Film composer Tyler Bates has revealed that Eddie Van Halen was approached to contribute to the John Wick soundtrack near the end of his life. He declined the opportunity due to his declining interest in playing guitar, as reported by Screen Rant.
Bates shared details about his personal interaction with the legendary guitarist and the circumstances surrounding the missed collaboration.
“At one point, we almost had Eddie Van Halen play on the John Wick theme toward the end of his life,” Bates said. “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.”
The composer went on to describe Van Halen’s reluctance to play during that period.
“He said he hadn’t played for quite a while,” Bates continued. “We spoke on the phone a couple of times after he split. Anyway, he called me a number of times. 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.’ He really appreciated that.”
This missed collaboration represents just one of many potential projects that never came to fruition during Van Halen’s final years. The legendary guitarist battled health issues that significantly impacted his creative output.
Guitar World reported that Bates noted their conversations focused primarily on their respective health struggles after their initial meeting. This suggested a personal connection that went beyond music. The composer revealed that Van Halen’s reluctance to play wasn’t just about the John Wick project. It reflected a broader withdrawal from musical activities during his declining health.
Van Halen had previously contributed to several film soundtracks throughout his career, though this collaboration never materialized. Guitar Player noted that the guitarist had lent his talents to movies including the 1984 coming-of-age drama “The Wild Life” and the 1994 disaster film “Twister.” This showcased his diverse soundtrack legacy beyond Van Halen’s studio albums.
The John Wick franchise has become known for its distinctive musical approach. It blends electronic and rock elements to create an intense atmosphere that complements the action sequences. Screen Rant indicated that Bates’ invitation to Van Halen reflected the composer’s desire to incorporate legendary rock elements into the film’s already electrifying score. This would have marked a significant addition to the franchise’s musical identity.
The revelation provides a poignant glimpse into Van Halen’s final years before his death in October 2020. It highlights how his health battles ultimately prevented him from participating in new creative projects that might have added another memorable chapter to his legendary career.
