Great bands don't have to be real. What does that mean? Real in a fictional sense, whether on television, film or the stage. There are plenty of great bands that exist only on the screen -- or your preferred streaming device. Sure, some fictional bands have managed to play some real-life gigs, but you get the point. Don't overthink it. Here are our top 12 picks, see if you agree.
12.California Dreams ("California Dreams")
One of the more underrated Saturday morning NBC shows during the 1990s was this Saved by the Bell knockoff. It's essential the same kind of show, but with the main characters playing in a pop band. The band, which managed to endure some lineup changes, usually played at their favorite hangout Sharkey's, and notable tracks included "California Dreams" and "Everybody's Got Someone."
11. Josie and the Pussycats ("Josie and the Pussycats")
Based on the popular comic that started in the 1960s. The film version is less than average, but the band is still worthy of mention when put in an historical context. Josie (Rachael Leigh Cook), Melody (Tara Reid) and Valerie (Rosario Dawson) make the best of the opportunity to do this classic band justice. Letters to Cleo front woman Kay Hanley provided the vocals that Cook lip-synced. Though, the three stars did provide actual backup vocals.
10. The Archies ("The Archie Show")
The Archies arguably produced the most memorable song of any fictional band in music history. In the late 1960s, "Sugar, Sugar" was one of the biggest hits on the planet, courtesy of the band comprised of classic comic characters Archie, "Jughead," Reggie, Betty and Veronica. Session musicians provided the tunes to a comic that remains one of the most legendary of all time.
9. Zack Attack ("Saved by the Bell")
One of the most memorable episodes during the lengthy run of this popular teen series was Zack's dream of being a rock star. With the great Casey Kasem narrating the story of the Zack Attack," the group (Zack, Lisa, Slater, Kelly, Screech) went from a garage band to one of the biggest bands in the world before it all fell apart. That's OK, the group eventually got together for a reunion event because they will also be "Friends Forever."
8. School of Rock ("The School of Rock")
Another classic Jack Black role as Dewey Finn (or Ned Schneebly). Looking to boost his own self-esteem and win a battle of the bands event, Dewey takes a group of sheltered, overachieving private school students about the history of rock music and ultimately brings them along for a ride that opens personal avenues they never thought about traveling down. The movie spawned a TV series and a very successful musical and is arguably Black's most beloved acting effort.
7. The Folksmen ("Saturday Night Live;" "A Mighty Wind")
If these actors -- Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean -- look familiar, you'll know why by reading further on this list. The Folksmen came together during the New York City folk scene before breaking up and going in different directions. They did get together for a popular reunion performance to celebrate the life of late folk music producer Irving Steinbloom. The trio is best known for "Old Joe's Place."
6. Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes (aka Cantina Band) ("Star Wars" franchise)
There are obviously plenty of memorable scenes throughout the Star Wars franchise of films. And, the famous cantina scene on Mos Eisley from A New Hope is near the top of that list. It's the first time we meet Han Solo and Chewy, see Greedo and, of course, get a listen to that cooky band. Eventually in Star Wars lore, we learn that this band actually has a name. The group's Ragtime-laden sound is certainly catchy, and maybe even easy to dance to.
5. Stillwater ("Almost Famous")
While Stillwater's music packs them in, the inter dynamic of the band is what truly makes the group interesting. There's kind of that love/hate relationship between guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and frontman Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee). The complex Hammond is often the face of the band, which does not play well with the outspoken Bebe. Though, that tension made for some special music -- like "Fever Dog."
4. The Wonders ("That Thing You Do!")
Formerly known as The Oneders, once the spelling was changed and "Skitch" (Tom Everett Scott) jumped behind the drum kit, The Wonders became overnight kings of the Playtone galaxy. Off course, the band from Erie, Pa., would only enjoy some fleeting success, but had a massive hit with the song of the movie's title. In real life, that popular tune was written by Adam Schlesinger, co-founder of 1990s favorites Fountains of Wayne, who sadly passed away from COVID-19 on April 1, 2020.
3. The Blues Brothers Band ("The Blues Brothers")
Due to the success of the act Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi delivered on Saturday Night Live, the movie and associated soundtrack, this fictional band eventually became a massive reality success. Backed by celebrated real-life musicians such as Steve "The Colonel" Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn and Willie "Too Big" Hall, the band remains one of the great collections of musical talent ever assembled.
2. Spinal Tap ("This is Spinal Tap")
Like The Blues Brothers Band, Spinal Tap is a fictional act that ultimately found a place in the real world thanks to the success of this mockumentary cult classic. Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) and David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) are a British three-piece that has a higher opinion of itself that rivals public perception. Of course, it's all fantastically hilarious. Who can forget the Stonehenge debacle?
1. Eddie and The Cruisers ("Eddie and The Cruisers")
The aftermath of rocker Eddie Wilson's mysterious death is chronicled through the lives of his former bandmates, who are approached by a reporter (Ellen Barkin) trying to find out of he's still alive. Michael Pare played the lead role, but John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band supplied the actual music, that included the 1980s radio hit "On the Dark Side." The movie was popular enough to spawn a less successful sequel Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!
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