TheTony Hawkfranchise is more than just great skating.
From greatcameosto iconiclocations, there’s a lot to love about these games. Part of that includes the soundtracks. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 had an excellent combination of original tracks, such as Goldfinger’s “Superman” and Powerman 5000’s “When Worlds Collide.”
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There were also fantastic new additions that felt like they belonged on the original soundtracks the entire time, like JunkBunny’s “Sedona” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?”
The same applies to the upcomingTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 soundtrack. Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” makes a triumphant return, alongside Del the Funky Homosapien, AFI, and more.
That doesn’t mean every song from the original games will be making a return, and one band is speaking out.
Alien Ant Farm Says That It’s A Bummer They’re Not On The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Soundtrack
Speaking withBBC, the band said that it is indeed a bummer that they weren’t invited or included to be a part of the THPS 3+4 soundtrack.
“We understand that they’re trying to bring some new stuff on to these releases,” said Alien Ant Farm guitarist Terry Corso, “and if you’ve got to make cuts, you’ve got to make cuts, I don’t know why it had to be us, I feel like our song was really good on there and did really well.”
Singert Dryden Mitchell also chimed in: “I kind of get it, that skating feels a little more punk, we’re not a punk band, but I think that’s what makes a cool soundtrack, is being different.”
Best known for covering Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” their song “Wish” felt like an integral part of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 soundtrack. Mitchell is right: they’re not a punk band, but here’s the thing: there are plenty of non-punk bands on these soundtracks. Motörhead, which is in no way, shape, or form punk, is the band that plays on thegame’s debut trailer.
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Tony Hawk himselfsaid that the soundtrack, which also features different songs from the same artists that were in the original games, was his choice. “I’m hoping that discovery is half the fun,” he said, “and a big reason that these soundtracks resonated in the first place. So listen and enjoy the ride. More to come… both old and new.”
One possible reason for Alien Ant Farm’s unfortunate exclusion is licensing issues. Including these songs in the game is not free or cheap, so it’s possible that it played a role. Still, given the band’s disappointment, I’m sure an agreement could have been arranged.
