Meryl Streep is once again proving her acting range by playing an aging rock star in a drama from director Jonathan Demme and screenwriter Diablo Cody, but Streep is far from the first movie star to pick up a guitar. Listen to 13 fake bands that rocked the big screen before Ricki and the Flash.
The Blues Brothers in The Blues Brothers (1980)
This classic comedy starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi was inspired by a Saturday Night Live sketch, as well as the great rhythm and blues musicians that came before them. Here’s their cover of a song Rolling Stone declared one of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Spinal Tap in This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Regarded as one of the greatest mockumentaries ever made, actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer play the English rockers who had the brilliant idea of cranking the volume on an amp from 10 to 11, and writing satirical hair metal anthem "Hell Hole."
Dragon Sound in Miami Connection (1987)
Many missed this nonsensical B-movie gem until it was rereleased in theaters in 2012, and then gained cult status on Netflix. The plot revolves around a band of martial artists fighting a ninja motorcycle gang. If you think that sounds delightfully absurd, wait until you hear the band’s lyrics.
Wyld Stallyns in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
Stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are on board for another Bill & Ted movie, so it may not be long until audiences get the chance to see a Wyld Stallyns reunion concert. Until then, enjoy their last show at the end of Bogus Journey, with Death himself slappin’ the bass.
Crucial Taunt in Wayne’s World (1992)
Wayne (Mike Myers) sees the love of his life, Cassandra (Tia Carrere), fronting this rock band the first night they meet. Enjoy Carrere’s “excellent!” cover of the Sweet’s classic rock tune “The Ballroom Blitz.”
The Lone Rangers in Airheads (1994)
This fake ‘90s grunge band with members played by Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi held a radio station hostage to make sure they could rock on, and they did – in prison. Enjoy their fake hit single “Degenerated.”
The Oneders in That Thing You Do (1996)
Tom Hanks directed this drama about a one-hit wonder ‘60s rock band that rose to fame and unraveled because of it. But being a one-hit wonder isn’t so bad; as long as your one hit is as catchy as the song from which the title of the film is derived.
Stillwater in Almost Famous (2000)
Based on a plethora of real-life rock bands writer-director Cameron Crowe toured with in the ‘70s while writing for Rolling Stone, Stillwater perfectly captured the essence of the era Crowe showed viewers in one of his finest films. “Fever Dog” is the only song on the soundtrack credited to the band.
Steel Dragon in Rock Star (2001)
Former New Kids on the Block member Mark Wahlberg returned to his musical roots to play a fanatical lead singer of an ‘80s metal tribute band, and then gets picked to front the real thing – in the movie, at least. Watch Wahlberg nail the high notes while performing “Stand Up and Shout.”
School of Rock in School of Rock (2003)
Jack Black assembled and fronted this class project in director Richard Linklater’s charming comedy about a loser who pretends to be a substitute teacher, and ends up teaching his students to find confidence through music. Their final performance of "Teacher’s Pet" is a treat for audiences of all ages.
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová in Once (2006)
This duo never got a name in the low-budget Irish musical drama – in fact, their characters are simply named guy and girl -- but the real-life songwriting partners did win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, "Falling Slowly," which remains one of the best songs to have ever been written for a film.
Sex Bob-Omb in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
This fake garage band has a stupid name, but their high-energy brand of rock and roll immediately catapults audiences into director Edgar Wright’s graphic novel adaptation, which was praised by critics, but bob-ombed at the box office. Enjoy the song Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) incorrectly identifies as "LaunchPad McQuack."
Infant Sorrow in Get Him to the Greek (2010)
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) fronts this fictitious British band that did actually release an album instead of a traditional soundtrack, and the songs are actually good. Enjoy romantic ballad "Bangers, Beans and Mash," which might inspire you to watch the rest of the hilarious R-rated comedy costarring Jonah Hill.
