"Kon-Tiki" is an instrumental tune by British group the Shadows, released as a single in September 1961. It was the group's fifth hit and their second to top the UK Singles Chart.
Background and release
"Kon-Tiki" was written by Michael Carr, who had previously written "Man of Mystery" for the group. It refers to the raft used by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl on his 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition. It was released with the B-side "36-24-36", which was written by the four Shadows members.
Track listing
7": Columbia / DB 4698
"Kon-Tiki" – 1:51
"36-24-36" – 1:42
Personnel
Hank Marvin – electric lead guitar
Bruce Welch – acoustic rhythm guitar
Jet Harris – electric bass guitar
Tony Meehan – drums
Charts
References
1961 singles
UK Singles Chart number-one singles
Songs with music by Michael Carr (composer) Rock instrumentals 1961 songs Song recordings produced by Norrie Paramor Columbia Graphophone Company singles The Shadows songs 1960s instrumentals Thor Heyerdahl