Information for Tubular Bells - 50 Years Anniversary Tour at Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford (Concert). Tubular Bells, created in 1971 and released in 1973, was the debut studio album by English multi-instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter Mike Oldfield. At just 17 years old when he started composing the music, Oldfield recorded and played almost all the instruments on the album, gained worldwide recognition when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film, The Exorcist and went on to become the highest selling instrumental album of all time. A celebration of Mike Oldfield's greatest hits. Tubular Bells maestro Phil Toms and his 10 piece band perform note for note music from the legendary 1973 album which launched Virgin records. Additional highlights include Moonlight Shadow, To France and selections from Oldfield's instrumental albums including Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn, Return to Ommadawn, The Songs of Distant Earth and Tubular Bells 2.