The instrumental track "Sirius" by The Alan Parsons Project, originally released in 1982, has become synonymous with the Chicago Bulls. It has served as their iconic entrance anthem since 1984. Public address announcer Tommy Edwards first heard the nearly two-minute instrumental, which segues into "Eye in the Sky" on the album, playing in a local movie theater. He immediately recognized its potential and introduced it to the Bulls, who adopted it for their pre-game ceremonies during Michael Jordan's rookie season.

Edwards' innovation in 1984 transformed what were then simple player introductions into a spectacle. Prior to "Sirius," Edwards had experimented with other popular tracks like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and the Miami Vice theme song, but none captured the desired effect. The driving beat and crescendos of "Sirius" proved to be the perfect backdrop. The Bulls, including Michael Jordan, immediately embraced it. This adoption marked a significant shift in in-arena entertainment, setting a new standard for pre-game rituals that emphasized drama and anticipation before tipoff.

"Sirius" became the sonic signature of the Bulls' dynasty in the 1990s. The team secured six NBA championships in eight years during that stretch. Its association with Michael Jordan's unparalleled success elevated the track from a progressive rock instrumental to a cultural phenomenon. The song's impact extended beyond Chicago, with other NBA teams like the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs adopting it in the 1990s. Those clubs hoped to capture some of the Bulls' championship aura through the same pre-game pump.

Alan Parsons himself was initially unaware of the song's widespread use by the Bulls. He only learned about its prominence as it gained popularity. Despite the song's massive exposure, Parsons received minimal financial benefit from its stadium play due to blanket licensing agreements in professional sports that favor organizations over artists. He did receive substantial payment when "Sirius" was featured prominently in the 2020 documentary series The Last Dance, chronicling Jordan's final championship run with the Bulls.

The legacy of "Sirius" continues to resonate, transcending its basketball origins. Most recently, the track was used as the theme song for the national team entrances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This demonstrated its enduring power to evoke anticipation and grandeur on a global stage. For the Bulls, the anthem remains a direct link to their greatest eras. It perfectly complements the tension of a raucous United Center crowd waiting for the starting five to burst through the tunnel.

Even in today's NBA, where elaborate pre-game productions and player-specific walk-up songs have become the norm, "Sirius" stands apart. It captures a collective team identity rather than individual spotlight moments. Michael Jordan and his teammates created an aura of inevitability in the 1990s, and that instrumental intro helped sell the idea that the Bulls were always one step ahead. The song's crescendos mirror the building pressure of a playoff series, making it more than entrance music. It is a psychological edge that reinforced Chicago's home-court dominance across six title runs.