The theme tune composed by German-born Last, 'Jägerlatein', means "hunter's yarn" in German and has been associated with the RTE show since its inception in 1979 with the exception of a brief hiatus between the period of 2004-2008 where viewers complained to RTE about the theme tune's replacement.

James Last recorded 20 albums and sold 80 million records worldwide. In a statement last night his manager said “We bid farewell to the man, friend and visionary, who by his impressive strength and openness, his professionalism, modesty and love of life served as a role model and as an inspiration for many generations worldwide.”