Where did you go? Harold Faltermeyer
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Do you remember Axel F? Du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du. The great/annoying theme song from Beverly Hills Cop? Harold Faltermeyer did that amazing bit of music back in 1984, the year of Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, Karate Kid, Police Academy and Romancing the Stone. Also the year of my 7th birthday but enough about me, what about Harold? He went on to be a big star in Hollywood, making scores for Top Gun in 1986, Beverly Hills Cop 2, and The Running Man in 1987, Tango & Cash in 1989. Then the 90s came and Harold Faltermeyer disappeared from the fame and glory of Hollywood composer rockstardom. He didn’t completely disappear of course, he made the score to Asterix in America and White Magic in 1994, made music to the videogame Jack Orlando in 1997 and then a few straight-to-video releases in 2001, 2003 and 2004. Harold Faltermeyer won 2 Grammy awards. The first in 1986 for Best Album (Beverly Hills Cop) and in 1987 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (Top Gun).
I just recently got hold of the promo score for Top Gun, and it really brings back great memories. I just love the Top Gun theme and its light electric drums. Something happened to him after Tango & Cash in 1989, or maybe it was just his time to leave it to other more modern composers. The 80s was a time of synthesizers and Harold Faltermeyer was the king. He worked with hot 80s performers like Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, Barbra Streisand, Glenn Frey, Blondie, Laura Branigan, Jennifer Rush, Cheap Trick, Bob Seger and Pet Shop Boys. I wonder what he could have done today for the big movies. Can you imagine him scoring Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End? Axel F (Jack Sparrow Remix)? That’s another thing. It’s a real shame the way Axel F has been dragged through the mud by various bands, including a frog. Leave Harold alone!
Here is Harold Faltermeyer in his own words on what happened after Tango & Cash:
“After Tango & Cash I made a decision to go back and raise my children in Germany, where I was born”
Fair enough, now at least we now, but I have some good news! It seems like he is planning a comeback! He has already made a score for the computer game Two Worlds, and I’m sure there will be movies coming. Wouldn’t that be amazing? It’s bigger than Kylie Minogue’s comeback if it happens.
In the words of Alex Foley:
City Deposit Guard: Hey I can’t let you in without authorization
[Axel and Bill pull their guns]
Axel Foley, Billy Rosewood: AUTHORIZED!
How could I forget Fletch? Thanks Fletch 
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Comments
I’m thinking Harold made a TON from that retarded frog, so he probably doesn’t mind too much.
Speaking of synth-scores, what do you think of the one from that inspires my nom de plume? It’s obviously a classic in my mind. 
Descartes: Aah good old Jerry, he went before his time. Love the soundtrack to both Star Trek and Star Wars.
Fletch: Hehe I love it, the beginning almost sounds like Axel F. Can’t believe I forgot that. Added a youtube video as a bonus
Ah, Harold Faltermeyer. One of my favorite products of the 80s. Thanks for the reminder. And for getting Axle F stuck in my head as I’m about to try to go to sleep.
I think “AUTHORIZED!” had to mark the pinnacle of Judge Reinhold’s career.
No problem! Actually I have The Running Man theme in my head now for some reason.
Judge will always have “AUTORIZED!”. Aah, great memories.
Excellent! Thanks for adding that. Puts a smile on my face every time. I actually wasn’t positive that he did the Fletch theme, but was pretty sure, considering how similar they are.
Where can one hear that promo score for top gun? I’ve always wanted a copy of the anthem without the guitar work of Steve Stevens.
Saul: Well, if you can’t find it on ebay, you can probably find it on emule or on another p2p network. I’ve had it for years, and I honestly don’t know where I got it from. Got the CD case and cover and everything. Probably got it from the radio station I worked at many years ago. We got sent promos all the time.
I’ve had zero luck searching there over the years. Seeing as its been long out of print, any chance we can talk offline about perhaps making a copy? Let me know what you think, saul@arenamedia.com
Thanks!
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You left off Star Trek and Star Wars! But I will give you credit for The Running Man. I recently saw AVP-R and it had the most disappointing soundtrack.
Where is Jerry Goldsmith when you need him?