Legendary WWE Composer JIM JOHNSTON'S Longest Interview EVER (2026)

The False Face Show 08 – Jim Johnston Presented in association with @MentalHealthForMetalheads and Barker's BlastFest (links below description) I'm joined this week for a broad-ranging conversation by Jim Johnston, who worked as WWE's in-house composer from 1985-2017 and was responsible for many, many pieces of instantly and internationally recognizable character themes for iconic performers from Rock and Austin to Tazz and (my forever favourite) the Big Boss Man. While Jim was kind enough to indulge some of my nerdier probing, we also enjoyed an occasionally philosophical discussion about the power of music, connection and truth in art in what ended up being his longest recorded interview to date, with the caveat that there are a few moments in the show witht slightly jarring edits, for which I apologise - Jim was generous enough to try and treat me to a few live demonstrations but we couldn't get it to work properly for Zoom. He'll be back though, so maybe next time! You'll find accounts of the creation of themes for everybody from Stone Cold and DX to Scotty 2 Hotty and the Mean Street Posse (I'm not kidding - this is that kind of show!) Jim also talks working conditions in WWE, turnaround times, pressures and reward, writers block (or lack thereof) and the idea of musical destiny. Check it out - it's ace. Let's have a chat about Jim and your favourite WWF/WWE music (and whatever else you’re into) in the comments, I keep an eye on all of that. It's a stone cold gas to have you – Paul FRIENDS OF THE SHOW AND LINKS Barker's BlastFest Tickets - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/barker... Mental Health for Metalheads - order at Cult Never Dies - https://cultneverdies.myshopify.com/p... John Cowan and Dede Booth’s Merröw (2026) – https://merrow-music.bandcamp.com/alb... Shane Embury’s Bridge to Resolution (2026) - https://www.cherryred.co.uk/catalogse... Mental Health for Metalheads Website - https://mentalhealthformetalheads.com/ Nick Barker’s GoFundMe page - https://gofund.me/458a87a7f Darkness Shall Rise Productions - Vempire - https://darknessshallrise.de/product/... Dan Forden's Warning Signs - https://danforden.bandcamp.com/album/...