Kon-Tiki (song) explained

Kon-Tiki
Cover:	The Shadows Kon-Tiki.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	The Shadows
B-Side:	36-24-36
Recorded:	27 January 1961^[1]
Studio:	EMI Studios, London
Genre:	Instrumental surf
Length:	1:51
Label:	Columbia
Producer:	Norrie Paramor
Prev Title:	The Frightened City
Prev Year:	1961
Next Title:	The Savage
Next Year:	1961

"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.^[2] It was released with the B-side "36-24-36", which was written by the four Shadows members.

Track listing

7": Columbia / DB 4698

1. "Kon-Tiki" – 1:51
2. "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

Chart (1961–62)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)^[3]	4
France^[4]	7
New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)^[5]	5

Notes and References

1. Web site: Koers. Ivo. Instrumentation On Shadows Recordings II: The Primary Singles. 26 November 2021. malcolmcampbell.me.uk. 8.
2. Web site: 2018-06-06. 126. The Shadows - Kon-Tiki (1961). 2021-11-26. Every UK Number 1. en-US.
3. Book: Kent, David. Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. David Kent (historian). Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. . 2005. 0-646-44439-5. Kent Music Report.
4. Hits of the World. Billboard. 12. 3 March 1962. 26 November 2021.
5. Web site: Lever Hit Parade. flavourofnz.co.nz. 2021-11-26.