Why John Carpenter Wrote Theme Song For Foo Fighters Horror Movie

Studio 666 star Dave Grohl reveals why John Carpenter wrote the theme song and made a cameo in the Foo Fighters’ horror-comedy movie. The film centers on the celebrated rock band as they move into a mansion in Encino, California with a dark, Satanic past to record their long-awaited 10th album. However, shortly after moving in, Grohl finds himself the target of the supernatural forces residing in the house that threatens both the album and his bandmates’ lives.

Alongside Foo Fighters members Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflet and Rami Jaffee, the cast for Studio 666 includes Lionel Richie as himself, Marti Matulis, Jason Trost, Whitney Cummings, Will Forte, Jeff Garlin, Leslie Grossman, Kerry King and Jenna Ortega. Development on the horror-comedy was first announced in late 2021 when it was revealed it had been short in secret with Hatchet III‘s BJ McDonnell at the helm with a script from Pet Sematary‘s Jeff Buhler and Rebecca Hughes based on a story concept developed by Grohl himself. Studio 666 is gearing up to hit theaters this week and those behind the film are offering some insight for its unique Easter eggs.

In anticipation of the film’s release, Dave Grohl caught up with Bloody Disgusting to discuss Studio 666. When asked about John Carpenter’s involvement in the film writing its theme song and making a cameo appearance, the Foo Fighters frontman recalled the story of how his lighting designer convinced him to email the filmmaker and the sweet reason Carpenter leapt at the opportunity to help. See what Grohl shared below:

“When we told our road crew that we were making a horror film, our lighting designer, Dan Hadley, said, ‘Oh my God, I know John Carpenter. I went on the road and did lights for him when he was performing his music for live audiences. You should email him and see if he’ll make a cameo.’ I’m like, ‘There’s no f-ck-ng way John Carpenter’s going to in our silly little horror film.’ He said, ‘You should try him.’ I’m like, So, I f-ck-ng emailed John Carpenter, ‘Hi. My name’s Dave; I’m in a rock band called Foo Fighters. We’re making a horror film, and we have a mutual friend, Dan Hadley. Want to make a cameo in our movie?’ He emailed back and said, ‘Fifteen years ago, Foo Fighters took my son’s band on tour. You treated him so well on the road. Not only will I be in your movie, but I’ll write the theme song.‘

Look, when we first heard the theme song, when he and Daniel [Davies] recorded the song, and they sent it to us, everyone got the chills. Everyone practically had tears in their eyes, and we looked at each other and said, ‘How on earth could we be so lucky to have such an incredible experience?’ It blew everybody’s f-ck-ng minds. Yes, we had a great day on set. It was awesome. He was wonderful. Everyone was in awe. You listen to the music, and you’re like, ‘Okay, there’s a reason why John Carpenter is a legend.’ You just close your eyes, open your ears, listen to that, and you’re like, ‘That’s John Carpenter.‘”

While some may primarily know John Carpenter for his work in the director’s chair, the filmmaker has the unique standing as one of the few directors in Hollywood to also compose the score for the score for most of his films. Carpenter is known for having created the iconic Halloween theme song carried over into the various sequels and working with Alan Howarth for a number of his fan-favorite movies, including Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China and They Live. As Carpenter has largely stepped back from the director’s chair over the past decade, he has largely focused on his musical efforts, creating three studio albums entitled Lost Themes while also returning for David Gordon Green’s Halloween trilogy as an executive producer and composer with his son Cody and Daniel Davies.

While Grohl may not have felt his film to be worthy of the legendary horror director’s involvement, it is a sweet story to hear why John Carpenter wrote the theme song and cameoed in Studio 666. Given the close relationship he and his son Cody have in the professional world, also co-composing Blumhouse’s upcoming Firestarter remake, it is charming that the Halloween co-creator would want to pay Grohl and the Foo Fighters back for their good past with the younger Carpenter for the film. The wait for Carpenter’s new theme song and cameo is nearly over as Studio 666 hits theaters on Friday.