John Tesh to Perform 'Roundball Rock' Live at Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game

John Tesh brings the iconic 'Roundball Rock' to a live arena for the first time during the NBA All-Star player introductions in Inglewood.

John Tesh will perform "Roundball Rock" live to introduce the Sunday NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood, California. This appearance marks the first time the musician has played the composition live inside a sports arena, according to a Wednesday announcement from the league. The performance serves as a centerpiece for the weekend's festivities, which will be broadcast to a national audience on both NBC and Peacock. The inclusion of Tesh’s signature track celebrates the NBA All-Star Game's return to NBC after a 24-year hiatus. "Roundball Rock" previously served as the definitive anthem for the network's professional basketball coverage for over a decade, spanning from 1990 through 2002.

Ludacris, a recipient of three Grammy Awards, is scheduled as the headlining act for Saturday night. His performance will take place immediately preceding the All-Star dunk contest. The musical roster for the weekend also includes national anthem performances by two additional Grammy winners. Brandy will sing the U.S. national anthem, while Sarah McLachlan will perform the Canadian national anthem prior to the tip-off of Sunday’s main event. This broadcasting shift is part of a massive 11-year media rights agreement recently established by the league. The live rendition of the theme song is intended to honor the historical connection between the network and the mid-season exhibition.

The NBA confirmed these details while unveiling the full slate of musical talent secured for the multi-day event in California. Before the Sunday showcase, Saturday's programming focuses on high-flying competition and hip-hop. Ludacris will take the stage to set the tone for the dunk contest, one of the league's most anticipated skills competitions. His role as the Saturday headliner adds veteran star power to the weekend's entertainment schedule. Sunday’s pre-game ceremonies will feature a dual-anthem presentation to honor the league's North American presence. With Brandy and Sarah McLachlan handling the vocal duties, the league ensures that every musical contributor for the weekend holds at least one Grammy Award.

Fans can tune in to the Sunday broadcast on NBC or stream the action through the Peacock platform to see Tesh’s arena debut and the subsequent All-Star matchup. The song’s revival coincides with NBC rejoining the league's broadcast lineup during the current season. The 1990-2002 era of NBC basketball is defined by this specific melody, which Tesh famously composed after recording the initial idea on his own answering machine. The Inglewood venue will host the first-ever live orchestral-style delivery of the track in a professional basketball setting. This weekend marks a significant transition in the league's media landscape, utilizing nostalgic branding to anchor its new multi-billion dollar television partnership. Every artist selected for the 2024 festivities brings a history of critical acclaim, ensuring the production value matches the high-stakes environment of the All-Star weekend. The league's Wednesday press release emphasized that these musical selections bridge the gap between the sport's historical legacy and its modern broadcast future.