Rock bands in The Simpsons

From Moe's tavern overrun by Aerosmith to the festival where Homer takes a cannonball to the gut, Springfield has hosted some of the biggest names in rock — in the flesh, in the bone and in yellow.

Here is the guide to the rock bands who guested on The Simpsons.

Springfield, land of rock

Over the seasons, The Simpsons have welcomed a whole parade of genuine rock stars, who came in to voice themselves — just like the countless other guest stars on the show. A musical pantheon unique on television.

Aerosmith, the first band

It was Aerosmith who opened the ball: the group is the first rock band to appear on the show, in 1991, in the episode where Moe's bar becomes fashionable. A delicious footnote: rather than a dressing room, the band reportedly asked Moe to serve them pickled eggs. (Note that two solo artists, Tony Bennett and Ringo Starr, had already played themselves before them.)

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The big names who guested

The list is impressive. The Ramones sing a punk, contemptuous "Happy Birthday" to Mr. Burns — who immediately orders someone to "have the Rolling Stones killed", mixing them up. The Red Hot Chili Peppers stop by Krusty's show, where they are made to soften their lyrics (a nod to Ed Sullivan's censorship). Then came U2 (in the 200th episode), Metallica, and The Who — of whom, curiously, only Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle actually voiced themselves.

"Hullabalooza", the festival

The high point remains the episode where Homer joins a traveling rock festival, called "Hullabalooza" (a Lollapalooza parody), by becoming the attraction who takes a cannonball to the stomach. Along the way you meet the Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Cypress Hill and Peter Frampton. A festival of musical gags that became cult.

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On stage

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Homer, guitar in hand: his personal contribution to the Hullabalooza festival.

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Summary table

FAQ

• What is the first rock band on The Simpsons?
  Aerosmith (1991) — even if two solo artists, Tony Bennett and Ringo Starr, came before them.
• What happens with the Ramones?
  They sing a contemptuous "Happy Birthday" to Mr. Burns, who then orders someone to "have the Rolling Stones killed", mixing them up.
• Does the full lineup of The Who appear?
  No: only Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle voiced themselves; Pete Townshend did not know he was supposed to record — his brother Paul ultimately voiced him.
• What is "Hullabalooza"?
  The traveling rock festival Homer joins, a parody of Lollapalooza.

Conclusion

From Aerosmith to Metallica, the rock bands of The Simpsons form a playlist unique in television history. Proof that Springfield really is the most rock-and-roll town on the small screen.

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