1973-1977: Whole Lotta Love & THE Logo

The most iconic TOTP logo was introduced on the 487th edition of the show, on 4th May 1973. While "Whole Lotta Love" by CCS remained the theme tune, a novel circular logo was introduced, designed by Bob Blagden (now a film and television director). Blagden drew inspiration from the 1950s US car lettering of Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Pontiac to create the iconic circular logo. The TOTP logo has endured the test of time and has remained on our screens for nearly five decades. The circular logo was featured at the conclusion of new-style opening titles, which until approximately 1975 commenced with filmed sequences and were subsequently followed by various captions showcasing the numbers 30-1. During this presentation period, the opening titles flipped to include episode performance clips, ladies driving cars, ladies posing in front of arcade games, and a square neon TOTP logo that was never displayed in the studio.

This era of presentation lasted until 1977, when the start of Top of the Pops was opening title-less...

Want to know more about the design process of the iconic opening titles? Check out this article by Ravensbourne University London.