Which British rock band recorded “Teardrop,” the opening theme used for House M.D.?

Massive Attack recorded “Teardrop,” the song used as the opening theme for House M.D.

“Teardrop” was released by the English trip-hop group Massive Attack in 1998. Its distinctive rhythm and Elizabeth Fraser’s vocals became strongly associated with the show after the song was used in the opening credits of many international broadcasts. The sequence introduced the principal cast over medical imagery and anatomical graphics.

The United States broadcast used a version of the theme associated with Massive Attack, while some markets and later broadcasts used alternative music because of licensing arrangements. This is why viewers in different countries may remember different opening themes or edits.

The song itself predates House M.D. by several years. It appeared on Massive Attack’s album Mezzanine and was not composed specifically for the television series. A frequent mistake is attributing the track to Radiohead or Portishead, artists from adjacent alternative and trip-hop traditions, but the recording is by Massive Attack.