Jim Carrey Reveals His Ultimate Rock and Roll Anthems
Jim Carrey opens up about his top rock and roll tracks, the significance of original recordings, and shares stories from his career and passion for music.
As the festive season approaches, it’s almost inevitable that Jim Carrey will appear on screens across the country, donning a green suit and a rather grumpy expression as the infamous Grinch. The role, while iconic, was far from a walk in the park for Carrey. The extensive prosthetics required for the part reportedly left him so uncomfortable that he considered returning his substantial $20 million fee after experiencing panic attacks on set. The make-up process was so gruelling that he struggled to breathe through his nose, wore contact lenses the size of frisbees, and ultimately needed guidance from a specialist in withstanding torture techniques just to get through filming. It’s hardly the image of Christmas cheer, so if you find yourself watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas this year, spare a thought for Carrey and his ordeal with prosthetics.
Among the cast was a young Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who and has since become the frontwoman of the hard rock band The Pretty Reckless. Carrey and Momsen recently crossed paths again at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking nearly a quarter of a century since their collaboration on the festive film. The Pretty Reckless performed several songs at the event, including a rock rendition of ‘Where Are You Christmas’, a track Momsen originally sang as a child in the film. Reflecting on her experience, Momsen spoke warmly of Carrey’s influence, saying he was protective on set and that,
“as a young person watching an artist at work and taking their craft so seriously, that left a really powerful, lasting impact on me as an adult now. And I’m excited to be able to tell him that as a grownup.”
Carrey’s Enduring Love for Rock
Carrey’s enthusiasm for rock and roll is well known, and he played a prominent role at the Hall of Fame ceremony by inducting the legendary Seattle grunge outfit Soundgarden. He recalled hosting Saturday Night Live in 1996, when Soundgarden were the musical guests, and being presented with a guitar signed by the entire band backstage. Carrey, who developed a close friendship with the late Chris Cornell, had specifically requested that Soundgarden headline the show, and the band expressed their gratitude with a striking electric blue Fender Telecaster.
His musical tastes extend beyond grunge, with a particular fondness for heavier acts such as Pantera and Cannibal Corpse. When asked by Parade to name his go-to rock track, Carrey replied,
“Right now, it’s Black Crowes’ ‘Hard to Handle.’ But it used to be ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, AC/DC. But you gotta listen to the original version with Bon Scott.”
The AC/DC classic, released in 1977 as the closing track on Let There Be Rock, was inspired by Bon Scott’s encounter with a sex worker while touring. Over the decades, it has become a staple of the band’s live performances, featuring in nearly every set for almost fifty years.
The Importance of Original Versions
The Black Crowes’ take on Otis Redding’s ‘Hard to Handle’ appeared on their 1990 debut album Shake Your Money Maker, which went on to sell over five million copies worldwide. Carrey’s emphasis on the original versions of these songs highlights his appreciation for authenticity in music, preferring the raw energy and unique character that first recordings often capture.
His stories and musical preferences offer a glimpse into the actor’s deep-rooted passion for rock, as well as the lasting impact of formative experiences both on and off the screen.