Everyone knows Hulk Hogan's entrance music, but how many know the fascinating story behind Rick Derringer's "Real American"? With the recent passing of Hulk Hogan, we thought we’d revisit a previous episode and update it with new information. Oh, and also to film the whole dang thing as we weren’t doing that back then.
So, this week we’re exploring the unlikely journey of a song that became one of wrestling's most iconic themes, examining its cultural impact, political appropriation, and the complex legacy of both its creator and, in some ways, Hulk Hogan too.
From Rick Derringer's impressive musical pedigree (The McCoys, collaborations with Steely Dan, producing Weird Al) to the song's evolution from US Express theme to Hogan's signature tune, we unpack how a piece of 1980s excess became a cultural touchstone - and political football.
We also talk about Rick Derringer's extensive musical career and connections, the origins and evolution of "Real American"; WWE's "Rock and Wrestling Connection" era in the mid to late 80s; the song's political appropriation across decades; Hulk Hogan's controversial legacy and recent passing; the music video's gloriously over-the-top 80s aesthetic and more.
Let’s fight for the right of every man. Or everyone, depending on the version you prefer.
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction and Hulk Hogan's recent cultural relevance
01:30 - Rick Derringer's impressive musical CV and career highlights
03:00 - The creation story: "The most patriotic song of all time"
05:30 - Wrestling music history and the Rock and Wrestling Connection
12:00 - How "Real American" became Hogan's theme (it wasn't originally!)
15:00 - Hulk Hogan's controversial legacy and recent scandals
18:00 - The Wrestling Album and WWE's musical ambitions
22:30 - The song's political life and cultural appropriation
28:00 - Iron Sheik's legendary Twitter feuds with Hogan
31:40 - Rick Derringer's own political evolution and re-recording
36:30 - The gloriously cheesy music video breakdown
41:00 - Why this song represents the 1980s perfectly
44:00 - Final thoughts on Hogan's impact and the song's enduring legacy
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