Which band performs the show's opening theme?

The band that performs The Big Bang Theory’s opening theme is Barenaked Ladies.

The Canadian alternative-rock group recorded the song commonly known as “The History of Everything,” although the commercial single was titled “Big Bang Theory Theme.” Co-creator Chuck Lorre and executive producer Bill Prady approached lead singer Ed Robertson after hearing him improvise a song about the universe at a Los Angeles concert.

Robertson had recently read Simon Singh’s book Big Bang, which helped inspire lyrics covering the formation of the universe, Earth, life, and human history. The full-length version was released commercially in October 2007, while the television opening uses a shorter arrangement.

A common mix-up is confusing the band with the song’s informal title. “History of Everything” is widely used by fans, but Barenaked Ladies is the performing band and “Big Bang Theory Theme” is the single’s listed title.