Imagine a blockbuster like Terminator 2: Judgment Day potentially rocking out with Nine Inch Nails' intense beats instead of Guns N' Roses' anthem—what a twist that could've been for movie history! But here's where it gets controversial: the story of how actor Robert Patrick, best known as the T-1000, fought to make that happen, only to see his dream derailed. Stick around, because this tale uncovers family ties, musical passions, and some surprising opinions that might just make you rethink the '90s rock scene. And trust me, this is the part most people miss—it's not just about the music, but the behind-the-scenes drama that shaped iconic soundtracks.
You might not realize it, but Robert Patrick shares a family bond with Richard Patrick, the lead singer of Filter. Before launching Filter, Richard contributed his guitar skills and backing vocals to Nine Inch Nails, adding a layer of indie rock edge to Trent Reznor's industrial sound. For beginners diving into this, think of it like how early band members often cross paths before going solo—it's a common thread in music history, similar to how members of The Beatles later formed other groups. Robert, a huge Nine Inch Nails devotee back then, was so enthusiastic that he personally pitched James Cameron on featuring one of their tracks in Terminator 2. To clarify for newcomers, Terminator 2 is the 1991 sequel where advanced robots battle humanity, and its soundtrack played a big role in its cultural impact. But alas, it didn't pan out. So, what went wrong?
In a recent chat with us—check it out on YouTube for the full vibe—Robert Patrick opened up about his deep love for music. When the topic shifted to Nine Inch Nails, he singled out 'Head Like a Hole' from their debut album Pretty Hate Machine as his top pick. For those new to the track, it's a high-energy song with pounding rhythms and lyrics about rebellion, epitomizing the angst of the era—like a musical rebellion against conformity, much like punk rock's influence on later genres. He revealed that he actually discussed slipping it into T2's soundtrack with Cameron. However, Cameron's tastes leaned more toward Guns N' Roses at the time, leading him to choose 'You Could Be Mine' instead, which also appeared on their album Use Your Illusion II. It's a classic example of how directors' personal preferences can steer a film's creative direction, sometimes prioritizing raw energy over industrial intensity.
Now, here's where opinions might clash: While Robert admires Nine Inch Nails, his affection for Filter—led by his brother—runs even deeper. He struggled to recall the title of one favorite Filter song, but upon some quick research, it turned out to be 'Surprise' from their 2013 album The Sun Comes Out Tonight. He described it as 'a happier song and just a real loving song that I think he wrote for his daughter. It’s a really beautiful song.' This shift from dark, brooding tracks to something uplifting highlights how artists evolve, offering a softer side that contrasts sharply with NIN's heavier vibes. Could this be controversial? Some fans might argue that comparing Filter's emotional depth to NIN's intensity is like pitting a heartfelt ballad against a thunderous storm—totally subjective! What's your take on whether personal family ties influence our music tastes?
Diving deeper, Robert named Filter's 1995 debut album, Shortbus, as his favorite. It kicked off with the hit single 'Hey Man Nice Shot,' and he praised it as 'one of the defining albums of the ‘90s in my opinion. I think it made hard rock popular…He wasn’t grunge and it was, you know, an offshoot of Nine Inch Nails. I don’t know if my brother would appreciate that but it’s in that vein [of] Skinny Puppy, Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. That album itself was one of the defining albums of the ‘90s.' To break this down for beginners, Shortbus blends industrial rock with alternative sounds, bridging the gap between electronic experimentation and guitar-driven rock—think of it as a precursor to modern rock fusions, much like how bands today mix genres for wider appeal. Robert's comparison draws a line connecting Filter to pioneers like Skinny Puppy and Ministry, suggesting it helped pave the way for hard rock's mainstream surge, even if his brother might not fully endorse that 'offshoot' label. But here's the controversial angle: Is it fair to credit Filter with popularizing hard rock, or does that overlook the bigger movements like grunge led by Nirvana? It sparks debate on how family members view each other's legacies in music.
Interestingly, while Nine Inch Nails has just delivered their first complete film score for Tron: Ares—a sci-fi adventure sequel where Reznor's electronic mastery shines through digital worlds—Filter has notched their own soundtrack wins. They've contributed to films like The Crow: City of Angels, The X-Files, and notably Spawn, where they teamed up with The Crystal Method for '(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do.' That track even climbed the charts, showing how alternative rock can crossover into blockbuster success, similar to how modern artists like Billie Eilish score hits in Hollywood today.
In wrapping up, Robert Patrick's story is a fascinating glimpse into how personal passions and family connections can almost alter pop culture moments—like nearly swapping GNR for NIN in a cinematic masterpiece. But does that make Cameron's choice 'wrong,' or is it just a matter of taste? And what about the idea that Filter's influence might outshine NIN in some fans' eyes—do you agree, or is that heresy? Share your thoughts in the comments: Have family ties ever shaped your favorite bands, or do you think Cameron dodged a bullet with his GNR pick? Let's discuss!
