The Greatest Rock Band That Will Never Be

It's time for another supergroup that will never happen. This time I decided to make rock band entirely out of dead musicians. They're not the liveliest bunch (LOLZ) but hey they were pretty fresh when they weren't rotting in the ground. Freakishly enough, they all ended up having names that start with "J". Weird.

Vocals - Jeff Buckley

Now, sharing a list with classic rock icons, Jeff Buckley may seem out of place, seeing as how he didn't come until the 90's and he only had 1 studio album but he's dead so he fits the bill. I realized Jeff Buckley belonged at the helm of a rock band when I noticed that parts of "Mojo Pin" sounded like Led Zeppelin. He was a tremendous vocalist with a voice that was both beautiful and powerful. As the leader of my imaginary band he would break the taboo of the classic rock vocalist with the high-pitch half-scream voice. Though he was good at being soft and sensitive (see "Hallelujah") he also proved he could rock (see the road version of "Eternal Life" and "Kick Out The Jams"). He showed great talent in his songwriting and showed promise in the few recordings he left behind. His guitar abilities and his brooding good looks make him a no-brainer front man. If someone ever makes a Hollywood film about him, I would bet they cast James Franco in the leading role.

Guitar - Jimi Hendrix

I realize that Jimi was a front man but let's face it, his guitar did the real singing. Hendrix is widely considered by many to be the greatest guitarist in rock music history. While he was only active on the music scene for 4 years he was immensely influential on the rock world both as a musician and a producer. On the guitar he pioneered the use of amplifier feedback and helped to popularize the wah pedal. Not only did Hendrix have an extremely original and experimental lead guitar style, he also had a trademark style for rhythm guitar, which is perhaps what I am most fond of him for. His noodling-bluesy rhythm style has been emulated by guitarists like John Frusciante, Henry Garza, John Mayer, and at least half the people who pick up a Stratocaster. Plus his flamboyant psychedelic style made for a quintessential rock look. If I were to have any guitarist in my band it would be Jimi for sure.

Bass - John Entwistle

John Entwistle makes it in as the longest-lived musician on the list. While I've never been a fan of The Who, I must say that John Entwistle was an incredible bassist. He could do on bass what many people strive to do on guitar. People didn't call this guy "Thunderfingers" for nothing. The fingers on his right hand must've been beastly strong. Need proof? Check out this video

Drums - John Bonham

If you're going to pick a dead drummer for an imaginary rock band, it's got to be John Bonham. Known for his power and his quick right foot, "Bonzo'' was one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. Just listen to "Good Times, Bad Times." No, he's not using a double bass drum there. Without him, Led Zeppelin wouldn't have been half as good. His interplay with the rest of band and use of complex rhythms contributed to a unique sense of groove. There is no more solid base, no harder beat, to build a rock band on.

Well, there you go. That's my band and I'm sticking to it.

Jon Sigurdsson approves.