James Gunn has once again proven his distinct creative vision by centering the musical identity of Peacemaker on glam metal, a genre often considered outdated. This unusual artistic choice stands out especially given the series’ release in the mid-2020s, surprising fans with his dedication to this style of music. From classic ’80s hair metal to contemporary glam rock, Gunn’s curation reveals an unwavering passion for the genre, which is at the heart of Peacemaker’s unique soundscape.
James Gunn’s Deep Connection to Glam Metal in Peacemaker
James Gunn’s fondness for glam metal is not a fleeting interest but a long-standing obsession that shapes much of Peacemaker’s musical atmosphere. Unlike most viewers who moved on from the glam rock era by the early ’90s, Gunn has continued to embrace both the classic tracks and lesser-known modern bands that keep the glam metal spirit alive. The show’s soundtrack highlights this blend, mixing vintage tunes with recent contributions, keeping the genre relevant for a new generation.
Born in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the show’s creator grew up during the heyday of glam metal before the advent of grunge altered the musical landscape. Fans might recall monumental names such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam reshaping popular music, but Gunn has persistently delved into bands outside the mainstream, including Danger Danger, Kix, The Quireboys, Dangerous Toys, and Enuff Z’Nuff, to create an authentic glam metal vibe for Peacemaker.
Highlighting Modern Glam Metal Bands Through Peacemaker’s Themes
Gunn’s willingness to spotlight contemporary glam metal is evident in his choice of theme songs, which revive tracks from the 2010s that sound as if they were products of the ’80s. The first season opens with Wig Wam’s “Do Ya Wanna Taste It,” a Norwegian glam metal group whose 2010 song fits perfectly within the retro aesthetic, despite the decades separating its creation from the genre’s golden years.
The music video for “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” reinforces the retro style, appearing as if it were filmed in the mid-1980s, complete with the full glam metal look and attitude, though its production was much more recent. Similarly, Peacemaker’s second season features a theme by Foxy Shazam, another band delivering glam rock music from the same decade, further proving James Gunn’s dedication to uncovering modern iterations of the genre.
Nelson’s Controversial Inclusion in the Peacemaker Finale
Perhaps the most unexpected musical inclusion in Peacemaker is the band Nelson, featured prominently in the finale. Comprising Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, sons of the legendary Ricky Nelson and grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson—figures emblematic of mid-20th century American family entertainment—the band carries a unique legacy. Despite this heritage, Nelson’s music never gained widespread critical acclaim, and the duo was often viewed as an uncool relic, even during their peak.
The writer shares a revealing personal anecdote about Nelson’s reputation: living in a rough neighborhood, when his car tape collection was stolen, the burglars specifically left behind a Nelson tape. This story highlights how Nelson’s music was often disregarded, yet James Gunn’s decision to feature them shows a bold appreciation for overlooked glam metal acts.
Nelson was known more like a boy band cloaked in long hair and guitars, claiming the glam rock label during a time when such a style could still yield significant album sales. Before adopting the Nelson name, Matthew and Gunnar collaborated with Dweezil Zappa on a song called Power Tool, which became the theme for the original Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Even with these credentials, their coolness factor remained low.
James Gunn’s Bold Musical Selections Defy Mainstream Expectations
What sets Gunn apart is his courage to champion artists and songs that mainstream culture has largely forgotten. Instead of featuring Nelson’s most successful hits like
“(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection”
or “After the Rain,” both popular with nostalgic Gen X listeners, Gunn chose “To Get Back to You,” a lesser-known track from a 2010 album that had garnered minimal attention.
The contrast between the millions of streams for Nelson’s biggest songs—15 million and 9 million respectively on Spotify—and the roughly 100,000 plays for “To Get Back to You” illustrates Gunn’s commitment to surfacing hidden gems rather than relying on established hits. This track’s recent increase in streams likely owes much to the exposure from the Peacemaker finale.
Gunn’s consistent support of these acts, some dismissed by many during their prime and still sidelined by modern audiences, enhances his reputation as a curator who values authenticity over trendiness, deepening fans’ appreciation for his musical direction in Peacemaker.
The Enduring Impact of James Gunn’s Musical Choices on Peacemaker
James Gunn’s integration of glam metal into the DNA of Peacemaker does more than define the show’s soundtrack; it revives a once-dominant genre in an age that has largely moved past it. By blending both classic and contemporary elements, Gunn crafts an immersive audio backdrop that enriches the storytelling and connects viewers to a vibrant, if sometimes lost, musical culture.
Furthermore, his selections bring renewed attention to bands like Wig Wam, Foxy Shazam, and Nelson, potentially sparking fresh interest among younger audiences and reaffirming glam metal’s persistent legacy. Gunn’s choices challenge prevailing musical preferences, suggesting that seemingly dated genres can still hold powerful resonance when presented with passion and innovation.
As Peacemaker continues, it will be interesting to see if James Gunn maintains this glam metal focus or expands his soundtrack palette while preserving the show’s distinctive musical character shaped by decades of hard rock history.
