The Barbie movie is bigger than anyone expected. The musical collaboration on Ryan Gosling’s ’80s ballad, “I’m Just Ken,” for the upcoming Barbie movie, extends beyond the legendary Slash. In a Warner Bros. released video featuring soundtrack producer Mark Ronson, it’s revealed that musicians Wolfgang Van Halen and Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese also contributed their talents to the memorable and infectious track.
Ronson and co-producer Andrew Wyatt carefully crafted the song to ensure it maintained a sense of earnestness, reflecting Ken’s struggle without veering into the realm of comedy. Gosling’s remarkable emotional delivery took the song to unexpected heights, infusing it with profound sentiment. The inclusion of Slash and Van Halen on guitar, along with the newly-minted Foo Fighters drummer Freese, elevates the music to the level of a genuine song, avoiding any sense of tongue-in-cheek humor and complementing Gosling’s exceptional performance.
According to Entertainment Weekly – In “I’m Just Ken,” Gosling’s Ken sings of the challenges of being overshadowed by Margot Robbie’s Barbie, sharing heartfelt lines like “I’m just Ken, anywhere else I’d be a ten / Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility?” Wolfgang Van Halen expressed his honor at being part of this exciting project through a previous tweet, adding to the anticipation surrounding this music-filled movie.
Wolfgang said: “So here’s some news! I attended the @barbiethemovie premiere last night with my lady because I’m on the score/soundtrack!”
This was huge for the star as he knew, and the producers knew, only he could do it.
He closed his thread: “My buddy @MarkRonson hit me up earlier this year needing my “mammoth guitar sound” and I happily obliged. Honored for the opportunity to contribute some guitar playing throughout this hilarious/surreal/heartfelt movie. Go check it out on July 21st!”
So here’s some news! I attended the @barbiethemovie premiere last night with my lady because I’m on the score/soundtrack! #BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/W2S3HXL3Rs
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) July 10, 2023
