While Jamie Lee Curtis performed the guitar solo for the song "Take Me Away" on-screen in the 2003 film Freaky Friday, the actual audio heard in the final movie was overdubbed by a professional musician.
Jamie Lee Curtis's On-Screen Performance
Jamie Lee Curtis, playing the role of Tess Coleman (who had swapped bodies with her daughter Anna), dedicated significant effort to learning how to play the guitar for her scenes. This commitment was particularly showcased during the memorable guitar solo sequence for the song "Take Me Away," performed by the band Pink Slip. Curtis herself expressed considerable pride in her visual performance, even stating in a 2022 interview that she "slayed" her big moment. Her dedication was crucial for bringing an authentic visual portrayal to the character's unexpected musical prowess.
The Reality of Professional Overdubbing
Despite the genuine efforts of both Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan to learn their respective instruments for the film, the guitar parts they performed were ultimately overdubbed by professional musicians for the final cut of Freaky Friday. This is a common practice in the film industry, where actors may perform visually, but the intricate and polished sound heard in the movie is provided by skilled session musicians. Consequently, while Curtis visually delivered the energetic solo, the powerful sound and precise notes came from an uncredited professional guitarist.
Key Details of the Freaky Friday Guitar Solo
- On-Screen Performer: Jamie Lee Curtis
- Audio Performer: Uncredited professional musician
- Featured Song: "Take Me Away"
- Context: A standout moment where Tess Coleman, inhabiting her daughter Anna's body, performs live with the band Pink Slip, surprising everyone with an unexpected and electrifying guitar solo.
