Fictional Movie Bands We'd Love To See Live

It’s safe to say movies have incorporated some brilliant artists into their soundtracks over the years, contributing to either, a particular scene or the overall vibe of the movie. However, now and again, they come up with some incarnations of their own, creating some fantastic fictional movie bands that we’d absolutely love to see live.

Whether they’re blowing the roof off (literally) or creating a jam so powerful it brings about world peace, we’ll be looking at the best movie bands that are (albeit) fictional but still deserve some sort of recognition in the Music Hall of fame.

Shadowcaster – ‘Spike Island’

Spike Island follows the trials and tribulations of a group of friends from the north of England, with their alternative/indie rock vibe, trying to get their band, Shadowcaster off the ground. All this, as well as desperately getting tickets for legendary British band, The Stone Roses and their infamous gig at Spike Island, Cheshire.

These individuals not only embody the Madchester scene but also the soul of struggling northern bands at the time. A brilliant representation of the culture, after The Stone Roses had noticeably changed the game, with their “lad” attire and no sh*t’s given attitude.

Eddie and the Cruisers – ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’

Combining music and mystery, we follow the tale of the once-great rock band Eddie and the Cruisers. At the height of their fame in 1964, their lead singer Eddie Wilson had a suspected fatal accident after his car went off a bridge. . . but the body was never found. As the mystery begins to unravel, a television newswoman begins searching for the band’s recorded album that was never released.

A testament to how much of a cult classic rock band Eddie and the Cruisers became, is that the actual real-life band that supplied the music (John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band) are best known for this flick. Unfortunately, their tracks are always seen to be Eddie’s rather than the band themself.

The Wonders – ‘That Thing You Do!’

Encompassing the likes of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and other pop bands of the ’60s, we have, The Wonders. We follow the band after they land a one-hit wonder with That Thing You Do and try to ride the fame train for as long as possible, gaining them the playful nickname “The Oneders”.

Not only does the song fit seamlessly into the ’60s, along with the band feeling right at home within the genre, but when their manager is Tom Hanks himself (who also directed this feature), you just know they’re worth a listen.

The Lone Rangers – ‘Airheads’

Airheads follows friends, Chazz, Rex and Pip who want more than anything to make it big with their rock band, The Lone Rangers (despite the fact there are three of them).

The passion they have for their music gets taken to the next level when they end up taking a whole radio station hostage (with real-looking guns that are actually water pistols) after the DJ refuses to play their demo. Once the band’s demands are met and they are allowed to play “live”, they refuse once they find out they would be miming to their own track.

Although we only hear brief soundbites of the band’s music throughout, they definitely encompass the true rock n’ roll spirit and given the publicity they racked up from their little stunt, when they get out of prison, fame will most likely be waiting for them.

Crucial Taunt – ‘Wayne’s World’

Crucial Taunt, a 90’s hard rock/metal band, fronted by singer/bass guitarist, Cassandra.

Wayne’s heart was captured the moment he saw them perform their cover of Private Life’s Touch Me. Crucial Taunt would go on to abandon a record deal with the slimy Benjamin Oliver, before signing with Sharp Records. They achieved this by catching the attention (thanks to a little bit of extraneous information supplied by Wayne) of Mr Big with an amazing rendition of Ballroom Blitz.

In short, they wail pretty hard.

Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes – ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’

Aside from hardcore Star Wars fans, most people may not know who you’re referring to when mentioning the fictional band, Figrin Da’an and the Modal Nodes. However, a brief sample of that cheeky sax symphony and your mind immediately takes you to a cantina gig in a galaxy far, far away. . .

It may be repetitive, but its catchiness is unquestionable and although this seven-member alien band only had a very brief moment in the spotlight (practically in the background for the most part), the impact the song made is certainly a testament to the group and they remain a memorable staple within the Star Wars universe.

Sexual Chocolate – ‘Coming to America’

Fronted by Randy Watson, Sexual Chocolate is a very thespian soul band from the ‘80s. Although they encompass a lot of the bands from that era in their appearance (with a Soul Glo-infused hairstyle to match), unfortunately, given Randy’s actual singing voice – and the fact they’re performing in a community centre – it’s safe to assume they won’t be signing a record deal anytime soon. Although they definitely built quite the fan base between this movie and the sequel.

One thing is for sure however, Randy is certainly a showman. . . “SEXUAL CHOCOLATE!”

Hangman’s Joke – ‘The Crow’

Due to the lead singer, Eric Draven, being executed by gang members at the beginning of the movie, we never actually get to see Hangman’s Joke perform. With a soundtrack featuring the likes of Joy Division, The Cure and Nine Inch Nails (to name a few), it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what kind of band Hangman’s Joke was.

Granted, we don’t get to see much of them in The Crow, but the lyrics “It can’t rain all the time” that are briefly heard from one of their albums, then echoed by Draven himself after returning from the grave, give a slight indication to a potential post-punk vibe.

And who can forget when the (now undead) frontman in his badass, gothic, vigilante attire, busts out an incredible solo riff on the rooftop? It’s safe to assume they probably rocked hard.

Infant Sorrow – ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ & ‘Get Him to the Greek’

Drugs, Sex and Rock ‘n’ roll have always been staples when it comes to rock bands and Infant Sorrow (well, Aldous Snow anyway) certainly fits that bill. As well as parodying numerous British rock bands, lead singer Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) pretty much embodies all the characteristics of Brand himself.

Originally starting as more of a cool, comic relief, sex symbol in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, when it came to the sequel (Get Him to the Greek), we were able to gain further insight into Aldous’ character. With Brand using his background of substance abuse, as well as his charming comedic presence, he was able to bring a more visceral performance to this character. Not to mention we were able to hear more rockin’ (STD-related) Infant Sorrow tracks that are as hilarious as they are catchy.

Marty McFly, Marvin Berry & The Starlighters – ‘Back to the Future’

Near the end of Back to the Future, we are introduced to Marvin Berry and The Starlighters. The band from 1955, consisting of a drummer, piano player, sax, bass and on vocals we have Marvin Berry – who is also the lead guitarist. Unfortunately, just before their latest gig at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, an accident prevents Marvin from playing the guitar, so he seeks the assistance of 1985’s, Marty McFly.

Marvin and his band do a brilliant cover of Earth Angel, but it isn’t until they ask Marty to play something that “really cooks” do things get taken up a notch as he plays a rendition of Chuck Berry’s Johnny Be Good, alongside (unbeknown to Marty) Chuck’s cousin Marvin! And with that, we have the birth of Rock ‘N’ Roll

Now, most people could credit the audience’s praise to just Marty McFly, however, as seen at the beginning of the movie, his review (from Huey Lewis himself) wasn’t great. And when McFly went rogue for a second time with a solo, his 1950s audience just wasn’t ready for it (but their kids are gonna love it). Thus, proofing that Marty McFly is at his best when playing alongside Marvin Berry & the Starlighters. . . and vice versa.

The Soggy Bottom Boys – ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou’

Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

During the great depression, we bump into three individuals, Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete, and Delmar O’Donnell. . . and they have just escaped a chain gang (prison). Along their travels, they cross paths with a fellow by the name of Tommy Johnson, who is endowed with amazing guitar skills (due to selling his soul to the devil apparently). In a bid to make a quick buck along their travels, the four stop at a radio station posing as a band named The Soggy Bottom Boys. Unexpectedly, the newly formed fake group nailed the country, folksy, bluegrass genre (yes the actors were dubbed, but we’re talking about the characters here!)

The three convicts eventually part ways with Tommy and continue along their adventures bumping into uniquely bizarre individuals, not knowing that their recorded track actually became a major hit!

The Dreams – ‘Dreamgirls’

Stemming from the fifties to the seventies, Dreamgirls follows the lives of a female trio who originally started as the Dreamettes, before rising to stardom, headlining as The Dreams. The main talent of the trio being Effie White, with an amazing vocal range, who gets cast aside due to her (more or less), fuller figure and is therefore replaced by – the not as talented but more “visually” appealing – Deena Jones.

This movie not only bids ode to Dianna Ross and The Supremes – as well as other amazing artists and inspirations in the music of that era – but also hits on culture, race and image simultaneously through the medium of a Broadway musical.

The Commitments – ‘The Commitments’

Based on the novel of the same name, we follow the band The Commitments, a group of Dubliners that offer a country, R&B-infused alternative to the more famous Irish bands of that era.

The story focuses on the characters just as much as the music, lacing their performances with so much passion – knowing all the while off stage they’re facing love, hostility, and even anger within their group.

Not only that but a stroke of genius from director Alan Parker, who chose to record all the vocals used for the movie live, to make The Commitments feel as authentic as possible. Rest assured, if you’re after an underdog story accompanied by a timeless soundtrack, this is the one for you.

Sing Street – ‘Sing Street’

Following an Irish schoolboy with a less-than-ideal home situation, after being introduced to the numerous 80s songs at the time by his brother, he can escape the hostile restraints of real life by forming a band, Sing Street. Behind the inspiration for his lyrics comes his yearning for a better life, not only that but expressing how he feels for the girl of his dreams.

A completely fictional band with original tracks and yet, it manages to embody everything about the music of that decade people loved so much, The Cure, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, to name a few.

Dewey Cox – ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story’

Hailing from Alabama, ever since he was young, Dewey has always been fascinated with music. It was only after an unfortunate accident involving a machete, which cost his brother his life, that Dewey vowed to be the best he could be and pursue his dream as a musician (much to the dismay of his father).

Following Dewey’s musical career throughout the ‘50s to the ‘80s, his genres include the blues, R&B, rock n’ roll and punk-rock, to name a few. As much of a personality off stage as well as on, he lives the life of the artists of that era, with his drug-taking and sex-related antics, referencing The Beatles with his LSD addiction and the likes of Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Donovan with his music.

Most notably, however, Dewey pays homage to the man in black himself, Johnny Cash, with his most successful hit, ‘Walk Hard’

Stillwater – ‘Almost Famous’

Almost Famous features one of the few movie bands that have little to do with the music, but more so with the emotions of the band members themself. We follow the story of William Miller, an aspiring journalist who immerses himself in the lifestyle of the band, Stillwater.

Not only will this flick make you laugh, cry and aspire to be a golden god, but this heartfelt story captures a great deal of authenticity for the bands of that era. One of the reasons being director Cameron Crowe actually based it on his own experiences when he interviewed the band Poco for Rolling Stone back in the 1970s.

School of Rock – ‘School of Rock’

School of Rock is essentially an insight into what would happen if Tenacious D’s Jack Black became a teacher, and it doesn’t disappoint.

After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn (Black) sneaks into a role as a substitute teacher. He then goes on to form a band with his musically talented pupils in a bid to win the battle of the bands. Not only does Black do what he does best being his usual wild, eccentric, frontman self, but it’s fair to say his young band members deserve equal credit alongside him.

Tenacious D – ‘Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny’

This one may be a technicality seeing as Tenacious D is a “real” band, but seeing as Jack Black and Kyle Gas are playing parodied versions of themselves (KG & Jables), their band deserves a mention!

Mixing acoustic, rock and curse words beautifully, we join The D on their latest quest for the Pick of Destiny – a guitar pick carved from Satan himself’s tooth that will give the wielder to rock way beyond their capabilities. Some of its former owners are Jimmy Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen!

Although the only time we see the band bestowed with the pick’s mystical powers is in a dream segment, that doesn’t stop it from blowing our minds.

Wyld Stallyns – ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’/‘Bogus Journey’/‘Face The Music’

Consisting of two lead guitarists (whether they do vocals remains to be seen) you have Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan AKA Wyld Stallyns.

Despite not being the best guitarists when we’re introduced to the two high schoolers, with the power of time travel, this apparently will not remain the case. Bill and Ted have an encounter with a chap from the future known as Rufus, who enlightens them on the fact that they will create music so exquisite, that it’ll cause the planets to align in perfect harmony, creating world peace (and all without the help of Eddie Van Halen).

With hints here and there throughout the first instalment (Excellent Adventure), it isn’t until the finale of the sequel (Bogus Journey) that we finally see what Bill and Ted are truly capable of. The finale sees them play a song in the battle of the bands that brings about world peace. . . or so we thought.

Turns out in their third adventure (Face the Music), with the help of their daughters, this is when they finally lay down the track that teaches people to “Be excellent to each other!”

Plus they work for Pretzels and cheese, so are extremely cheap to hire.

Sex Bob-omb – ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’

Sex Bob-omb, a Canadian band from Toronto consisting of Stephen Stills (The Talent), Kim Pine (a girl drummer) and finally, Scott Pilgrim on Bass.

Despite going up against some equally awesome opponents, like Crash and the Boys (that one band with Crash and the Boys), The Clash at Demonhead and the Katayanagi twins, they still fair pretty well in the battle of the bands, coming in 1st place (despite some technicalities).

Seeing as the tremendously talented Beck is the actual band behind Sex Bob-omb’s sound, it’s not too surprising they took their opponents apart. Whether it’s making people faint or materialising a giant monster from a sick riff, rest assured, these guys “are so. . . amaaaazzzziiiing”.

The Blues Brothers – ‘The Blues Brothers’

After being released from Jail, Jake Blues reunites with his brother Elwood. Not long after the two find out (from a nun AKA “The Penguin”) that the orphanage they were raised in is due to be closed unless they can raise $5000.

The two brothers decide to get their band back together and do what they do best, Blues by name, Blues by nature. Jake and Elwood from that point going forward, are on a mission from God. Not only do we get to see Jake and Elwood get their blues on with a little help from Booker T and the MG’s, the Bar-Kays and Blood, as well as Sweat and Tears, but it even features the artistic legends Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles!

Spinal tap – ‘This is Spinal Tap’

We follow the band Spinal Tap through the medium of a mockumentary, a movie that is still highly regarded as one of the greatest in its genre to this day.

Despite it clearly being a comedy, certain bands have even gone on record citing that This is Spinal Tap completely hits the nail on the head as to how rock bands actually behave. Spinal Tap didn’t just stop there however, the members of this fictional band (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer) not only recorded real tracks but toured for many years after the movie was released, causing a lot of people to forget they started out as a parody!

If you’re looking to turn your music genre movie-watching experience up to eleven, this is the one for you.