Hans Zimmer is ‘rooting for Canada’ as trade war crescendoes before North American tour

Hans Zimmer, the renowned composer behind beloved scores like "The Lion King" and "Dune," has expressed his support for Canada amid a trade war escalating between Canada and the United States. Zimmer, 69, is set to bring his live show to several Canadian cities as part of his upcoming The Next Level tour, which begins on February 17 in Hartford, Connecticut.

Zimmer, born in Germany and known for his Oscar-winning works, has a deep affection for Canada and its cultural values. He stated that if this were a soccer match, he would be cheering for Canada, praising the country's kindness and cultural richness. Zimmer's support for Canada comes at a time when the two nations are experiencing a trade war, making his words significant.

Despite the tense political climate, Zimmer believes that music has the power to transcend borders and bring people together. His 19-piece band consists of musicians from various countries and backgrounds, and he enjoys seeing them unite on stage, even if they are from different nations. Zimmer sees the tour as an opportunity to connect with audiences and create a sense of unity during challenging times.

Zimmer's connection to Canada is also personal through his long-standing collaboration with Quebec director Denis Villeneuve. He has scored both of Villeneuve's "Dune" films and is currently working on the third installment. Their working relationship is characterized by Villeneuve's kindness, respect, and genuine love for his work, according to Zimmer.

When asked about the creative process behind the new "Dune" score, Zimmer admitted that he initially felt nervous about composing for the film, as he had no clear vision of what the score should sound like. However, he found that this uncertainty never truly disappears, even for experienced composers like himself. Despite the fear, Zimmer believes that it is essential to the creative process, pushing artists to create something new and innovative.

Zimmer's approach to the "Dune" score involved a sense of adolescent enthusiasm combined with decades of experience, allowing him and Villeneuve to tackle the material with creativity and technical skill. He believes that this combination of youth and experience gives them an advantage in approaching the film's musical language with fresh ideas while executing intricate compositions.