Maxed-Out Hype! Popular Western Songs Used as Baseball Chants and Walk-Up Music

HAVE A NICE DAYBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day

A song by Bon Jovi, the American hard rock band that has achieved massive global success and enjoys immense popularity in Japan.

It is the title track and lead single from their ninth album, “Have A Nice Day,” and was used as the theme song for J SPORTS’ coverage of the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

With its guitar-driven, powerful ensemble, it’s a perfect fit for various sports scenes.

The aggressive arrangement and catchy melody boost the excitement—an unmistakably Bon Jovi, classic rock tune.

Wild ThingX

X – Wild Thing (Video)

Speaking of Major League Baseball, I think many people picture “Wild Thing” as sung by X.

The song was originally released in 1966 by The Wild Ones, a house band representing New York, and X’s version has a distinctly more American, rock-infused vibe compared to the original.

Additionally, because the song was used as the theme for the hit film “Major League” in countries with large baseball fan bases, it’s said that the association of Major League = “Wild Thing” became widespread.

We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

Queen is a legendary band that achieved massive worldwide success.

Their song “We Will Rock You” is one of their signature works and is extremely well-known in Japan.

Interestingly, this track has strong ties to baseball: in Japan, it’s used as pitcher Ren Kajiya’s entrance song for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and it’s also known for appearing in the film Major League, which was a big hit in Japan.

Its striking “boom, boom, clap!” rhythm seems to stir players’ fighting spirit and energize supporters.

Play BallAC/DC

AC/DC – Who Made Who (Official HD Video)

AC/DC, the Australian rock band with worldwide popularity.

When it comes to their baseball-themed work, many people probably think of Playball.

The track appears on their 2014 album Rock or Bust and gained attention when it was used as a campaign song for the Major League Baseball postseason.

Its fiery hard rock amps up the excitement of baseball, making it an irresistible piece for rock fans.

Bad Boy This, Bad Boy ThatDa Band ft. P.Diddy

Da Band – Bad Boy This, Bad Boy That (Official Music Video)

As a hip-hop track that amps up baseball, “Bad Boy This, Bad Boy That” is also widely loved.

It’s a song by Da Band, a hip-hop group formed through an audition.

The lyrics play on puns related to the baseball “bat.” With the mic being passed from one member to the next, you can’t look away from start to finish.

The music video—featuring the members on the mound in baseball uniforms—is a must-see as well, with a few humorous touches thrown in.

Samba De JaneiroBelini

Bellini – Samba De Janeiro

Bellini is a girl group formed in Germany in 1997.

Their track Samba de Janeiro was released as the lead single from their debut album, and as the title suggests, it’s a Eurobeat number rooted in samba that gained worldwide popularity.

In Japan, it’s often used as a cheer song at high school baseball games, so many people may find the melody familiar.

If you’re a fan of high school baseball, be sure to check it out.

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Eye of the Tiger, made famous as the theme song for the film Rocky III, was released in 1982 by the American rock band Survivor and went on to win a Grammy Award.

It’s widely used as a walk-up song for baseball players around the world, so many of you may already know it.

The powerful lyrics about survival pair perfectly with the heavy rock sound, and the vocalist’s high notes convey a passionate intensity.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while picturing a baseball player stepping onto the stage in pursuit of glory.