The Simpsons just wrapped up its landmark 34th season on Fox. For over 30 years, America’s beloved family has been entertaining the world. The series’ subversive yet oddly wholesome humor and commitment to an ever-changing pop culture keeps the cartoon sitcom relevant.
For many celebrities, appearing as a character on a show is the ultimate sign that they have made a permanent mark on popular culture. The series especially attracted a host of musical celebrities - too many to name them all! - more than 750 episodes to date. From industry legends to popular artists, the world’s top musicians have made Springfield a more melodic place.
9 Lizzo
LizzoUnabashedly fun and inspiring, the brand of pop, hip hop and R&B has made her a superstar. Her flute playing, body positivity and infectious hits have earned her several well-deserved Grammy awards. She is also a fashion designer for her Yitty brand, and as an actress, she has appeared in films such as Hustlers and like Captain Bombardier (Jack Black) wife in The Mandalorian.
Lizzo appears in the 750th episode of Homer’s Adventures Through the Windshield. She voices herself and a talking elf doll that appears to Homer during near-death experiences. Lizzo can also sing and play the flute in this episode. Bret McKenziecomposed fireworks called “It was Marge, bitch!”
8 Sigur Ros
Icelandic post-rock artists Sigur Ros create unique soundscapes that feel anthemic and lush. Frontman YonsiThe vocals are in an invented language, the language of Hopeland, which gives their music an otherworldly, magical quality. The band is preparing to embark on an orchestral tour of Europe and North America.
The look of Sigur Ros is particularly unique in that they manage to provide the soundtrack for an entire episode. The 2013 “Carl Saga” was written by the group. The band’s contributions to this episode are particularly relevant given that the episode focuses on Homer’s drinking buddy Carl, who travels to Iceland to trace his family’s history.
7 Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga they are the royal family of modern music. Her vibrant, endlessly amazing pop music combined with avant-garde fashion made her an instant icon. She is also an accomplished actress, receiving an Oscar nomination for her performance in A star is bornfor which she received an Oscar for best song.
Monster Mother received an entire episode of the series as a guest star as herself. In “Lisa Goes Gaga”, Lady Gaga visits Springfield and helps Lisa regain her confidence after trying to become more popular at school backfires. Despite a great guest star, this episode is known to have the lowest rating of the entire series on IMDb.
6 Smashing pumpkins
smashing pumpkins are one of the most enduring bands in the alternative rock scene of the 90s. Albums like Siamese dream And Mellon Collie and Endless Sadness exploit the general feelings of unrest and alienation. The band has had a few line-up and sound changes over the years, but they can still fill arenas.
The episode “Homerpaloosa” follows Homer as he joins a traveling rock festival as a stuntman, even against the doctor’s orders. One of the bands he tours with is the Smashing Pumpkins in their original lineup; Homer instantly exchanges iconic words with their frontman. “Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins”. “Homer Simpson smiling politely.”
5 Green Day
Bay area icons Green Day one of the most popular punk bands in the world. Trio Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike DerntAnd Tre Cool Bring a sharp yet fun sound to the rock mainstream with hit albums like dookie, american idiotAnd Breakthrough of the 21st century. The group has won several Grammy Awards and even developed a popular Broadway musical based on their songs.
Green Day makes a memorably tragic cameo in The Simpsons Movie. At the beginning of the film, the band plays the iconic tune on the roof of a barge on Lake Springfield, and then starts talking about environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, the townspeople don’t take their message too well and end up throwing trash at them, which sinks the barge and kills them. Titanic-style.
4 “Weird” Al Yankovic
“Weird” Al Yankovic is the preeminent performer of musical parodies in the world. From “Eat It” to “White and Nerdy”, Al’s hilarious interpretations of popular music have captivated his generations. Recent biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story parodies both his life and musical biopics in general.
In the episode “Three Gay Flats”, Homer has a fight with Marge and moves in with Julio and Grady, two gay men who tell him about the queer experience. Marge persuades Al to perform a song about her love for Homer in order to win him back. This episode was critically acclaimed and won an Emmy Award in 2003.
3 Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson remains one of the most legendary and controversial figures in all of music. His iconic dance skills, music videos and stage presence have helped make his iconic albums popular. Thriller And Bad are among the best-selling in history. He is often referred to as the King of Pop.
In the episode “Stark’s Mad Dad”, Homer is committed to a mental institution for wearing a pink shirt to work; he ends up sharing a room with Leon Kompowski, a man who thinks he is Michael Jackson. In addition to writing the song for the episode “Happy Birthday Lisa”, Jackson actually provided the voice for the role, but due to contractual reasons, his vocal performance was not credited - instead, the episode’s credits list it as “John J. Smith”. The episode had a cult cameo back then, but has since been pulled from broadcast due to bad aging.
2 cold game
Basics of British alternative rock cold game are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century. Frontman Chris Martinguitar player Johnny Bucklanddrummer Will Championand bassist Guy Berryman brought to the world such anthemic hits as “Viva La Vida”, “Fix You” and “My Universe”. A hit song like “Yellow” is especially suitable for a group that is guesting on The Simpsons.
The band appears in the episode “Million Dollar Possibly”, in which Homer wins the lottery and immediately spends his winnings on gifts for himself and his family, including a private Coldplay concert. In a very funny exchange, Homer wonders if someone like him could join Coldplay and Chris asks Homer if he would like to play tambourine in the band. Homer refuses, saying “I told someone like me I didn’t say to me.”
1 Paul McCartney
One of the most successful songwriters in the history of music, Paul McCartney, was the bassist for The Beatlespossibly the greatest band of all time. His post-Beatles career was also incredibly successful, thanks to projects like his band. Wings and many hit solo albums. No wonder a legend like Paul would appear on The Simpsons.
Third Beatles to appear on the show (after bandmates George Harrison And Ringo Starr), Paul appeared in the episode “Lisa the Vegetarian” along with his wife, Linda McCartney.Paul sits on the roof of the Kwik-E-Mart and helps validate Lisa’s decision to become a vegetarian. The Beatle agreed to appear in this beloved episode only if the decision to make Lisa a vegetarian became a permanent feature in the series, which the producers happily agreed to.
Source: Collider
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