Mark Mothersbaugh, a prolific composer known for his work on films like "Thor: Ragnarok" and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," has struck an unexpected goldmine with a song he penned over four decades ago. As a founding member of the band Devo, Mothersbaugh contributed to the debut album released in 1978. Among its tracks was "Uncontrollable Urge," a song that initially flew under the radar but has since found renewed fame as the theme song for MTV's long-running show, "Ridiculousness."
"Uncontrollable Urge" didn't make a significant splash on the charts when it first came out. However, decades later, it received a second wind when MTV made it the theme song for "Ridiculousness," one of its most aired programs with over 1,500 episodes. This unexpected resurgence has turned the song into Mothersbaugh's primary source of income, earning him approximately $1 million annually in royalties.
"I've written so many other songs for films and television shows," – Mark Mothersbaugh
Despite its newfound success, "Uncontrollable Urge" only garners around $150,000 in lifetime Spotify streaming royalties. The show's success is personally gratifying to Mothersbaugh and his wife, Anita Greenspan, given Devo's complicated history with MTV. In its early days, the network questioned the music videos Devo was producing, despite the band being one of the first to make videos specifically for MTV.
"I would've been shocked [years ago] if you told me this is the one that would become this prime source of income." – Mark Mothersbaugh
Mothersbaugh has crafted numerous songs for various films and television shows throughout his illustrious career. Nevertheless, "Uncontrollable Urge" remains his most lucrative work. At 74 years old, he continues to find success in unexpected places, proving that music can find new life and meaning even decades after its creation.
Leave a Reply