10 Fictional Bands We Wish We Could See Live
From the Weird Sisters to School of Rock, here are a couple of bands we wish we could buy tickets to
Envy Adams (a pre-stardom Brie Larson) is the enigmatic presence at the center of The Clash At Demonhead, a fictional pop-rock band that absolutely annihilates its competition.
Weird Sisters from Harry Potter
When we think of the wizarding world, a million bizarre things come to mind. But even in a story with time travel and mythical creatures, the fact that Dumbledore booked an alt-rock band for the Yule Ball is cool as hell. They’re called the Weird Sisters and they’re… eight men? According to J.K. Rowling, the Weird Sisters are Harry’s favorite band. And if you look closely, you’ll spot members of Radiohead and Pulp in there. An Easter egg for the ages.
Sex Bob-Omb from Scott Pilgrim vs The World
An indie rock band whose name is a reference to Sex Pistols AND an enemy from Super Mario? Count us in. They’re an underground (wink-wink) act with a total of two fans, armed with some genuinely infectious tracks penned for the film by Beck. But perhaps our favorite thing about them is how they open their shows:Â “We are Sex Bob-Omb, and we’re here to make you think about death and get sad and stuff!”
School of Rock from School of Rock
Easily the most adorable band on this list (or any list). Jack Black and an army of quirky schoolkids tear up the stage in an unforgettable finale to a very, very fun movie. In one scene the substitute teacher/rocker (Black) informs a classroom full of concerned parents, “I have been touched by your kids… and I’m pretty sure that I’ve touched them.”
Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes from Star Wars
This seven-member band really knew how to get it popping, even in the shadiest places in the universe. You may not have known them as anything other than ”˜the Cantina band,’ but they’re like The Beatles of sci-fi bands (if The Beatles had ONE song). It’s playing in your head right now, isn’t it? Groove on, Skywalker.
Marvin Berry & The Starlighters from Back To The Future
An iconic blues band led by Chuck Berry’s fictional cousin Marvin Berry infused life into the third act of everyone’s favorite time-traveling rom-com. Their rendition of The Penguins’ “Earth Angel” would still be a great fit for a couple madly in love, dancing the night away. They couldn’t quite keep up with Marty’s rock n’ roll, but cut them some slack, he WAS from the future.
Barry Jive & The Uptown Five from High Fidelity
You knew Jack Black was going to be on this list a couple times. This group is from a sweet, and painfully real rom-com for music elitists. Their maniacal cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is overshadowed only by the band’s indecisiveness about their own name. In Barry Jive (Jack Black)’s own words, “Formerly known as Sonic Death Monkey, soon-to-be-known as Kathleen Turner Overdrive, and currently known as Barry Jive and the Uptown Five.”
The Ain’t Rights from Green Room
The actors, including the talented Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and the dearly missed Anton Yelchin, went to a punk rock bootcamp before starting production on the film… and it shows. It is simply electrifying to watch this punk quartet performing the Dead Kennedys’ classic “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” to a room full of Nazi punks.
The Clash At Demonhead from Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Envy Adams (a pre-stardom Brie Larson) is the enigmatic presence at the center of The Clash At Demonhead, a pop-rock band that absolutely annihilates its competition. Throw in a badass bassist with vegan superpowers, and you’ve got an act that can hypnotize packed stadiums. Even real-life musicians are probably intimidated by them.
Stillwater from Almost Famous
Stillwater is based on artists that American writer and director Cameron Crowe interviewed while he was writing for Rolling Stone, specifically the Allman Brothers, who he toured with in 1973. Maybe that’s why their camaraderie, style and impact on people feels so authentic. When they walk on stage to perform “Fever Dog,” the anticipation of the audience is palpable, oozing from the screen.
Autobahn from The Big Lebowski
Okay, so we don’t wanna see these guys for the music, but for the characters. It’s all about the ideology: “We believe in nothing.” They’re German nihilists, you see? If you missed that, they’ll make sure to mention it another hundred times. This parody of Kraftwerk (which even featured Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea as a member) tickled our funny bone, and made very little sense. At one point the lead singer shows up in a corny low-budget porno, and… it might be his best work.
