"Axel F" is an electronic instrumental by German musician Harold Faltermeyer. It served as the theme for the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop, starring Eddie Murphy, and became an international number one hit in 1985. The track reached number one in Ireland as well as on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Additionally, it was a number two hit in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and West Germany. Background The title comes from the main character's name in the film, Axel Foley (played by Eddie Murphy). It is composed in the key of F minor. Faltermeyer recorded the song using five instruments: a Roland Jupiter-8 provided the distinctive "supersaw" lead, a Moog modular synthesizer 15 provided the bass, a Roland JX-3P provided chord stab brasses, a Yamaha DX7 was used for the marimba sound, and a LinnDrum was used for drum programming. According to Faltermeyer, the initial reaction to his premiere presentation of the cues to the film's producers and director did not result in an immediate approval; it was not until director Martin Brest voiced his approval that the producers showed enthusiasm. In addition to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, the song also appears on Faltermeyer's 1988 album Harold F. as a bonus track. Reportedly, Faltermeyer was against including it, but MCA insisted as it was his most recognizable track. Music video An unusual music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Faltermeyer. He is featured dressing in an overcoat, hat, and sunglasses. He sneaks into a computer room in the night and watches as he plays the synthesizer while playing some scenes from the film. Personnel Harold Faltermeyer – synthesizers, drum programming Track listings 7" single "Axel F" – 3:00 "Shoot Out" – 2:44 12" maxi "Axel F" (M & M Mix) – 7:00 "Axel F" (Extended Version) – 7:09 "Shoot Out" – 2:44 12" maxi "Axel F" (Extended Version) – 7:09 "Shoot Out" – 2:44 Charts This version of the song reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. It also spent two weeks atop the American adult contemporary chart. Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications and sales Techno Cop version In 1992, German techno group Techno Cop covered the instrumental, whose success modestly ranked to a top 30 success. Compared to the original, this version contains rap passages. Track listing