“The Last of Us” pays tribute to Romanian legend Gheorghe Zamfir

The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6 pays tribute to Romanian pan flute musician Gheorghe Zamfir in a moving and culturally significant scene. The scene includes Zamfir’s melancholy theme “The Lonely Shepherd,” which was originally penned by James Last and recorded with the James Last Orchestra in 1977.

A tribute to a legend

This composition, recognized for its ethereal and sorrowful tones, has previously appeared in films such as Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Once Upon a Time in America, and it now provides emotional depth to The Last of Us’ post-apocalyptic story.

Gheorghe Zamfir, born April 6, 1941, in Găești, Romania, is known as the “Master of the Pan Flute.” He transformed the traditional Romanian pan flute, known as the nai, by increasing its range from 20 to 30 pipes, allowing for more melodic expression.

A career worth following

Zamfir, discovered by Swiss ethnomusicologist Marcel Cellier in the 1960s, popularized the pan flute by combining Romanian folk music with classical and commercial influences. His vast career has included collaborations with notable composers such as Ennio Morricone, as well as contributions to various cinema soundtracks. Zamfir’s music has sold over 120 million records worldwide, and it continues to captivate audiences across generations.

By adding “The Lonely Shepherd” into its story, The Last of Us not only deepens the emotional landscape of the series but also celebrates Zamfir’s enduring legacy, introducing new audiences to his extraordinary creativity.

How proud are you?

Text: IBMagazine