For some reason, a lot of actors want to play music and/or be in bands. I guess it’s probably because they are artists and they have a pressing need to pursue any avenue of creativity available to them, although it probably has more to do with them being insecure attention hounds.
When an actor decides to be in a band it usually brings about disastrous results. We call this the Don Johnson Effect.
Here are some actors who have managed to make that shift into music and not totally suck at it. In fact, some of them are pretty damn good…
Ronny Cox, the actor who portrayed the corporate villian Vilos Cohaagen in Total Recall
Juliette Lewis is probably most famously known for her role of Mallory Knox in 1994’s feel good movie of the year Natural Born Killers
As frontwoman for Juliette and the Licks, Juliette Lewis screams out some of the dirtiest, balls-to-the-wall rock I’ve heard in a while. She’s got a great voice for rock and roll…and the hot bod doesn’t hurt either.
Dennis Quaid - the charming, nice-guy actor with the smile that can turn a straight man gay in .06 seconds, and the star of such movie classics as Innerspace
As frontman for Dennis Quaid and the Sharks he straps on an electric guitar and belts out rowdy, rawcous, roots rock. Dennis Quaid is often here in Austin and I will surely be checking out The Sharks the next time they perform.
Jason Schwartzman and Coconut Records
Jason Schwartzman’s cinematic debut in 1998’s quirky, instant classic Rushmore
His “band” - which is pretty much just him - is called Coconut Records and its self-titled, debut album was recorded over the span of a week at a friend’s house.
Added bonus: If you purchase the CD from his record label’s webiste at Young Baby Records you’ll get a free gift: A poster sized polaroid picture taken just for you by him! Well, maybe it’s not taken just for you, but you can be guaranteed it’s a polaroid that no one else but you has. Here’s me with mine:
Billy Bob Thornton’s music is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Actually, it’s a hell of a lot of country and a tiny squirt of rock and roll. But I’m not talking about the over produced, bullshit country music the likes of which you’ll find on most so called country stations today. I’m talking a gritty, introspective country. Real time-worn, rugged stuff.
The wife and I met Billy Bob once at a joint here in Austin called Stubb’s where my band was headlining one night. He was a super cool friendly guy and even let me take a pic of him with Roberta. Check my post about that here.
If you don’t like William Shatner then you need to be punched in the throat. Shatner is a self effacing, good natured guy who doesn’t mind being the butt of a joke. And his album Has Been
This album goes leaps and bounds beyond his famously awful spoken word version of Elton John’s Rocket Man and is actually an extremely well crafted piece of work. It’s funny and dark all at the same time.
Russell Crowe and 30 Odd Foot of Grunts
Last but not least, we have the ever cuddly Russell Crowe. Crowe’s band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts is pretty much just a huge mass of testosterone, black shirts, and guitars. Like Jason Schwartzman’s album, Russell Crowe’s comes with an added bonus: if you don’t like the music he personally comes to your house and steps on your face.
By Joe on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I would like to add Jared Leto. When I heard of 30 Seconds to Mars, I thought it would be one of those vanity projects รก la Don Johnson. I was happily surprised at how good his band is.
By Clif on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Jared Leto is in 30 Seconds to Mars? My band opened for them at Stubb’s in Austin - the same club I mention that my wife and I met Billy Bob Thornton in…I didn’t realize he was in the band!
By Eric on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
30 Odd Foot Of Grunts sounds like it would be some pretty heavy rock, but it’s really tame.
By Alex on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
A glaring omission is Jeff Daniels, who has a few albums of very cool blues. Also, it should be noted that Jason Schwartzman’s previous musical endeavor was drumming for the band Phantom Planet, most famous for their song “California” from the erstwhile show The OC.
By Brian on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
You missed Signal Room. Part of their make-up is two of the actors from the show Farscape. Sure, they’re not overly famous here in the states, but it’s good rock n roll, all the same.
By Michael on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
i’m gonna go ahead and second the 30 sec to mars motion. they do suck and they only wish they were early afi, but they are probably the biggest band to ever come from an A-lister. Since they only suck like 97.654% then it fits the mold…
By steve on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Lee Ving
By Gonzo on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Umm… hello… Bacon Bros?
By Wendy on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Hmmm, so nothing for Keanu Reeves or Kevin Bacon? What about Rick Springfield, John Stamos or my favorite funny guy-Steve Martin?
What about pseudo bands like Spinal Tap or Ming Tea?
(snicker, snort, giggle)
By Michael on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Do you all remember the movie “Deliverance”? It was Ronnie Cox playing guitar.
By Rusty on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Shatner isn’t “good”- just FRIGHTENING!
By Jonathan on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
What about Adam Busch, he played Warren in Buffy and he’s in Common Rotation and they do brilliant songs.
By Dina on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
OMGG. i agree with joe.
Jared leto is not only gorgeous, he’s amazing.
i love his music, and he really is talented.
30 Seconds To Mars should definitely be one here.
By Jonny on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Definately Jared Leto, he is the first person that came to mind when i saw this but he wasnt on the list. 30 Seconds to Mars is better than most of these bands, and a hell of a lot more well known as well.
By Mark on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
William Shatner is a no talent hack. His music blows chunks.
Anyone think to mention “Band From TV”?
By Sam on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
What about Jared Leto’s band? 30 Seconds to Mars?
By AJ on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Dennis Leary anyone?
“I drive really slow, in the ultra-fast lane
while people behind me are going insane..
IIIII’m an asshole!”
By nick on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
What about jack black? Tenacious D is the greatest band ever!
By David on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Don’t forget Rilo Kiley. Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennet were both child actors.
By Ralph on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Samuel L. Jackson??
anyone seen Black snake Moan?
he has a Damn good voice for blues!
By pepslaw on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
What about Harry Dean Stanton?? He is fantastic and plays Hollywood clubs regularly.
By chris on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
Don’t forget the Bacon Brothers…. I actually own that cd and its pretty good
By Alex on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
what about George Clooney and The Soggy Bottom Boys from “O Brother Where Art Thou” that was a solid one song
By randy on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
They totally forgot about Jared Leto’s band 30 seconds to mars..
By Ashley on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
A. George Clooney didn’t sing that song B. The only reason soo many people know about 30 seconds to mars is b/c soo many tv personalities and bloggers rag about how much they suck, and about what a total douche rocket jared leto is.
By Mike on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
Here’s another vote for Jenny Lewis…. She’s pretty good….
By Zigga on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
What about Rooney and Jason’s brother Robert Schwartzman?
They’re a pop/rock band with good harmonies, kinda like the Beach Boys.
Robert’s been in a few movies.
By KipperM on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply
Add Christian Kane of the band Kane to the list.
http://www.kanemusic.com/
By ByteMe on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply
Hard to include 30 Seconds to Mars as most of these actors have had successful careers in their first jobs… Leto, eh, he’s steps away from his bill as “Boy in Alley 1″. He’s an great musician but a character actor at best, and gaffer at worst.
By Davis Deluxe on Jan 18, 2008 | Reply
Gotta Go With Kevin Bacon, The Guy Is Truly Talented Musically. Ronny cox Was A Surprisingly Good Call. Shatner However…Beam Him Up, Anybody!
By J Mac on Jan 19, 2008 | Reply
Steve Martin on the Banjo!!! Killing it on Letterman (might be Leno.) And Jack Black, one of the best slightly unknown rockers of all time!! The greatest song in the world… tribute.
By Edsel on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply
No love for Gary Sinise in The Lt. Dan Band? Ok, they’re a cover band, but they’re good at it.
By David on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply
Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley is of the famous 1989 cult classic The Wizard.
Add it.
By Russel's Brother on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply
30 odd foot of grunts is a laughing stock in Australia. It probably shouldn’t be on the list, as most people would definitely suggest that they do indeed suck.
By DAS on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply
shatner rocks, anyone who says different better do more drugs or something
By Wingless on Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hello! Bruce Willis!