The John Wick franchise is renowned for its eclectic soundtrack that intensifies the movies’ gripping action sequences. Imagine the impact if rock legend Eddie Van Halen had contributed to it before his untimely passing. The late guitarist, known for his incredible talent, was once poised to collaborate with composer Tyler Bates on the score, and this revelation adds a layer of what-could-have-been to the franchise.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Bates shared insights into the potential contributions of Van Halen to the John Wick soundtrack, of which he’s crafted the score for every film in the series. Although the prospect of Van Halen’s involvement was thrilling, the guitarist faced significant health challenges leading up to his death at age 65 in 2020. Bates reflected on his interactions with the legend, emphasizing their connection despite the circumstances.
Tyler Bates: So, at one point we almost had Eddie Van Halen play on the John Wick theme, toward the end of his life. [It was on John Wick 2 or 3.] He came over to my place. It was really sweet of him to come over, and he hung out for a while, but I got the sense he was not in the mindset that he really wanted to do anything. He said he hadn’t played for quite a while. We spoke on the phone a couple of times after he split. I wanted him to touch my guitar, but I didn’t want to say, “Will you touch my guitar?†Anyway, he called me a number of times, and I just said, “Look, Ed, you live 10 minutes from me. If you want to do this, I’ll set up a guitar for you, and if you don’t like what we do, I’ll just destroy it in front of you.†And he really, really appreciated that. And from that point on, the only times we were talking were about his health battles and stuff. I’m imagining he sensed that I’d been through a few things myself, so it was relatable.
What Eddie Van Halen Would Have Brought To The John Wick Soundtrack
Van Halen’s Legendary Guitar Work Would Have Fit In Well On The OST
Recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in rock music history, Eddie Van Halen helped shape hard rock and heavy metal. His music has graced everything from Back to the Future to Minions, demonstrating his vast influence on popular culture beyond just rock ‘n’ roll.
The John Wick soundtracks have played a pivotal role in the franchise’s acclaim, with Bates accentuating the series’ exceptional fight choreography through his choice of music. The soundtracks encompass a blend of rock and dance, creating a vibe that feels both modern and timeless. The unique soundscape underscores the films’ mystique and playful energy.
While Van Halen’s potential contribution to a John Wick sequel was intriguing, he wasn’t the only musical icon linked to the series. Jerry Cantrell, guitarist of Alice in Chains, also performed the closing credits track “A Job to Do†for Chapter 2. This history of legendary collaborations within the series underscores how natural it could have been for someone like Van Halen to make an appearance on the official soundtrack.
Bates Clearly Thought Very Highly Of Van Halen
Tyler Bates’s admiration for Van Halen’s legacy and contributions to rock music reveals how highly he valued the guitarist’s potential input to the John Wick franchise. While it’s heartbreaking that these two exceptional talents never collaborated, it’s essential to recognize the challenges Van Halen faced in his later years.
The final Van Halen album debuted in 2012, yet due to deteriorating health, many of the band’s last tour dates were canceled. It’s touching to know that Van Halen managed to forge a personal connection with Bates, providing a glimpse into his humanity even amidst his struggles.
The thought of what could have been with Eddie Van Halen and the John Wick soundtrack is a poignant reminder of the legends we’ve lost and the music that continues to resonate within film culture. For more insights into film music and iconic artists, explore topics like Oppenheimer, as well as the influence of directors such as Christopher Nolan.