Here’s the scene: it’s 1979, and a 22-year-old Hans Zimmer has just stepped into Ewart Television Studios in Wandsworth, South London for a fleeting cameo in The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”. You’ll spot him behind the synths, but his contribution could have been rather different: frontman Trevor Horn had toyed with getting him to rap on the track. Thankfully for film fans—and perhaps for Zimmer himself—he was destined to spend more time scoring films than spitting bars.
Shot in a single day by director Russell Mulcahy, the video shows Zimmer tapping the keys at around the 2:50 mark. And little did he know that quick cameo would become part of music history: two years later, the clip became the first video ever broadcast on MTV.
These days, Zimmer’s music needs no cameo. From Inception and The Dark Knight to Interstellar and Gladiator, his scores take centre stage at a Hans Zimmer strings tribute concert coming to Central Hall Westminster this October.
28 November 2026 21:00 + more dates
Central Hall Westminster
A Hans Zimmer tribute concert in London
Hans Zimmer may have taken a small role in that Buggles video, but there’s no mistaking whose music is in the spotlight at this tribute concert. This October, his most iconic soundtracks are taking over Central Hall Westminster, where a sweeping domed ceiling and a sea of candles replace the cinema screen.
Performed by City String Ensemble, the programme includes pieces from the film composer’s esteemed catalogue, from “Time” in Inception and “Cornfield Chase” in Interstellar to “This Land” in The Lion King, alongside suites from Gladiator, Dune and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Without the dialogue or on-screen drama, you can follow the music somewhere new—or simply picture your favourite scenes as the strings do their thing.
The concert lasts 60 minutes and runs on selected dates. Seats are assigned on arrival within your chosen ticket zone, so getting there early gives you a better chance of sitting together.
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
28 November 2026 21:00 + more dates
Central Hall Westminster
