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For Those About To Rock, We Salute You: The Best Fictitious Movie Bands

By TK | Posted Under Seriously Random Lists | Comments (81)

SexBoBomb.jpg

We’ve talked about musicians who became actors, we’ve talked about actors who became musicians. So inevitably, we should talk about the other cinematic phenomenon, musicians or bands created for movies. I’m not talking about actual bands, I’m talking about bands that are wholly fictional who were created solely for a film. In fact, some of them would go on to become acclaimed as real bands (sort of), even releasing albums and in some cases even touring. It’s a fascinating concept, creating a band entirely out of nothing, for the sole reason of making a movie. What’s even more amazing is that sometimes? It ends up being a pretty kickass band.

So here we are, kids. Pajiba’s Best Fictitious Movie Bands:

Wyld Stallyns (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure)

“God Gave Rock And Roll To You”

Randy Watson and Sexual Chocolate (Coming To America)

“The Greatest Love Of All”

Steel Dragon (Rock Star)

“Stand Up”

Huff N’ Doback (Step Brothers)

“Boats N’ Hoes”

Billy Mack (Love Actually)

“Christmas Is All Around”

Sonic Fucking Death Monkey/Kathleen Turner Overdrive/Barry Jive and the Uptown Five (High Fidelity)

“Let’s Get It On”

The Wonders (That Thing You Do!)

“That Thing You Do!”

Marvin Berry and the Starlighters (Back To The Future)

“Johnny Be Good” (featuring Marty McFly)

The Dreams (Dreamgirls)

“It’s All Over”

Spinal Tap (This Is Spinal Tap)

“Big Bottoms”

Sex Bob-Omb (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World)

“Threshold”

Stillwater (Almost Famous)

“Fever Dog”

The Commitments (The Commitments)

“The Dark End Of The Street”

Soggy Bottom Boys (O Brother, Where Art Thou)

“I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)

“Origin Of Love”

DJay (Hustle and Flow)

“Whoop That Trick”

School of Rock (School Of Rock)
“”
“Teacher’s Pet”

Bad Blake (Crazy Heart)

“Hold On You”

Otis Day and the Knights (Animal House)

“Shout”

The Blues Brothers (The Blues Brothers)

“Everybody Needs Somebody To Love”









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Comments

I thought it had been a while since we had an Almost Famous sighting... ;)

Posted by: jthomas666 at January 24, 2012 4:03 PM

If this included TV movies/specials OBVIOUSLY the winner would be Riverbottom Nightmare Band!

Posted by: Monton at January 24, 2012 4:05 PM

I said to myself, "Self, if The Oneders are not on this list you will have to challenge TK to a duel. A duel you will lose. It's a matter of principle!"

Thank Jebus they're on here.

Posted by: Pinky McLadybits at January 24, 2012 4:08 PM

Ming Tea from Austin Powers. Even their real albums ("Under The Covers") were pretty good.

Posted by: sars at January 24, 2012 4:10 PM

Thank you for Hedwig!!

Posted by: NeoCleo at January 24, 2012 4:12 PM

Maxwell Demon and The Venus in Furs!! Even if it is a Ziggy Stardust rip-off, they're still awesome ass glam rock.

Posted by: jamiepants at January 24, 2012 4:16 PM

Wait, no "Fabulous Stains"?

Posted by: tvdisko at January 24, 2012 4:17 PM

I willingly ignore the rules and say that Mouse Rat deserves an honorary mention.

Posted by: A-schaef at January 24, 2012 4:19 PM

Great list...I'd also include Ellen Aim and the Attackers from Wlater Hill's Streets of Fire. The songs Jim Steinman wrote for that film kick ass.

Posted by: Patrick Cooper at January 24, 2012 4:21 PM

What about the Mos Eisley Cantina band from Star Wars, yo?!

Posted by: ShiningStar at January 24, 2012 4:22 PM

No Dewey Cox? damn, tough list.

Posted by: 724wd at January 24, 2012 4:27 PM

Uh... No Bad News? That is wrong. Behold:

http://youtu.be/5eRe7yTMoXE

Posted by: seth at January 24, 2012 4:31 PM

The Rutles, anyone?

And I'd be very surprised if we don't see Joe "Mama" Besser join this little comment thread. Assuming he hasn't returned to the world of jazz.

Posted by: Bert at January 24, 2012 4:33 PM

I nominate Strange Fruit from Still Crazy.

Posted by: grendel at January 24, 2012 4:34 PM

This list starts and ends with The Commitments. They were black.....and proud.

Posted by: dna at January 24, 2012 4:35 PM

You forgot "Eddie and the Cruisers" from the film of the same name. This makes me a sad Crackpot.

Posted by: CptCrckpot at January 24, 2012 4:37 PM

PoP! from Music & Lyrics

Posted by: Tania at January 24, 2012 4:42 PM

Every time "Threshold" comes up in my shuffle I spaz out in my car. It's my gift to the other sad saps in traffic.

Posted by: Patty O'Green at January 24, 2012 4:43 PM

What about the Mos Eisley Cantina band from Star Wars, yo?!

Posted by: ShiningStar at January 24, 2012 4:22 PM

My nerd is showing: Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes.

Posted by: lubeg at January 24, 2012 4:50 PM

Where's the Lone Rangers from Airheads.

Posted by: Aaron at January 24, 2012 4:51 PM

Thank you for Hedwig but no love for for Strange Fruit from Still Crazy? For shame.

Posted by: Gayle at January 24, 2012 5:01 PM

Little girl it's a great big world and there's only one of me!
You're too young and I'm too well hung, but tonight I'm gonna rock you!
TONIGHT I'M GONNA ROCK YOU!
TONIIIIIIIGHT!

Posted by: zeke the pig at January 24, 2012 5:12 PM

No "Eddie and the Cruisers"? For shame....

Posted by: Jason Farrell at January 24, 2012 5:38 PM

The Bang Bang from "Brothers of the Head."

Posted by: The Fatling at January 24, 2012 5:45 PM

Thank you for "Threshold," TK.

However, Scotty Doesn't Know.

Posted by: branded at January 24, 2012 5:49 PM

I second Patrick! Ellen Aim and the Attackers rocked & Streets of Fire was a great movie. I still sing those songs in my shower. :p

Posted by: Missy at January 24, 2012 5:54 PM

Three cheers for Otis Day!

Although the Rutles should have gotten a mention. "It must have been the trousers."

Posted by: The Wanderer at January 24, 2012 5:56 PM

Otis! My man!

Posted by: The Mutt at January 24, 2012 6:01 PM

This list HAS to have Strange Fruit from Still Crazy. The flame still burns is an awesome song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2SJbhVbPsA

Posted by: Andrew at January 24, 2012 6:01 PM

Solid, solid choices.

When we get to TV bands, if 'Dingoes Ate My Baby' from Buffy isn't on it, I'm flinging my poop. My poop, y'all.

And A-schaef! Throwing Mouse Rat into the mix!! Inspiring.

Posted by: Laurie at January 24, 2012 6:09 PM

What about the 'Shitty Beatles' from Wayne's World?

"Shitty Beatles they any good?"

They suck.

Posted by: NY not NYC at January 24, 2012 6:18 PM

I tear up every time that girl in School of Rock steps up and belts it out.

Posted by: mswas at January 24, 2012 6:32 PM

Lone Rangers? Coz you can't pluralize Lone Rangers.
Weird Sisters, Goblet of Fire - the Radiohead drummer in metal make-up, how could you miss that?

Posted by: Adrien at January 24, 2012 6:42 PM

Pinky, I felt the same way about Stillwater. Glad to see they made the list (and, yes, finally another "Almost Famous" sighting).

Posted by: Jaye0307 at January 24, 2012 8:32 PM

I know this movie was not great, but I love it still. PoP! PoP goes my heart is a great 80s tune. And I totally bought the song on itunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVkU8dDSC9w

Posted by: muertemaria at January 24, 2012 8:45 PM

I have no complaints about this list at all. Weird.

Posted by: Sean at January 24, 2012 9:18 PM

Only two things missing: Dewey Cox and Infant Sorrow.

Posted by: Alyson at January 24, 2012 9:21 PM

If you are gonna throw out Shitty Beatles for consideration then you must ponder Crucial Taunt.

Posted by: No Pithy Name at January 24, 2012 9:22 PM

Hate to nitpick, but the Blues Brothers were a real band with real musicians with wide and varied careers before any movie came along. They released an album a full two years before the movie. In no way are they fictitious. And if you want to dredge up the fact that Jake and Elwood weren't real people, well, neither was Ziggy Stardust.

Posted by: Some Guy at January 24, 2012 9:33 PM

Scotty Doesn't Know! Skinhead Matt Damon may be my favorite Matt Damon

Posted by: Even Stevens at January 24, 2012 9:36 PM

Sure, you got the Oneders, but what about Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. THEY WERE A BAND MADE UP FOR A MOVIE IN A MOVIE WITH ABOUT A MADE UP BAND!

I believe I am clearly the winner here.

Posted by: Jez at January 24, 2012 10:33 PM

Too bad it wasn't TV and movies. Then you could have picked Chemical Toilet from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. "Nightman" is the greatest song ever written.

Posted by: Ty at January 24, 2012 10:36 PM

I take issue, in my usual nitpicky way.

Dreamgirls? Broadway group, circa 1981, not a movie group. The show was optioned, but the film version remained in development hell for twenty-five years.

Posted by: Jerry at January 24, 2012 10:47 PM

I don't remember the bands name but what about the band at the end of Empire Records? A guilty pleasure song in a guilty pleasure movie.

Posted by: Jus at January 24, 2012 11:20 PM

Venus In Furs is missing from this list.

Posted by: Pants at January 24, 2012 11:29 PM

Tap is huge in Japan. They're like the George Clooney-making coffee commercials of fictional bands.

Posted by: Dave at January 24, 2012 11:42 PM

Jez WINS.

Also someone mentioned

Andy Dwyer Experience
Angel Snack
Department of Homeland Obscurity
Nothing Rhymes With Orange
Everything Rhymes with Orange
Fiveskin
Flames For Flames
Fourskin
God Hates Figs
Just The Tip
Muscle Confusion
Punch Face Champions
Puppy Pendulum
Rad Wagon
Teddy Bear Suicide
Threeskin
Scarecrow Boat

Mouse Rat

Posted by: figgy at January 25, 2012 12:43 AM

No Revenge of the Nerds?
http://youtu.be/1mRG2oAQhso

Posted by: Nono at January 25, 2012 1:32 AM

Posted by: Hamtown Tracey at January 25, 2012 3:24 AM

You put Steel Dragon which is very very good ... but where is The Lone Rangers from Airheads? :D

Steve Buscemi as the bass player was genius!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUNtPd1xA7w

Posted by: Trespasser at January 25, 2012 4:50 AM

If you were to include TV..top on the list would have to be The Mosquitos from Gilligans Island and the girls as The Honeybees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQ_gD9TJp4

Posted by: wsapnin at January 25, 2012 7:30 AM

Again, another TV band. Perhaps a TV followup is in order?
Anyhoo, here is "My lovely Horse" from Father Ted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzYzVMcgWhg

Posted by: Renton at January 25, 2012 8:27 AM

The omission of Eddie and the Cruisers is killing me.

Posted by: Whorish Mouth at January 25, 2012 8:39 AM

Some Guy, the Blues Brothers were originally created for Saturday Night Live around 1978 I think.

The Commitments originated in Roddy Doyle's book, and the band actually stuck together and began touring following the release and success of the film. They did a tour last year to mark the 20th anniversary of the film.

Posted by: csb at January 25, 2012 8:58 AM

We are Sex Bob-Omb and we are here to make you think about death and get sad and stuff.


Excellent list, TK.

Posted by: MelBivDevoe at January 25, 2012 9:07 AM

The band from The Lost Boys at the beach party. I have no idea what they were called but that greased-up saxophone dude ruled.

Posted by: Forward Observer at January 25, 2012 9:43 AM

The Acetones (or is it The Ace Tones?) from Local Hero, my all time favorite movie.

Posted by: BWeaves at January 25, 2012 9:46 AM

I am thrilled to see The Wonders (formerly "Oneders") as well as School of Rock on this list. They both make my heart very, very happy. In fact, I think I must watch them both this weekend. For those interested, you can catch said Wonders on Netflix Instant.

Also, agree with the Eddie and the Cruisers omission. And I didn't see it mentioned but what about The Folksmen or Mitch & Mickey from A Mighty Wind? Nevermind, I guess they didn't "rock" - but I still love them.

Posted by: prairiegirl at January 25, 2012 10:15 AM

Damn that's a pretty good list. Now let's book them for the next loolapaloza or whatever they're calling it nowadays.

Posted by: John W at January 25, 2012 10:31 AM

Jez I've always been more of a Del Paxton fan. But I had my first boy-girl thing for Diane Dane.

Posted by: NateS1973 at January 25, 2012 10:46 AM

If my memory serves me right, Eddie and The Cruisers were actually John(?) Rafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. So technically they weren't a band made for a movie, they were already a band who did the music for a movie.

Posted by: wsapnin at January 25, 2012 11:33 AM

What about Brian Slade (Johnathan Rhys Meyers) and Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor) in Velvet Goldmine? Faux Iggy and Bowie, and not too bad at that.

But you did include Sex Bob-omb so I'm cool.

Posted by: Zombie Mrs Smith at January 25, 2012 12:09 PM

"The band from The Lost Boys at the beach party. I have no idea what they were called but that greased-up saxophone dude ruled."

Great call Forward Observer. He was actually Tina Turner's saxophonist back in the 80's. Dude was like a cross between Glen Danzig and Kenny G.

Posted by: Brian K at January 25, 2012 12:14 PM

And now I have "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight!" stuck in my head.

Now let's book them for the next loolapaloza or whatever they're calling it nowadays.

Wouldn't that be L.O.L.palooza these days?

.

I'll just show myself out.

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at January 25, 2012 1:07 PM

Steel Dragon is excellent.

You forgot to add Drive Shaft..

Posted by: Sofía at January 25, 2012 1:23 PM

Josie and The Pussycats?

Posted by: Crispin at January 25, 2012 3:28 PM

I second the movie-style Josie and the Pussycats. "Three Small Words" and "Pretend To Be Nice" are pretty catchy. My 20-something daughters still sing those songs.

Posted by: No Pithy NAme at January 25, 2012 4:21 PM

Also from Streets of Fire, the R & B group that did Dan Hartman's " I Can Dream About You". I forget their name.

John Cafferty and Beaver Brown used to tour in the 80's. I think they were from RI so they frequented Boston quite a bit. Heard all the songs from the movie live. Cafferty was not as hot as Michael Pare, though.

Posted by: kirbyjay at January 25, 2012 4:36 PM

Another vote for Josie and the pussycats - those songs were pretty damn good.

plus the band in 'that thing you do!'. i miss the 90's ethan embry.

Posted by: Ashley at January 25, 2012 6:06 PM

If we're throwing television bands into the mix, I nominate Doctor Funke's All Natural Family Band Solution.

And Dingoes Ate My Baby.

Posted by: Ace at January 25, 2012 7:41 PM

Wow.

No love for A.D.D from The Rocker?

Fun fact from 'The Making of' mini-doc on the DVD -
while the actors were taking music lessons, the musician (Teddy Geiger) was taking acting lessons.

Posted by: seemless at January 25, 2012 8:14 PM

ming tea with the great matthew sweet.

Posted by: norris at January 26, 2012 12:17 AM

Um...I'm pretty sure MOUSERAT should have been at the top of this list.

Posted by: Tambam at January 26, 2012 3:54 AM

I second the nomination for Strange Fruit from Still Crazy!

Posted by: Neverborn at January 26, 2012 5:47 AM

Sex Bob-omb.

Posted by: Carmelita at January 26, 2012 7:26 AM

Wait I wasn't done...

Sex Bob-omb. I honestly love them as if they were a real band.

Posted by: Carmelita at January 26, 2012 7:29 AM

Seriously? No "Low Shoulder" from Jennifer's Body?!?

I mean... with all that lack of Jennifer's actual Body I wasn't looking exceedingly close... but wasn't that just Panic! At The Disco in drag?

What? What do you mean Panic! At The Disco is a band of men? Don't lie to me, I've heard them sing.. Seriously dude, look it up! I'm telling you, there is not a single man in Panic! At the Disco. No, you're so wrong.

Seriously, Google that shit, go ahead. It's just Panic! At the Disco in men's clothing, that's all that made up "Low Shoulder", that's why it's so outstanding.

What? Seriously? No fucking way... oooh man... I need to go remove a picture from my cieling. No seriously, shut up, it's not funny! NOT FUNNY!

Posted by: Spiffy McFly at January 26, 2012 8:15 PM

Much love to the Oneders, but here's one I haven't seen mentioned: remember Powerline, the MJ-ish dude from Goofy Movie? I'm still sad I don't own that song.

Posted by: chanohack at January 27, 2012 12:32 PM

No Citizen Dick? For shame.

Posted by: MP at January 27, 2012 2:12 PM

No Citizen Dick? For shame.

Posted by: MP at January 27, 2012 2:13 PM

U2.

Posted by: frank_247 at January 28, 2012 11:07 AM