Spooky ‘Rocky Top’ has a Dark Mode history at Neyland Stadium

A “Rocky Top” remix with echoes that haunt and tension that builds has become synonymous with Tennessee football’s “Dark Mode” alter ego, and this weekend’s game against Kentucky is a reminder of the touching story of family, loss and Vols fandom behind it.

Miles Kredich created “Spooky Rocky Top” in 2022, but the song took on deeper meaning after the 2023 death of his twin brother, Ben Kredich, with whom he shared a lifelong connection to Tennessee and the song.

Miles dreamed up the remix in March 2022 at the NCAA swimming and diving championships while supporting his father, Matt Kredich, the director of swimming and diving at the University of Tennessee.

Get your Tennessee Volunteers gear!

Using the original “Rocky Top” recording by the Osborne Brothers, Miles crafted his slowed-down version with an added viola, violin and mandolin. Tennessee Athletics took notice after Miles posted it online and decided to play it over the Neyland Stadium speakers during the October 2022 “Dark Mode” game against Kentucky.

“I remember growing up wanting to add to the culture at Tennessee through creativity in some way because I saw people like Renaldo Woolridge doing music videos and getting the crowd hyped up that way,” Miles previously told Knox News. “If this can become a staple and something they like to play once a year or twice a year, then I’m honored. I’m honored to be a part of that.”

The song took on added significance for Miles after Ben was hit and killed by an intoxicated driver Aug. 21, 2023. Ben was the only Kredich family member who graduated from UT.

Ben Kredich Act: Family hopes new law will prevent tragedy for other families

Miles previously told Knox News that hearing “Spooky Rocky Top” at Neyland a couple months after the tragedy brought him “pure elation” during an otherwise difficult period and reminded him that he could still experience those moments while “carrying Ben along next to you.”

Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

Get The T: All the news for you about UT in one spot every week

Learn about the latest from the state’s flagship campus. Our weekly email newsletter is tailored for alums, UT staffers, students, parents and community members.

Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at subscribe.knoxnews.com

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Spooky ‘Rocky Top’ has a Dark Mode history at Neyland Stadium

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.