Every Song In The Movie & When They Play

Although the events of the film are devastating, The Iron Claw‘s soundtrack is full of upbeat era and setting-specific songs. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers from Texas, whose lineage was said to be “cursed” due to the many tragedies their family endured before, during, and after their rise to fame as pro wrestlers in the ’80s. The four Von Erich brothers depicted in The Iron Claw are played by Zac Efron (Kevin), Harris Dickinson (David), Jeremy Allen White (Kerry), and Stanley Simons (Mike).

One key storytelling component in The Iron Claw is the music that soundtracks the film’s most intense, exciting, and tragic moments. Along with composing the film’s rock-infused score, Arcade Fire instrumentalist and composer Richard Reed Parry wrote and recorded an original song called “Live That Way Forever” for The Iron Claw with his wife Laurel Sprengelmeyer, known by her stage name Little Scream. Along with the various renditions of this original song, which is performed by Simons as Mike in the film, The Iron Claw is also punctuated by a brilliant selection of pre-existing, mostly ’70s tunes.

When Every Song Plays In The Iron Claw

A Few Songs Serve As The Von Erich Brothers’ Entrance Music

“Don’t Do Me Like That” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: This song plays on the radio as Kevin, David, and Mike drive to the lake in their truck while eating burgers. The song continues playing non-diegetically over a scene of the boys floating on the lake in inner tubes while drinking beers, as locals swim, lounge on the dock, and jump into the lake in the background.

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult: The first few notes of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” play as David starts laughing to himself about Kevin’s failed attempts at intimidation on the air before the scene transitions to cars pulling up to the Sportatorium. People are shown arriving in droves to see Kevin and a “mystery guest” (David in his pro-wrestling debut) fight Bruiser Brody and Gino Hernandez. The song proceeds to play diegetically inside the arena as Kevin and David coordinate their routine backstage with their opponents.

“Gamblin Man” by Eddie Money: This song plays while the Von Erich boys play football in their backyard with their father, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) upon Kerry’s return from training for the now-boycotted Olympics.

“Live That Way Forever” by Stanley Simons and LVVRS: Mike and his band (played by the real-life band LVVRS from Louisiana) play this song at the house party that he snuck out to with his brothers and Kevin’s girlfriend Pam (Lily James). Earlier in The Iron Claw, Mike is briefly shown rehearsing “Live That Way Forever” with his band in one of their garages as Kerry and David pull up in their truck. Mike also plays this song on the guitar and sings it softly to himself before he takes his own life later in the movie.

“Tom Sawyer” by Rush: As soon as Mike drops the needle on his vinyl record, this song starts blasting from Mike’s speakers, which Kerry can hear in the distance while working out in the garage. “Tom Sawyer” then turns into Kevin, Kerry, and David’s entrance music as they begin wrestling as a trio, playing over a montage of the Von Erich brothers working out and wrestling together in the ring, both locally and on the road. Clips are interspersed of David and Kerry partying and doing drugs, Fritz counting cash, Kevin and Pam moving into their new apartment, and Kerry riding his motorcycle.

“Beggin’” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: This song plays as Kevin and Pam exit the church right after getting married on their wedding day. They proceed to walk down the church steps as the guests throw confetti at them in celebration. The song continues playing at the reception as the newlyweds and their guests dance to it on the dancefloor.

“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver: After David and Kevin’s heart-to-heart in the bathroom stall at Kevin’s wedding reception, the scene cuts back to the dancefloor where the DJ starts playing this song. In true Texas fashion, Pam and the Von Erich brothers gather at the front of the room and line dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” together.

“Texas (When I Die)” by Tanya Tucker: Following David Von Erich’s death in The Iron Claw, this song is used as Kerry’s entrance music when he takes his late brother’s place in the ring against Ric Flair at the Texas Stadium to compete for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt. In real life, Tanya Tucker’s cover of “Texas (When I Die)” actually served as the real David Von Erich’s entrance music.

“Live That Way Forever” by Richard Reed Perry, Little Scream, and The Barr Brothers: The studio recording of “Live That Way Forever” plays while Kevin and his sons play football at the end of The Iron Claw as the credits begin to roll. This version is performed by Perry and Little Scream, backed by Montreal band The Barr Brothers.

Where To Listen To The Iron Claw’s Official Soundtrack

A24 Compiled A Playlist Of The Songs & Score From The Iron Claw

When The Iron Claw premiered in theaters on December 22, 2023, A24 released “The Iron Claw Official Playlist” on Spotify featuring all the songs that play in the movie, including the studio recording of “Live That Way Forever” and the full score composed by Perry. The score was also released on a soundtrack album titled The Iron Claw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), which is available to stream on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

The Iron Claw (2023)

The Iron Claw portrays the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty in professional wrestling. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film explores the family members’ personal struggles and tragic fates and the lasting impact they left on the sport.

Director

Sean Durkin

Release Date

December 22, 2023

Cast

Zac Efron , Jeremy Allen White , Harris Dickinson , Holt McCallany , Maura Tierney , Stanley Simons , Lily James , Maxwell Friedman , Brady Pierce , Aaron Dean Eisenberg , Kevin Anton , Cazzey Louis Cereghino , Chavo Guerrero Jr. , Ryan Nemeth , Scott Innes

Runtime

132 minutes

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