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My father, Peter Thomas, not only shaped countless film and television productions with his music, but also composed for commercials.
A fine example of this is the commercial for the Audi 80:
“The Audi 80 … its typical features are the twin headlights, the dipped beam … designed and built for a modern audience and for international markets.
The Audi 80 – the new performance class.”
The accompanying music, JET SET LADY, was composed by Peter Thomas – dynamic, modern, yet timeless. It perfectly underscores the character of the Audi 80, which at the time set new standards as a groundbreaking model.
With this commercial, I would like to preserve a small piece of advertising and music history and show the versatility of my father’s work.
The track was recently released on the album FULL SPEED I.
Here’s the link to the clip.
…and here’s the link to the album
Sixties Vibes & Iconic Ad Tracks!
Did you know that Peter Thomas didn’t just compose for film and TV, but also created music for commercials?
In 1966, he gave the ARAL TV spot his signature sound – unmistakable and full of energy. The campaign came with this catchy slogan:
“Progress with ARAL – ARAL, always a smart choice.”
High-quality fuels, top-level scientists, and a tune that sticks with you – pure 60s energy!
Peter Thomas & the Discovery of Abi & Esther Ofarim
Did you know that Peter Thomas was one of the first to discover Abi & Esther Ofarim and played a key role in shaping their early careers? One striking example is the 1965 song “Schatz, geh’ nach Haus” (“Darling, Go Home”) – a darkly ironic and macabre piece that caused quite a stir at the time.
The story? A woman ignores her husband’s suffering and death so she can keep on dancing. Only when she learns that her now-deceased husband has left her an inheritance does she rush home – to mourn him “from the bottom of her heart.”
The twist was so provocative that lyricist Gil Francropulos (a pseudonym for Cordy Thomas) was even accused of encouraging husbands to be murdered!
This track was also interpreted by Olli Dittrich. Why not give it a try?
Composing by Chance – A Musical Experiment at RIAS
In the late 1950s, RIAS (Radio in the American Sector), based in Berlin, launched an extraordinary musical experiment: well-known public figures were invited to take on the unusual challenge of composing a melody using nothing but dice.
The idea came from two young composers – one of them Peter Thomas, who would later become a cult film composer, and the other Klaus Wüsthoff. Each roll of the dice corresponded to a musical note, leaving the creative process entirely up to chance. In the end, a jury selected the most successful composition.
A playful journey into the world of music – where luck, coincidence, and true creativity collide.
And a little more family…
The next generation – with his grandchildren Thibaud & Tiano at the Zurich Film Festival.
Composing by Chance – A Musical Experiment at RIAS!
In the late 1950s, RIAS (Radio in the American Sector) Berlin launched an extraordinary musical experiment: well-known public figures were invited to take on the unusual challenge of composing a melody using nothing but dice!
The idea came from two young composers – one of them was Peter Thomas, who would later gain cult status as a film composer, and the other was Klaus Wüsthoff. Each number on the dice corresponded to a musical note, leaving the creative process entirely to chance. In the end, a jury selected the most successful composition.
A playful journey into the world of music – where luck, randomness, and real creativity come together!
There’s a story my father always loved to tell:
“Tarantino called me one day and said he needed music for his friend George. At first, I thought he was doing campaign work for George Bush. But he said, ‘No, for George Clooney. He doesn’t know much about music, but he’s my best friend – and I told him, he should use your music. Can you take a listen?’
So he played me five tracks – all from Edgar Wallace films, different ones. I asked, ‘Are you planning to re-record them?’
‘No! No new recordings! We’re using them exactly as they are!’
And that’s how a full twenty-minute sequence in the film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind ended up featuring three of my tracks – all from The Traitor’s Gate.”
DER GROSSE PREIS – the iconic theme music of the legendary German quiz show of the same name, hosted by Wim Thoelke, shaped an entire generation. Airing from 1974 to 1992, its unmistakable sound remains a cherished piece of television history.
Lucas Schwantes has lovingly reimagined this classic in a brand-new clip, bringing back the nostalgic sparkle of a golden TV era.
The original version of the theme was recently re-released by Muzikbeater, making this piece of television history musically accessible once again.
Here’s the clip – a must-see for all fans of retro TV and music nostalgia!
Peter Thomas & Wim Thoelke – “Ich pfeif euch was”
One of the more unusual musical collaborations in Peter Thomas’s diverse body of work is the LP Ich pfeif euch was, created together with beloved TV host Wim Thoelke.
Thoelke, an enthusiastic recorder player, took center stage in this project – full of charm, humor, and playful spirit. The result is a unique time capsule that blends music and personality in a light-hearted way – unmistakably Peter Thomas.
Harald Juhnke and Peter Thomas – A Lifelong Friendship
Harald Juhnke and Peter Thomas shared a close friendship that lasted throughout their lives. They not only collaborated on musical projects but also spent a great deal of time together privately.
Seen here at a “mafia party” at the famous Thomashof near Kitzbühel – as featured in this newspaper clipping.
Harald Juhnke Gets His Place on the Ku’damm!
It’s official: Berlin has decided to name a square at the intersection of Kurfürstendamm and Uhlandstraße after the legendary entertainer. The occasion marks the 20th anniversary of Harald Juhnke’s passing.
In this moment of tribute, I’d like to remember a song that was especially close to his heart: “Ein Mann für alle Fälle” – the anthem of a true Berlin original (music by Peter Thomas, lyrics by Curth Flatow).
Thank you, Harald – for your wit, your depth, and your unforgettable talent.
An unforgettable homage to Peter Thomas by the great Swabian comedian dodokai, who had the German Bundestag sing Raumpatrouille. A true masterpiece and the whole thing in Swabian – especially Mrs. Künast and Mrs. Merkel!

I recently met dodokai for lunch at SCHWARZE CAFE in Berlin. It was cool with him and not only fun, but we also had in-depth conversations.
A very nice tribute to Vater’s RAUMPATROUILLE theme. SCORP6066 has given this song a fresh new feel by combining it with “Lost in Space” recordings. Thibaud Thomas joins his grandfather’s music in the intro and outro. You can hear the love for the main theme, Orion, and for musical perfection in every bar. PLEASE, PLAY OUT LOUD – it`s great cinema. Many thanks, Horst, from the Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra, for this great homage!
We’ll keep you up to date on exciting new projects and upcoming events from Peter Thomas Music.
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