RIP Rick Derringer, The Man Behind Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” and Demolition’s Anthem

The music world, particularly the intersection of rock and professional wrestling, is mourning the loss of Rick Derringer, who passed away Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, at the age of 77, as announced by his caregiver, Tony Wilson. While Derringer's extensive rock history is undeniable, his indelible mark on pro wrestling, particularly through his iconic theme songs, ensures his legacy will resonate with fans for generations.

Derringer's career was a tapestry woven with rock and roll hits. He shot to fame at just 17 with The McCoys and their chart-topping "Hang On Sloopy" in 1965, even knocking The Beatles' "Yesterday" from the top spot. He later found solo success with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," a track that recently enjoyed a resurgence thanks to Stranger Things. Beyond his own hits, Derringer was a sought-after producer and session musician, lending his talents to diverse artists like Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Kiss, and even earning a Grammy for producing "Weird Al" Yankovic's debut album, which included the hit "Eat It."

However, for many of us, Rick Derringer's name is synonymous with the anthems that defined an era of professional wrestling. His foray into the squared circle began in 1985, thanks to his friendship with Cyndi Lauper, who was already collaborating with WWE. Vince McMahon brought Derringer on board to produce The Wrestling Album, a groundbreaking compilation designed to merge pro wrestlers with the rock 'n' roll world.

It was on The Wrestling Album that Derringer co-wrote and performed "Real American," a song that would become one of the most recognizable tunes in wrestling history. Originally, "Real American" was the entrance music for The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo). But when they departed WWE and Hulk Hogan began his legendary feud with The Iron Sheik, "Real American" was transferred to Hogan, becoming the soundtrack to "Hulkamania" and an anthem that transcended wrestling itself. As Derringer himself once recounted, he and Bernard Kenny set out to write "the most patriotic song of all time," and they knew they had a hit when it brought them to tears.

Derringer's contributions to wrestling didn't stop there. He also produced the 1987 follow-up, Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II, where he continued to shape the sound of the WWF. On this album, he composed and performed the equally awesome theme for the dominant WWF World Tag Team Champions, Demolition. And in a truly memorable moment, Derringer even teamed up with WWE personality "Mean" Gene Okerlund for a cover of "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" on Piledriver.

Rick Derringer's passing leaves a void, but his music, both in rock and the wrestling world, will continue to inspire and entertain. His ability to craft songs that resonated deeply, whether on the radio or echoing through arenas, is a testament to his enduring talent. He will be deeply missed.