This article'slead sectionmay be too short to adequatelysummarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead toprovide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article.(September 2021)
"Man of Mystery" was written byMichael Carr for the theme tune for thefilm seriesEdgar Wallace Mysteries, based on the books byEdgar Wallace. For the first three series, "Man of Mystery" was a "slow and haunting arrangement featuring flute, accordion and string section". However, from the fourth series, an up-tempobeat version featuring an electric guitar and percussion was used.[3]
The Shadows recorded their version of "Man of Mystery" in October 1960 and it was released as adouble A-sided single with "The Stranger" in November.[4] "Man of Mystery" was released in the US and Canada byAtlantic Records in February 1962, with the flip side "Kon Tiki", which had been released as a single in the UK in September 1961.[5]
Reviewing forDisc,Don Nicholl wrote of "Man of Mystery" that the "melody is forceful without being complicated. The instrumentalists play it with inbuilt excitement that ought to have jukes rattling everywhere". He also described "The Stranger" as "another fairly solid instrumental with a theme that's rather reminiscent of some western tunes which have gone before".[6]
In 1981, English producerNigel Wright, as Mojo, sampled the song on his Shadows medley single "Dance On", which peaked at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart.[12]
In 1994, Danish singerTommy Seebach, as Seebach Band, covered the song on his albumInstrumental Megahits 1.[13]
In 2007,Muse released a cover of the song for the CD included with the 13 June edition ofNME magazine. The edition was to promote their Wembley Stadium concerts the same week. The song was recorded remotely using their laptops whilst working overnight on their tour bus.[14]
In 2016, French guitaristNoël Akchoté covered the song on his albumShot Gun – Plays the Shadows.[15]
In 2024, French Gypsy Jazz groupBasilic Swing covered this song on its albumCaravane.[16]
