Wolfgang Van Halen , frontman of the band Mammoth WVH , gave details in an interview with Billboard about how he received the invitation to play on "I'm Just Ken," the soundtrack for the supporting character in the Barbie .
Initially, Wolfgang was at a Taylor Hawkins tribute organized by the Foo Fighters in 2022. It was there that the musician first met producer Mark Ronson at the event in London. And that's how he received the invitation to participate in the track, which later became one of the most played songs in the world after its release.
The Mammoth WVH frontman spoke about his first encounter with Ronson (via Billboard ): “Mark and I hit it off. He reached out and hit me off, and it was a really good moment. I spent two days in his studio and we just played around with ideas. Ronson, and his songwriting partner, Andrew , are such wonderful and amazing guys at what they do, it was an honor to see how they work.”
In addition to Wolfgang, guitarist Slash is also featured on the song, along with Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese and Jellyfish Roger Manning . Ryan Gosling and Andrew Watt.
Wolfgang Van Halen in the world of film
The musician performed alongside Slash and Ryan Gosling at the 96th Academy Awards . On his Instagram, he offered a brief thank you to Ronson: “Thank you so much, Mark, for this unique opportunity to be on the Barbie , as well as for last night’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars . Honored to have played a small part in something so incredible.”
When asked if he would like to be part of more projects like this, Wolfgang commented (via Billboard ): “For Mark and Andrew to bring me in on this, just to play a little guitar in the film, was truly wonderful. I would love to do something like this again, especially with these guys. They are wonderful and incredibly talented guys. Everyone in the film, the entire production, deserves all the praise they receive. It’s really exciting.”
Wolfgang Van Halen says he is very focused and motivated on building the Mammoth, but that he will not waste opportunities like this, and that he can make room for this type of project.
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