Bundle Drum Sheet & Drumless – Limahl – The NeverEnding Story

“Never Ending Story” by Limahl is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s—a shimmering pop anthem born from cinema and sculpted into a timeless hit. Released in 1984 as the theme song for Wolfgang Petersen’s fantasy film The NeverEnding Story, it was composed by the legendary Giorgio Moroder, with lyrics by Keith Forsey. For fans of the drums, this track offers an irresistible groove—an electronic beat that pulses with both precision and warmth, creating a hypnotic rhythm that perfectly balances Limahl’s ethereal voice.

The song’s origin lies in Moroder’s fascination with blending cinematic grandeur and pop accessibility. Fresh off his success producing for artists like Donna Summer and Blondie, Moroder was tasked with crafting a theme that captured both the magic and melancholy of the film. He composed the melody using synthesizers and drum machines, primarily the LinnDrum, which was state-of-the-art technology at the time. The song’s rhythm—steady yet danceable—anchors the swirling layers of synthesizers, orchestral strings, and Limahl’s soaring vocals. The percussive feel is distinctly ‘80s, with its tight snare sound and steady kick that gives the track a driving, dreamlike propulsion.

Limahl, formerly of the band Kajagoogoo, was chosen to sing the English version after impressing Moroder with his expressive tone. Interestingly, the song was also recorded in French and German versions, with different vocalists adapting Moroder’s universal melody. Limahl’s version stood out for its blend of charm and otherworldly mood—qualities that made it instantly memorable.

While the song wasn’t performed live by Limahl as frequently as his Kajagoogoo material, it became a centerpiece of his solo shows and television performances during the mid-1980s, often backed by live drummers who recreated that tight electronic pulse with remarkable energy. Decades later, “Never Ending Story” resurfaced in pop culture—most notably in the Netflix series Stranger Things—reintroducing its hypnotic rhythm and glimmering percussion to new generations.

For drum enthusiasts, the song is a masterclass in restraint and texture: every beat is placed with purpose, blending the mechanical precision of electronic drums with a human sense of timing. “Never Ending Story” remains a testament to how rhythm, even when simple, can evoke wonder—and carry listeners through a fantasy that never quite ends.