Top 10 Weirdest Bands

Top 10 Weird Bands

The peculiar musicians that make us shake our head. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Weird Bands.

For this list, we’re focusing on bizarre music groups with unique musical concepts and public personas. To be clear, we’re not saying any of these bands are bad, but that they typically a bit more bizarre than your typical mainstreambands. We will also be excluding comedy bands, as they tend to be weird for the sake of being funny.

#10: Death Grips

Unless you’re already a fan, you’ve probably never heard a hip-hop band quite like this. Fueled by the chaotic rhymes of Stefan Burnett aka MC Ride, the Sacramento-based Death Grips emerged in 2010 with an alien-like sound and music videos that instilled a deep sense of paranoia in some viewers while inspiring other visual artists of the same creative likeness. Critics have generally praised their studio albums, but one might get the impression that Death Grips could care less about what people think. In addition to having a history of not showing up to their own shows, they announced disbandment in 2014 despite releasing new material and going on tour shortly thereafter.

#9: Mr. Bungle

Twenty-five years before Death Grips hit the music scene of Northern California, this funk metal band was formed in honor of a 50s educational film. With a mixture of ska, funk and jazz, the teenagers of Mr. Bungle developed a unique sound and thrived on the vocal style of lead singer Mike Patton, who would simultaneously front the Bay Area band Faith No More. By the early 90s, Mr. Bungle had developed a knack for abstract live performances, and a long-standing feud with the Red Hot Chili Peppers led to an infamous 1999 concert. But due to their own personal issues, Patton and company ultimately disbanded in 2000.

#8: Babymetal

Five years ago, the members of this thrashing band didn’t know what the heck metal music was, but their natural cuteness made them perfect for an unlikely fusion. And so, a group consisting of three Japanese teenage girls was formed, and they were given the monikers “Su-metal”, “Yuimetal” and “Moametal”. Their 2012 music video for “Head Bangya” focused on a young girl who learns to headbang thanks to a magical corset, and just two years later, Babymetal made their American debut at Hollywood’s Fonda Theatre. With inspirational lyrics and adorable looks, these girls are revolutionizing the metal genre whether you like it or not.

#7: GG Allin

The phrase “Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll” has long been a staple of the rock star lifestyle, however GG Allin took it to another level. Born Jesus Christ Allin, during the last interview before his death at the age of 36, Allin proclaimed himself as the Messiah. Well, he was most certainly the leader of his own special brand of entertainment, if one enjoys watching their favorite singer eat feces, bleed on stage and assault audience members. Allin played with numerous backing bands over the years including “The Texas Nazis,” “The AIDS Brigade” and “The Murder Junkies” before his 1993 death from a heroine overdose. The music was weird, and the man behind it was even weirder.

#6: Primus

Starting their unique style of alternative metal in 1984, yet not releasing anything major until 1989, Primus became a major influence on the “Nu Metal” genre that would emerge by the late 90s. With an offbeat sense of humor, Primus earned themselves a devoted following, including Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who asked the band to record the original theme for “South Park”. Their 1995 track “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” led to a Grammy nomination, and after a brief break-up, Primus continued on with their psychedelic polka sound.

#5: Ween

WEEEEN. Ween. Don’t you just love to say it? Well, believe it or not, this band name was the creation of two high school boys who combined the words “wuss” and penis.” As you might expect, their lyrics are trivial in nature, but the eclectic sound of Dean and Gene Ween was cultivated throughout the band’s almost 30 years of existence. Musically inspired by Prince, the kids from Pennsylvania adopted Ramones-like monikers and proceeded to charm prospective listeners show after show. Maybe it was all due to the power of Boognish.

#4: Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention

To label this band as “experimental” would be a huge understatement, however they were most certainly unique. Who really knows what genre these guys fall under, but under the guidance of Frank Zappa, they traveled wherever the proverbial roads of invention and innovation took them. Their 1966 debut entitled Freak Out! was only the second rock double-album behind Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde” – also released in 1966 - and they were actually discovered by Dylan’s producer Tom Wilson. Over the course of a decade, Frank Zappa and around 40 mothers of inventions would explore various genres of music, even after the singer was nearly killed by a fan in London.

#3: Die Antwoord

Composed of rappers Ninja, Yolandi Visser and DJ Hi-Tek, this South African rap-rave group associates themselves with the “Zef” movement, which entails looking fly even if you’re piss poor. Rapping using heavy “zef” slang, Die Antwoord is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but they sure do keep things interesting with their…memorable music videos. Even so, mega-producer Diplo laid down beats for their single “Evil Boy”, which ultimately led to a record deal with Interscope records. However, after a falling out with their new boss over creative differences, Die Antwoord established their own label and continue to play by their own rules. And it’s probably better that way.

#2: GWAR

You might recognize this shock rock band from their aggressive stage costumes or perhaps their even aggressive sound. With a musical ideology steeped in the science fiction mythology, these musicians created a brand that reached far beyond the stage, however their live shows will surely leave a lasting imprint once you’re splattered with fake blood. While rumors persist about the actual meaning of GWAR, their record label website claims it stands for “Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh.” That makes sense, right? After the unfortunate death of Davie Brockie in 2014, the band was left without any original members, but they continue to perform for their legions and legions of admiring fans.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Marilyn Manson

Steam Powered Giraffe

Dir En Grey

Buckethead

#1: Insane Clown Posse

Most weird bands are typically associated with a sub-genre of music, and these Detroit gangstas are closely associated with “horrorcore.” Performing under their alter egos Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, members Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler wear Kiss-inspired wicked clown makeup, while rapping about their hometown of Detroit. Insane Clown Posse famously feuded with Detroit rapper Eminem, and their fans, entitled Juggalos, take their lifestyle rather seriously. In fact, ICP even have their own music festival and professional wrestling federation. The entire concept of Insane Clown Posse may be disturbing to some, but their utterly weird personas continue to bring joy to their nation of Juggalos.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite weird band? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.