Friends is a classic series that featured notable cameos, memorable storylines, and even an iconic theme song.
The theme song, which is arguably the most famous in TV history, has been seared into the pop culture conscious for decades now.
At one point, the band R.E.M was the pick to lend a hit of theirs to the show, but once that fell through, the studio pivoted to a smaller band.
Let's take a look at how the Friends theme song went from hit R.E.M song, to the classic that we enjoy now.
R.E.M Enjoyed A Big Breakthrough During The '80s And '90s
From their inception in the early '80s to becoming the poster child of alternative rock, R.E.M. has woven a sonic tapestry that resonates with generations. Let's delve into the facts and melodious journey of this iconic band.
The '80s saw R.E.M. ascending the ladder of recognition. Their album Out of Time propelled them to mainstream stardom, housing the anthem "Losing My Religion," which captured the hearts of millions with its melancholic yet uplifting melody. Their follow-up Automatic for the People showcased their lyrical prowess and further solidified their position in the musical pantheon.
R.E.M. chose to bow out gracefully, announcing their disbandment in 2011. Their final album, Collapse into Now, was a testament to their enduring artistry. As they exited the stage, they left behind a legacy that would continue to inspire countless musicians.
During the 1990s, when the band was still thriving, they had a unique opportunity to lend a song to a new sitcom on Fox. Little did the band know that the series was soon to become one of the biggest in history.
Shiny Happy People Was Almost The Theme Song For Friends
According to Far Out Magazine, the theme song we got to know and love was not the studio's first pick.
"The funny thing about the song, however, it that wasn’t the intended opener for the classic sitcom. The Friends franchise was owned by Warner Bros. Television, who had initially wanted R.E.M.’s 1991 hit ‘Shiny Happy People’ as the theme tune. In fact, ‘Shiny Happy People’ was used in the pilot for the U.S. comedy, which was then called “Friends Like Us," the site wrote.
"Shiny Happy People" was already an established song by that point, so there would have been mainstream familiarity with it. The band, however, was no on board.
"However, R.E.M. rejected Warner Bros. request to use their classic hit. Using their musical arm, Warner Bros. Records, the company enlisted the only available band on their roster at the time, the Rembrandts, to write an original theme. Since then, the duo has made it very clear that they were against the company’s request, although they relented in the end," the site wrote.
Fortunately for the series, The Rembrandts had a trick or two up their sleeves, and the band was able to craft one of the most recognizable theme songs in TV history.
The Rembrandts Got The Gig Instead
The Rembrandts had a totally different sound prior to recording their smash hit theme song. Having newfound success was amazing, but it took its toll on the band.
"It wasn't so much added at the eleventh hour as the thirteenth. We felt that the song went against the more serious, alternative vibe of the album. It sounded like nothing else we had done. Mind you, we stopped complaining when we saw the sales figures," founder Danny Wilde said.
Though the group penned the song, they had a hand in crafting the lyrics.
"The band’s original lyrics of ‘I’ll Be There for You’, which are the single verse included in the show’s opening credits, weren’t even written. You have to feel sorry for them. They were co-written by Friends producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman, along with esteemed songwriter Allee Willis," Far Out Magazine shared.
Unfortunately, the success of the song led to the group splitting up.
"You could say it became something of a curse, yes. We were tired of it being the only thing we were known for, and we were tired of being on the road. After the third album came out and did so well we toured for three years. We weren't writing any new songs and we weren't spending any time in the studio. The whole thing became a grind. There was no outright animosity between us, but we needed a break from each other," Wilde said.
Eventually, the band did get back together.
R.E.M could have lent an interesting theme song to Friends, but the series struck unexpected gold when they were able to get The Rembrandts on board.
