Five of the most awesome band cameos in movies

As a kid growing up in the 70s, I can still remember the excitement of playing Pong at the local watering hole while the jukebox blasted out the raw and raunchy tunes of Jimmy Buffett. Those were the days! The rustling situation was a hot topic of conversation between Stanton and Bridges, but I couldn’t help but be distracted by the energy and rhythm of Oingo Boingo during their performance at Thornton Melon’s party in “Back to School.” I remember the neon sign flashing behind them as they played “Dead Man’s Party,” and the chaos that ensued when Robert Downey, Jr. messed with the soundboard.

If I were composing a piece on television, I’d start by discussing the Dillards – the remarkable bluegrass group who made appearances as the fictionalized Darling family in several episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” during the 1960s. I might remark that the show ingeniously utilized an existing band, assigned a genuine actor to portray the lead singer for the dialogue scenes, and thereby produced a fairly convincing on-screen band.

It’s plausible that Cameron Crowe drew inspiration from “Andy Griffith” during his childhood, which he reflected in his 1992 film “Singles.” By casting actual band members – Eddie, Stone, and Jeff were their names – and adding a well-known actor as their frontman, Crowe followed the same approach. In “Singles,” this role was taken on by Denver Pyle as the Darling’s lead singer.

When it comes to the band Citizen Dick from the movie “Singles,” Matt Dillon played the role of the frontman in the fiction. In reality, Eddie Vedder served as the drummer for this band, as he wasn’t the one singing lead in this specific scenario.

Five fabulous band cameos from movies

If I were discussing this topic in relation to television, I’d delve into The Wellingtons, the real-life band behind Gilligan’s Island’s theme song. Imagine them transforming into mod rockers and introducing themselves as the Mosquitoes – a made-up band that graced the shores of Gilligan’s island in the show.

In the same period, the genuine pair Chad & Jeremy made appearances on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” disguised as Redcoats. This reflects a common occurrence in television where real-life bands would portray altered versions of themselves.

Instead of: But I’m not discussing television today. I’m focusing on movies. Here are five impressive movie appearances by well-known bands – one for every post-war decade in the last century. (And, keep it a secret, but if you make it to the end, there’s an extra surprise selection waiting.)

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS BAND – in High Society (1956)

Since the late 1920s when movies began speaking, big bands became popular additions to lend an air of sophistication. Look no further than early musical productions and you may come across Xavier Cugat conducting his orchestra with a baton in hand.

Glenn Miller features in the film “Sun Valley Serenade.” In “Sex and the Single Girl,” Count Basie and his band perform “The Anniversary Song” – however, I’d advise against watching it as the movie itself is not good. Regarding Count Basie, he also appears in the 1943 musical “Reveille with Beverly.” This production boasts an impressive lineup including Duke Ellington, The Mills Brothers, and Frank Sinatra among others. Despite its silliness and dated elements, it remains an enjoyable watch.

As a gamer, I’d say: In my opinion, nothing beats the iconic big band performances in films like “High Society,” where Louis Armstrong and his orchestra shined. Starring A-list actors Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly, this musical adaptation of “The Philadelphia Story” by Cole Porter was a massive success. But let me tell you, even with its impressive cast and catchy tunes, it didn’t quite live up to the wit and humor found in the original “Philadelphia Story.”

Today, it’s a delight to have Armstrong and his band present as they act like a Greek chorus in the film. They kick off the movie with their calypso-infused title track. The scene shifts to them on a bus en route to Newport for a performance significant to the plot. As Satchmo signals the end of the opening number, he remarks, “That’s the end of the song – and the start of the story.”

At the end, they will repeat this part, preceded by approximately thirty seconds of a jazzy rendition of “Here Comes the Bride” blended with Satch’s “The End.” Prior to that, the entire band will deliver an authentic jazz performance on the song titled “Now You Have Jazz.”

I’m unfortunate as I listen to this old recording, with Bing Crosby counting in the band before they start playing. It’s like Sly Stone’s “Dance to the Music” but with a major difference: while Sly was the epitome of coolness, Bing Crosby isn’t. Still, I usually ignore Bing and focus on the music itself. It suits me just fine.

THE YARDBIRDS – in Blow-Up (1966)

As a gamer, I’ve been utterly captivated and left pondering by Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Blow-Up,” released over half a century ago. In this thrilling tale set in the trendy London of the ’60s, I find myself in the shoes of a successful high-fashion photographer. The line between reality and illusion blurs as I question whether or not I may have unwittingly captured a murder on film during one of my photo sessions. The suspense is palpable and keeps me guessing with every frame.

Back in 1966, this movie was considered a forward-thinking analysis of how modern society bombards the average person with information to the point where they question the authenticity of their own perceptions of reality. Although the film’s style and trends may appear outdated now, its message about trusting one’s senses in an overstimulated world remains relevant today.

During a crucial scene in the movie, the protagonist (David Hemmings) is behind the wheel in London when he believes he recognizes a young woman who could be connected to the murder he’s discovered. Acting on instinct, he tails her into a club filled with stationary young Londoners. Meanwhile, an unseen band delves deep into a blues melody from beyond the camera frame.

The music plays with an undeniable sense of justice, yet the crowd’s lack of response imbues the scene with a chilling, lifeless atmosphere. As Hemmings advances through the audience, the perspective shifts to the musicians. Keith Reif initiates “Stroll On” in a soft voice, with Jim McCarty drumming faintly behind him. Chris Dreja strums rhythmically on the guitar, and Jimmy Page grins broadly on the bass. Jeff Beck is positioned to Reif’s side.

Hemmings pushes through the unresponsive audience until Beck experiences issues with feedback, causing him to destroy his guitar in a fit of frustration, much like Pete Townsend did. This action sets off a frenzy among the crowd, resulting in pieces of the smashed hollow-body guitar being thrown around. Amidst the chaos, Hemmings manages to free himself from the scene.

the Yardbirds deliver an amazing rock performance.

JIMMY BUFFETT AND THE CORAL REEFER BAND – in Rancho Deluxe (1975)

Frank Perry’s “Rancho Deluxe,” a hidden gem of a neo-western, is located in Livingston, Montana. In this film, the talented young actors Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston portray relaxed characters longing for excitement in their monotonous cowboy existence. They stumble upon rustling as an enticing solution.

I, Perry, yearned for a captivating soundtrack that skillfully blended the classic country/western tunes with the edgier, modern outlaw rock vibes, which were making waves and shaking up the Nashville countrypolitan scene. My screenwriter, Thomas McGuane, resided in the exotic Key West locale, where a young man named Jimmy Buffett appeared to perfectly embody the sound I was searching for.

Buffett composed the film’s soundtrack and appeared as an extra with his Coral Reefers in the movie. A noteworthy moment occurs when Bridges and Stanton, both cowboys, engage in a game of Pong at a local tavern while debating the rustling incident. Simultaneously, the bar patrons are grooving to Buffett’s band performing “Livingston Saturday Night,” which includes sexually explicit lyrics not heard on the radio version. (I don’t remember Jimmy singing “because there’s a whorehouse at the town’s edge for any cowboy seeking action” on the radio.)

Perry alternates between Stanton’s threats to silence Bridges and his own performance, with a disheveled Jimmy leading the band in a cramped space, urging the joyous experiences to be had in Livingston. (McGuane later married Buffett’s sister Laurie; they have been together for several years.)

OINGO BOINGO – in Back to School (1986)

Thornton Melon, portrayed by the unforgettable Rodney Dangerfield, is hosting a lavish party due to his ample financial resources. Simultaneously, Melon attends college to monitor his dispirited son Jason (Keith Gordon) and to earn a legitimate education, demonstrating his self-worth. The event will be filled with mischief and amusement.

At that party, some people show up and according to an intoxicated college student, it’s the most amazing experience they’ve ever had. For amusement, Melon invites an exciting new wave band to perform. A prominent neon sign indicates they are Oingo Boingo. They set the mood of the lively scene with a well-coordinated rendition of “Dead Man’s Party.”

I’ve always been fascinated by the extraordinary journey of Frontman Danny Elfman, a man who would eventually become one of the most renowned film composers of the 21st century. And what a wild start it was! Picture this: Elfman, an exuberant and joyful singer, is sharing the stage with none other than the unpredictable Robert Downey Jr., or as we’d come to know him later, Iron Man.

So far, Elfman has received Oscar nominations on four occasions, but hasn’t taken home the prize yet. In 2022, though, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Composers & Lyricists. “Back to School” marked his second significant film score assignment. Prior to that, he contributed music for an independent movie helmed by his brother in 1982. It’s worth noting that Elfman’s initial major score was for Tim Burton’s “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” featuring amusing cameos from Dee Snider and Twisted Sister.

THE OFFSPRING – in Idle Hands and THE DONNAS – Drive Me Crazy (both in 1999)

You recalled our agreement for an extra reward, didn’t you? “Idle Hands” is a humorous, old-school horror film, notable for being one of Jessica Alba’s earlier projects. The plot revolves around a malevolent, murderous hand that was severed from its body. If only there had been someone to assist that hand during its challenging phase.

There’s at least one remarkable scene where The Offspring perform brilliantly as they channel The Ramones during “I Want to Be Sedated” at a school dance. In the midst of the song, a hand suddenly emerges to give Dexter an unexpected and shocking scalp-pulling. Isn’t that thrilling?

In “Drive Me Crazy,” there are the Electrocutes, featuring the Donnas. It’s another school dance setting. Contrary to popular belief, no one is forcibly removing the heads of singers. Instead, there’s an artificial storyline where Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier attempt to stir jealousy among their love interests by feigning a romantic connection.

Certainly, they’ll develop feelings for each other – it’s bound to happen during the grand dance when The Electrocutes, formerly known as The Donnas, perform a raw, riot grrrl rendition of “Keep on Loving You.” I must admit, I prefer this grungy interpretation over the original.

An earlier version and occasional alternate identity of the Donnas was called The Electrocutes. They performed at a film promotional event for “Jawbreaker” that same year as the Donnas. However, I’ll save further discussion on that topic for now. In our upcoming Music and Movies segment, we will explore the intriguing comparison between Daisy Jones & the Six and Josie and the Pussycats.

2024-07-25 13:01