Forget about The Presidents of the United States of America. Jack Black’s Bowser from The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the artist behind everyone’s favorite song about peaches now! Discussing the evolution of his impassioned piano rock ballad “Peaches” with The Hollywood Reporter, Black says the song was initially a 20-second diddy before he sank his claws into it.
“They had this idea late in the game, ‘What if Bowser sings a song,” Black told THR. “They were like, ‘We got this little nugget.’ And they sent over this little 20-second song.” Black, flabbergasted about having the song dropped on him, immediately took action. He called his producing partner, John Spiker, and started making magic.
“We fleshed it out and made it more of a song with more lyrics and melody and stuff. And I was like, ‘Ooh, this hits, this slaps. I bet you they won’t want to use this because it’s a little too deeply emotional,'” he says. “It stops being a little family cartoon for a second. It felt like it went into some other realm of deep, painful love that [Bowser will] never have — this deep yearning. It’s too real.”
Thankfully, the directors loved it, and soon, the song became a viral sensation, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. “Peaches” became so popular that it reached 56 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and placed sixth on Billboard’s Digital Songs Sales list. While it was unplanned, everyone who saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie couldn’t help but wail alongside Bowser as he longed for Princess Peach’s love and adoration.
When asked about his reaction to the song going viral, Black told THR:
“Well, it was a real thrill to see it, to get into the ears and minds of people all around the world. I’d never really had that kind of an impact before in that space. I’m in a band and we’ve had lots of fun touring the world and playing music for years, but it kind of hits different when you’ve got a bonafide hit that’s gone viral like that. And it was crazy. Everywhere I looked on social media, there was “Peaches,” and I was like, “Hey, that’s me.” There’s a little burst of pride when you are part of the zeitgeist, as they like to say.”
Speaking about music, Black commented on Taylor Swift’s neverending quest for world domination, acknowledging the pop star’s colossal fame, fortune, and talent.
“It just seems like the zeitgeist this year is all about Taylor Swift — it’s all you hear about because she’s broken all the records. It’s like, “Has anyone ever in the history of music had a more successful tour?” I don’t think so, and when you see videos of the audiences at these Taylor Swift shows, it’s kind of like she’s a god,” Black remarked.
“She’s more like a goddess. They’re more like worshiping: the screams and the emotions and the love. It’s like, “Wait a second. What’s happening? This is like a religious experience for these people.” They go for like four hours, five hours, and they don’t want to miss a drop so they don’t get the T-shirt, so then they have to buy another $1,000 ticket just to wait in line all day. It’s kind of a phenomenon. I’m fascinated by her success. I don’t know her music that well. I’ve not done the marathon.”
Mr. Black, I’m sure Taylor would happily have you at one of her shows. Give her a call. Or, better yet, have Tenacious D open for T-Swizzle! If you don’t have time to open, maybe do a guest spot for a cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.”
What do you think about Bowser’s “Peaches” song? Would you be down for a collaboration between Tenacious D and Taylor Swift? Which Tenacious D song could you hear T-Swift covering? I think “Wonderboy” would be a great choice! Feel free to cast your vote in the comments below!