Instrumental number ones

In spite of the fact that two instrumentals topped the UK charts in 1972 (see above), instrumental number ones are rare beasts. Of the 1,200 chart toppers in the UK since 1952, only 25 are without lyrics. Cliff Richard’s former backing band The Shadows are kings of the instrumental, having reached number one five times. Here are ten of the best-known instrumental No 1s: O Mein Papa Eddie Calvert (1954)

Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White) separately for

Perez Prado and Eddie Calvert (1955) Apache The Shadows (1960) Telstar The Tornados (1962) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Hugo Montenegro (1968) Albatross Fleetwood Mac (1969) Eye Level Simon Park Orchestra (1973) Doop Doop (1994) Flat Beat Mr Oizo (1999) Animals Martin Garrix (2013)