Adam West passed away after a battle with leukemia. He was 88. I fondly remember watching him in the old 1960s Batman series as a child. Oh, how I loved that show. Remember the fight scenes? Klonk! Pow! Bam! Wham! As I got older, I fancied myself too mature for such a silly show, or at least that was my pretense. Only later still did I realize just how brilliant Adam and his cohorts were. They knew exactly what they were doing. They understood camp, Adam especially so. He was a master, toying with the audience. I think it’s rare today. He could thrill the young kids while winking at the old ones. Several months ago, I found then entire series on sale on iTunes. I jumped on it. I had started re-watching and enjoying these episodes with a new eye. Sad news today.
What does this have to do with music? Not a lot. Of course there was that iconic Batman theme. It was written by Neal Hefti, and arranged and recorded by none other than Nelson Riddle. Like the TV series, or perhaps because of the series, the song developed somewhat of a cult status. I’ll leave you with the Smithereens’ Batman cover, recorded live at Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ, January 31, 2008.
Rest in peace Adam West.
More from Variety:
Adam West, TV’s ‘Batman,’ Dies at 88
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