Funny Gimmick Bands

Last week we found out about a unique band that performed in Springfield, Illinois. This group, Here Come the Mummies, is made up of musicians performing as mummies. In fact, they claim that their real identities have never been revealed. The whole idea is sort of bizarre, but also sort of awesome. Band gimmicks are nothing new, but the mummy angle was one we probably never would have considered. Just out of curiosity, we decided to search the internet and see what other sorts of strange band gimmicks are out there. 

GWAR

GWAR is a heavy metal band with a gimmick that is out of this world (sorry, I couldn't resist). They perform as alien "rulers of earth." A whole Epic Tale of Gwar is published online that explains their "story" in detail.

Grand Moff Tarkin

This band no longer plays, but in the past, Grand Moff Tarkin was well known in the Atlanta area for their Star Wars-themed band and music. Probably no one will be surprised to read that Grand Moff Tarkin was a popular act to book during comic book conventions.

The Cybertronic Spree

Not only is The Cybertronic Spree a group dressed as Transformers, but their set is made up of rock songs from the soundtrack of 'Transformers: The Movie,' the 1986 animated featured that made little boys all over America cry when Optimus Prime died in the first act. "Hot Rod, Arcee, Rumble, Unicron, Spike, and a Quintesson have been brought together by the power of rock!"

Powerglove

We're not sure what it is about heavy metal, but there seem to be a lot gimmick bands in that particular genre. Powerglove specializes in instrumental "video game and television metal remixes."

Battlelore

Guess what? Battlelore is a heavy metal band (I wasn't kidding during that last paragraph). This one from Finland takes it theme from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. According to Wikipedia, "Many of Battlelore's lyrics concern J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth sagas and their stage costumes and live shows are largely inspired by the themes and characters of fantasy literature."