metal"
Rapper Ya Boy sampled the song in "16's with me"
The Dutch
symphonic metal
band Epica
did a live cover of the song which is found on The Classical Conspiracy
live album.
).
In the United States Navy's Recruit Training Command (RTC), located in Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois, it is common for Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs) to whistle or hum the Imperial March, usually preceding punishment(Intense physical exercise usually), as a means to intimidate or scare recruits by letting them know that punishment is imminent.
Darth Vader
Darth Vader is a central character in the Star Wars saga, appearing as one of the main antagonists in the original trilogy and as the main protagonist in the prequel trilogy....
's Theme)" is a music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
al theme
Theme (music)
In music, a theme is the material, usually a recognizable melody, upon which part or all of a composition is based.-Characteristics:A theme may be perceivable as a complete musical expression in itself, separate from the work in which it is found . In contrast to an idea or motif, a theme is...
present in the Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
franchise. It was composed by John Williams
John Williams
John Towner Williams is an American composer, conductor, and pianist. In a career spanning almost six decades, he has composed some of the most recognizable film scores in the history of motion pictures, including the Star Wars saga, Jaws, Superman, the Indiana Jones films, E.T...
for the film Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner. The screenplay, based on a story by George Lucas, was written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan...
. Together with Yoda
Yoda
Yoda is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, appearing in the second and third original films, as well as all three prequel trilogy films. A renowned Jedi master, Yoda made his first on-screen appearance in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back where he is responsible for...
's Theme, the Imperial March was premiered on April 29, 1980, "three weeks before the opening of the film, on the occasion of John Williams' first concert as official conductor-in-residence of the Boston Pops Orchestra
Boston Pops Orchestra
The Boston Pops Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in playing light classical and popular music....
." One of the best known symphonic
Symphony
A symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, scored almost always for orchestra. A symphony usually contains at least one movement or episode composed according to the sonata principle...
movie themes, it is a classic example of a leitmotif
Leitmotif
A leitmotif , sometimes written leit-motif, is a musical term , referring to a recurring theme, associated with a particular person, place, or idea. It is closely related to the musical idea of idée fixe...
, a recurrent theme associated with characters or events in a drama.
Use in Star Wars
"The Imperial March" is sometimes referred to simply as "Darth Vader's Theme." In the movies (except for Star Wars Episode IV: A New HopeStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
), the march
March (music)
A march, as a musical genre, is a piece of music with a strong regular rhythm which in origin was expressly written for marching to and most frequently performed by a military band. In mood, marches range from the moving death march in Wagner's Götterdämmerung to the brisk military marches of John...
is often played when Darth Vader
Darth Vader
Darth Vader is a central character in the Star Wars saga, appearing as one of the main antagonists in the original trilogy and as the main protagonist in the prequel trilogy....
appears. It is also played for the arrival of Emperor Palpatine
Palpatine
Palpatine is a fictional character and the main antagonist of the Star Wars saga, portrayed by Ian McDiarmid in the feature films.Palpatine first appeared as the unnamed Emperor of the Galactic Empire in the 1980 film Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back...
on the Death Star
Death Star
The Death Star is a fictional moon-sized space station and superweapon appearing in the Star Wars movies and expanded universe. It is capable of destroying a planet with a single destructive super charged energy beam.-Origin and design:...
in Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is a 1983 American epic space opera film directed by Richard Marquand and written by George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan. It is the third film released in the Star Wars saga, and the sixth in terms of the series' internal chronology...
, though it does segue
Segue
A segue is a smooth transition from one topic or section to the next.-In music:In music, segue is a direction to the performer. It means continue without a pause. It comes from the Italian "it follows". The term attacca is also used in classical music.For written music it implies a transition...
into the Emperor's own theme as he appears.
Original Trilogy
"The Imperial March" is first heard in The Empire Strikes BackStar Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner. The screenplay, based on a story by George Lucas, was written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan...
in low piccolo
Piccolo
The piccolo is a half-size flute, and a member of the woodwind family of musical instruments. The piccolo has the same fingerings as its larger sibling, the standard transverse flute, but the sound it produces is an octave higher than written...
s as the Galactic Empire
Galactic Empire (Star Wars)
The Galactic Empire is one of the main factions in the fictional universe of Star Wars. It is a galaxy-spanning regime established by the series' lead villain, Palpatine, to replace the Galactic Republic in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The Galactic Empire is introduced in Star Wars...
sends probe droids across the galaxy
Star Wars Galaxy
Star Wars Galaxy may mean:* Star Wars Galaxies, a Star Wars themed MMORPG platform for Microsoft Windows* Star Wars galaxy, the fictional galaxy where the setting of the Star Wars saga occurs...
in search of Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the original film trilogy of the Star Wars franchise, where he is portrayed by Mark Hamill. He is introduced in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, in which he is forced to leave home, and finds himself apprenticed to the Jedi master...
. Its major opening occurs as Star Destroyer
Star Destroyer
Star Destroyers are capital ships in the fictional Star Wars universe. The Imperial Star Destroyer, which first appears in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope , is "the signature vessel of the Imperial fleet"...
s amass and Darth Vader is first presented in the film, 18 minutes into the movie. The theme and related motifs are also incorporated into tracks such as "The Battle of Hoth
Hoth
In the fictional universe of Star Wars, Hoth is the sixth planet of a remote system of the same name. It is a terrestrial planet blanketed by snow and ice. Many meteorites from a nearby asteroid belt pelt the planet's surface, making temporary craters in the planet's ever-moving snow drifts. Hoth...
" and "The Asteroid Field". Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is a 1983 American epic space opera film directed by Richard Marquand and written by George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan. It is the third film released in the Star Wars saga, and the sixth in terms of the series' internal chronology...
makes similar use of the theme, though its final statement is significantly different, making quiet use of a harp
Harp
The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
as a redeemed Anakin Skywalker dies in his son's arms.
Prequel Trilogy
"The Imperial March" appears on a few occasions in the prequel trilogy, most often used to hint at Anakin Skywalker's future as Darth VaderDarth Vader
Darth Vader is a central character in the Star Wars saga, appearing as one of the main antagonists in the original trilogy and as the main protagonist in the prequel trilogy....
. An innocent theme for the nine-year-old Anakin in The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the fourth film to be released in the Star Wars saga, as the first of a three-part prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as the first film in the saga in terms...
, is thematically based on "The Imperial March". "The Imperial March" is also heard towards the end, as Yoda acknowledges Anakin as Obi Wan's apprentice in saying "The chosen One, the boy may be. Nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training". In the second prequel, Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is a 2002 American epic space opera film directed by George Lucas and written by Lucas and Jonathan Hales. It is the fifth film to be released in the Star Wars saga and the second in terms of the series' internal chronology...
, "The Imperial March" is sometimes played subtly when an event foreshadows Anakin's future: It is first played when Yoda senses Anakin slaughtering a tribe of Tusken Raiders
Tusken Raiders
Tusken Raiders are fictional creatures in the Star Wars universe. They are characterized as a nomadic warrior race that lives on the planet Tatooine.-Appearances in Star Wars media:...
to avenge his mother's death and later with more force when Anakin tells Padmé Amidala
Padmé Amidala
Padmé Amidala is a fictional character in the Star Wars science fiction franchise. She first appeared on film in the 1999 feature film, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, as the young queen of the planet Naboo. In subsequent prequel trilogy films, Padmé represents Naboo in the Galactic Senate...
what he did. It is played most prominently during the final sequence when clone trooper
Clone trooper
The clone troopers of the Army of the Republic are soldiers in the fictional Star Wars universe, cloned from Jango Fett, a Mandalorian bounty hunter. They first appeared in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and returned in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith where they were played...
s assemble and depart Coruscant
Coruscant
Coruscant is a planet in the fictional Star Wars universe. It first appeared onscreen in the 1997 Special Edition of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, but was first mentioned in Timothy Zahn's 1991 novel Heir to the Empire...
, foreshadowing that they are the predecessors of Imperial stormtrooper
Imperial stormtrooper
The Imperial Stormtroopers are fictional soldiers from George Lucas' Star Wars universe. Stormtroopers are the soldiers of the imperial army under the leadership of the evil Sith Lord and Emperor Palpatine and his commanders, most notably Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin.They are shown in...
s. Although "Across the Stars" is featured most prominently in the film's end credits, several notes from "The Imperial March" are heard beneath it near the end.
In The Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the sixth and final film released in the Star Wars saga and the third in terms of the series' internal chronology....
the piece can be heard for a few seconds in "Battle of the Heroes
Battle of the Heroes
"Battle of the Heroes" is a musical theme from the movie Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It was written by John Williams for the duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi on the volcanic planet Mustafar...
" during the scene when Obi Wan and Anakin clash with their force powers.
Star Wars The Clone Wars
"The Imperial March" has influence in short but dark moments revolving around Anakin. For example, in episode 62 Citadel Rescue, Anakin and Captain Wilhuff Tarkin both mentioned during their escape their good relationship with the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin shakes hands with Tarkin at the end of the episode, while Tarkin said he would inform the Chancellor of Anakin's good performance. During that handshake, a hint is to be heard in the music referring to "The Imperial March".Use in Modern Politics
Outside of the Star Wars films, the march is often used as a musical illustration for various totalitarianTotalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible...
or authoritarian
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a form of social organization characterized by submission to authority. It is usually opposed to individualism and democracy...
political and religious figures. The music was used by radio show host Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III is an American radio talk show host, conservative political commentator, and an opinion leader in American conservatism. He hosts The Rush Limbaugh Show which is aired throughout the U.S. on Premiere Radio Networks and is the highest-rated talk-radio program in the United...
as the theme for his Gorbasm updates concerning the activities of then-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
, both while he was President and after.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is an American political satirist, writer, television host, actor, media critic and stand-up comedian...
, on The Daily Show
The Daily Show
The Daily Show , is an American late night satirical television program airing each Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central. The half-hour long show premiered on July 21, 1996, and was hosted by Craig Kilborn until December 1998...
in January 2009 began associating "The Imperial March" with former Vice President Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney
Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush....
after his appearance at President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
's inauguration in a wheelchair. This theme was carried across several episodes in the week following the Inauguration.
In 2007, the Band of the Welsh Guards
Welsh Guards
The Welsh Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Guards Division.-Creation :The Welsh Guards came into existence on 26 February 1915 by Royal Warrant of His Majesty King George V in order to include Wales in the national component to the Foot Guards, "..though the order...
notoriously played the Imperial March to greet Saudi Arabian King Abdullah
King Abdullah
-Current monarchs:*Abdullah of Saudi Arabia , regent of Saudi Arabia since 1999 and king since 2005*Abdullah II of Jordan , king of Jordan since 1999-Previous monarchs:*Abdullah I of Jordan , king of Transjordan...
when he visited the United Kingdom on a controversial state visit.
Uses in TV and Radio
The Imperial March was used as thematic background music for the announcement of the "Creep of the Week" on Dave DameshekDave Dameshek
Dr. William "Funny" David Dameshek is an American television writer and radio personality. Dameshek is currently a football analyst and writer for NFL.com, appearing on NFL Fantasy Live and hosting the Dave Dameshek Football Podcast.- Early life :Dameshek received his undergraduate degree in...
's Jerk Report during the 2006 season of the Adam Carolla Show.
An elevator music
Elevator music
Elevator music refers to instrumental arrangements of popular music designed for playing in shopping malls, grocery stores, department stores, telephone systems , cruise ships, airports, doctors' and dentists' offices, and elevators...
version appears in the Family Guy
Family Guy
Family Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
episode "Blue Harvest
Blue Harvest (Family Guy)
"Blue Harvest" is the hour-long premiere to the sixth season of the FOX series Family Guy and the first part of the series' trilogy Laugh It Up, Fuzzball. It originally aired on September 23, 2007. The episode is a retelling and parody of the 1977 blockbuster film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New...
", when Peter Griffin
Peter Griffin
Peter Griffin is a fictional character and the protagonist of the animated comedy series Family Guy and the patriarch of the Griffin family. He is voiced by cartoonist Seth MacFarlane and first appeared on television, along with the rest of the family in the 15-minute short on December 20, 1998....
(as Han Solo
Han Solo
Han Solo is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise played by Harrison Ford. Introduced in the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope , Solo and his Wookiee co-pilot, Chewbacca , become involved in the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire...
) and Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin is a character from the animated television series Family Guy. He is the son and middle child of Peter and Lois Griffin, brother of Stewie and Meg Griffin. Chris is voiced by Seth Green.-Personality:...
(as Luke Skywalker) escort Brian Griffin
Brian Griffin
Brian Griffin is a character from the animated television series Family Guy. He is voiced by Seth MacFarlane and first appeared on television, along with the rest of the family, in a 15-minute short on December 20, 1998. Brian was created and designed by MacFarlane himself...
(as Chewbacca
Chewbacca
Chewbacca, also known as Chewie, is a character in the Star Wars franchise, portrayed by Peter Mayhew. In the series' narrative chronology, he appears in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi...
) dressed as Imperial stormtroopers. It acts as the Death Star's elevator's background song. The episode is a spoof of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
, in which "The Imperial March" is not used.
In The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
episode "Gump Roast
Gump Roast
"Gump Roast" is the seventeenth episode of The Simpsons’ thirteenth season. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 21, 2002. In the episode, Homer Simpson is honored by the townspeople at a Friars' Club Roast, until it is interrupted by Kang and Kodos.The episode was...
", Montgomery Burns
Montgomery Burns
Charles Montgomery "Monty" Burns, usually referred to as Mr. Burns, is a recurring fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons, who is voiced by Harry Shearer and previously Christopher Collins. Burns is the evil owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and is Homer...
steps toward a lectern and "The Imperial March" plays. Other episodes also use "The Imperial March" as Mr. Burns appears (for example, "A Star Is Burns
A Star is Burns
"A Star Is Burns" is the eighteenth episode of The Simpsons sixth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 5, 1995. In the episode, Springfield decides to hold a film festival, and famed critic Jay Sherman is invited to be a judge...
").
In The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, both of whom serve as executive producers on the show, along with Steven Molaro. All three also serve as head writers...
at the very beginning of the episode The Excelsior Acquisition, Raj plays this theme from his speaker shirt while walking into the comic book store in order to show that he is "awesome and to be feared."
On the soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
of the Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a multimedia project created by Lucasfilm Ltd. in 1996. The original idea was to create an interquel, a story set between the movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi , and to explore all commercial possibilities of a full motion picture release,...
saga, "Night Skies" features a slow, melodic sample of "The Imperial March", designed to reflect the thoughts of Darth Vader, who believes that his son, Luke Skywalker is on Coruscant and attempts telepathic
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
contact with him. The main theme plays twice in the track.
The Imperial March was used in a popular television commercial "The Force" for the Volkswagen Passat, first aired during the 2011 Super Bowl. The spot features a pint-sized Darth Vader who uses the Force when he discovers his father's Passat in the driveway.
The Imperial March is also used in Condorilla which is an Original Bombo Radyo Radio Drama. It is the opening themesong for Condorilla. Bombo Radyo is a radio station in the Philippines and is the creator of Condorilla.
In the Chuck
Chuck
-Engineering:* Chuck , a clamp that is part of a machine tool or power tool and securely holds a removable part, either a workpiece or a tool -People:* Charles, a masculine given name...
episode "Chuck Versus the Last Details
Chuck Versus the Last Details
"Chuck Versus the Last Details" is the 23rd episode of the fourth season of Chuck, and the 77th overall episode of the series. The episode was written by Henry Alonso Myers and Kristin Newman, and directed by Peter Lauer...
", Chuck hums the tune to Morgan to calm his nerves and inspire him as he impersonates a Italian arms dealer at a meeting with Vivian Volkoff. The actual theme is played as Morgan enters the meeting.
Before being replaced with a new theme around mid-2010, "The Imperial March" was the opening theme song (played at the "top of the hour") for The Alex Jones Show. While the theme played, an announcement then followed:
"Big Brother, mainstream media, government cover-ups. You want answers? Well so does he. He's Alex Jones...on the GCN Radio Network. And now, live from Austin, Texas...Alex Jones."
Parts of this theme is still played in the aforementioned The Alex Jones Show at the "top of the hour" and after returning from commercial breaks.
Uses in Sport
The music has been used as emblematic of sporting rivalriesSports rivalry
A sports rivalry is intense competition between athletic teams or athletes. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans. The intensity of the rivalry varies from a friendly competition on one end to serious violence on the...
. Numerous high school and college marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
s have taken to playing the march during football games, particularly when a home team's defense is on the field or has made a big play. The first regular use of "The Imperial March" was in the 1980s, when John Thompson
John Thompson (basketball)
John R. Thompson, Jr. is an American former basketball coach for the Georgetown University Hoyas. He is now a professional radio and TV sports commentator...
led the Georgetown Hoyas
Georgetown Hoyas
Georgetown's nickname is The Hoyas, but its mascot is "Jack the Bulldog." Various breeds of dogs have been used by the sports teams as mascots since the early 1900s. Several notable bull terriers like Sergeant Stubby and "Hoya" were used at football games in the 1920s, as was a Great Dane in the...
men's basketball team onto the floor with "The Imperial March" being played by the Georgetown band, perpetuating the sullen, intimidating persona of the Hoyas.
In January 2003, during Super Bowl XXXVII
Super Bowl XXXVII
Super Bowl XXXVII was an American football game played on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 2002 regular season...
, ABC Sports
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
took to using "The Imperial March" as a leitmotif for the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Three-time and current World Professional Darts Champion
PDC World Darts Championship
The PDC World Darts Championship is a world championship competition for the sport of darts, organised by the Professional Darts Corporation . It was introduced following a dispute in 1994 with the British Darts Organisation, which has run its own world championship since 1978...
John Part
John Part
John Part is a Canadian professional darts player, who is nicknamed Darth Maple.Part is one of only five players in darts history to be a three time World Champion...
uses the theme as entrance for his matches. The Miami Hurricanes football program
Miami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
uses the Imperial March during games as part of its "evil empire
Evil empire
The phrase evil empire was applied to the Soviet Union especially by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who took an aggressive, hard-line stance that favored matching and exceeding the Soviet Union's strategic and global military capabilities, in calling for a rollback strategy that would, in his words,...
" persona.
In 2007 US Open tournament final, "The Imperial March" was played as Roger Federer
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player who held the ATP no. 1 position for a record 237 consecutive weeks, and 285 weeks overall. As of 28 November 2011, he is ranked World No. 3 by the Association of Tennis Professionals . Federer has won a men's record 16 Grand Slam singles titles...
entered the stadium. This was done presumably because of the black outfit Federer wore at that tournament. Its use was repeated for his entrance in the 2009 final, when Federer again wore all black.
During New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
games at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, when the visiting team's lineup is announced, "The Imperial March" plays in the background. Ever since the Yankees obtained the "Evil Empire" nickname from Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
CEO
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
Larry Lucchino
Larry Lucchino
Lawrence Lucchino, is the current President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and a member of John W...
, this practice has taken on a certain irony to both Yankee fans and their detractors.
Fans and stadium staff of the Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
's Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are a Canadian Football League team based in Regina, Saskatchewan. They were founded in 1910. They play their home games at 2940 10th Avenue in Regina, which has been the team's home base for its entire history, even prior to the construction of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor...
coined the phrase "Evil Empire" to describe the rival Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton Eskimos
The Edmonton Eskimos are a Canadian football team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They currently play in the West Division of the Canadian Football League . Edmonton is currently the third-youngest franchise in the CFL, although there were clubs with the name Edmonton Eskimos as early as 1895...
, playing on their double E logo. The Eskimos staff and fans have embraced the image and play the theme on a regular basis during games. Likewise, the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
used the theme as a leitmotif during their successful years as Stanley Cup champions in the 1980s.
UFC fighter Ryan Bader
Ryan Bader
Ryan DuWayne Bader is an American professional mixed martial artist. He was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir. On December 13, 2008, Bader defeated Vinicius Magalhães to win a contract with the UFC and the title of The Ultimate Fighter...
uses Imperial March (Rage Mix) for his entrance music.
During Lebron James' return to Cleveland on Dec 2, 2010, the Imperial March was played as the Miami Heat team was being announced.
In 2011, New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
pitcher R. A. Dickey
R. A. Dickey
Robert Allen "R. A." Dickey is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets. He was previously with the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers organizations...
uses the march for his entrance music.
During the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
regular season games at the United Center
United Center
The United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, when the opposing team's lineup is announced, "The Imperial March" is played in the background.
Use in Music
Ska punk group No DoubtNo Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
did a live cover of the song for their Live in the Tragic Kingdom
Live in the Tragic Kingdom
-Critical reception:Because Live in the Tragic Kingdom was not one of No Doubt's studio albums, it lacked much attention from critics. However, Tracie Cooper of Allmovie enjoyed the mix of songs between fan favorites, lesser-known songs, and covers. Allmusic gave the album three stars out of five,...
DVD.
Remixed eurodance
Eurodance
Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s or early 1990s primarily in Europe. It combines many elements from House, Techno, Hi-NRG and especially Italo-Disco...
versions of the song have appeared on the Dancemania
Dancemania
Dancemania is a series of remix compilation albums by i-DANCE. The series deals primarily with dance music, especially eurodance. Despite its tracks have been made by various musicians from all over the world mainly from the European continent, the albums have been released exclusively in Japan.The...
series albums, including the 1999 sub-series compilation Dancemania Speed 3
Dancemania Speed
Dancemania Speed is a sub-series of Toshiba EMI's Dancemania compilation series. This series features faster, further remixed versions of recordings from previously released Dancemania albums or faster remixed covers of various famous songs...
.
The progressive metal band Bigelf
Bigelf
Bigelf is a progressive rock/progressive metal band formed in Los Angeles, CA in 1991. They have since released three studio albums.-Biography:...
use it in introduction of their concerts. In addition, their singer, Damon Fox, has a Yoda decal on his keyboard.
The ragga-punk band Skindred
Skindred
Skindred is a Welsh rock band from Newport. The band was formed in 1998 following the disbandment of vocalist Benji Webbe's previous band, Dub War. Skindred's musical style mixes alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and reggae...
uses the Imperial March alongside a basic drum beat as entrance music at their live performances.
The black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
band Immortal
Immortal (band)
Immortal is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1990 by current frontman/guitarist Abbath Doom Occulta and former guitarist Demonaz Doom Occulta...
's song Pure Holocaust from the album of the same name
Pure Holocaust
-Personnel:*Demonaz Doom Occulta – guitars*Abbath Doom Occulta – bass, drums, vocals*Grim is credited for drums on the album and appears on the cover, however drums were played by Abbath.-External links:* * *...
is said to have been inspired by the Imperial March.
The argentinian band Jauría recorded a version of the song in its self-titled debut album. The song, called "Marcha Imperial", serves as an introduction to the next song, "Guerra de las galaxias" (Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
).
Canadian band Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian alternative rock band. The band is currently composed of Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart. Barenaked Ladies formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, then a suburban municipality outside the City of Toronto...
performed a version of the Imperial March on their Maroon tour, with multi-instrumentalist Kevin Hearn
Kevin Hearn
Kevin Neil Hearn is a Canadian musician who is currently the keyboardist of Barenaked Ladies and his own group, Kevin Hearn and Thin Buckle. He is also a former member of Rheostatics.-Early life:...
singing a set of parody lyrics based on Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' hit song oops I did it again.
The nerdcore rap rock band 2 Skinnee J's
2 Skinnee J's
2 Skinnee J's is the name of a musical band characterized as nerdcore hip hop. The band was founded in 1991 by Special J , Rabbi J-Slim , Joey Viturbo , Sammy B , DJ Casper , and Andy Action . With numerous line-up changes, the band was active through the 1990s until 2003, when they officially...
uses the March as a backing track for their song "Irresistible Force." The band also uses parts of the piece to form the beat of "Friends Don't Let Friends Listen to Rap Metal"
Rapper Ya Boy sampled the song in "16's with me"
The Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band Epica
Epica (band)
Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. They are known for their symphonic sound and the use of female vocals and male growls performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen, respectively. All six members write...
did a live cover of the song which is found on The Classical Conspiracy
The Classical Conspiracy
The Classical Conspiracy is the second live album released by the Dutch symphonic metal band Epica. The recorded live show took part in Miskolc, Hungary on June 14, 2008 in the framework of the Miskolc Opera Festival, where the Swedish symphonic metal band Therion had done a similar show a year...
live album.
Other uses
The song was used in the video game Soul Calibur IV, which features three Star Wars characters (Darth Vader himself, Yoda, and Vader's apprentice Starkiller, the latter from the game Star Wars: The Force UnleashedStar Wars: The Force Unleashed
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a multimedia project developed by LucasArts along with Dark Horse Comics, Lego, Hasbro, and Del Rey Books...
).
In the United States Navy's Recruit Training Command (RTC), located in Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois, it is common for Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs) to whistle or hum the Imperial March, usually preceding punishment(Intense physical exercise usually), as a means to intimidate or scare recruits by letting them know that punishment is imminent.