They’re almost so good at acting, that if music doesn’t work out… Well maybe not to that extent, but here are 15 of the best movie cameos by famous musicians.
Flea and Aimee Mann, The Big Lebowski
The Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ bassist actually leads a bit of a double life as an actor, appearing in films as diverse as Back to the Future Parts II and III and that shitty remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (sorry for reminding you of that), as well as voicing Donnie in The Wild Thornberrys. His greatest acting success still has to be playing a nihilist in The Big Lebowski though.
Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann also briefly appears in the film, donating a toe to the kidnappers’ cause.
Anthony Kiedis, Point Break
Perhaps not wanting to be outdone by Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ frontman Anthony Kiedis also got into his own onscreen brawl with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze (why would you do that?!) in Point Break.
Meat Loaf & Dave Grohl, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
Jack Black and Kyle Gass (aka Tenacious D) may be a comedy band, but there’s no denying their real love and passion for music. As such, they sought out some incredible names for their 2006 film The Pick of Destiny, but none more genius than casting Meat Loaf as a Christian dad who thinks rock music is the work of the devil, and Dave Grohl as the devil himself.
Keith Richards, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Old mate Keith may look like he accidentally stumbled onto the Disney set during a particularly intense bender, but his distinctive swagger and mannerism actually inspired Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, hence the appearance.
Jack White, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Jack White may be a perfect choice to satirise The King, but we have no idea what the fuck he’s talking about…
David Bowie, Zoolander
David Bowie may have proved his serious acting chops as Nikola Tesla in The Prestige and shown off some serious bulge as the Goblin King in Labyrinth, but his best film appearance still remains his surprise turn as a walk-off judge in Zoolander.
Alice Cooper, Wayne’s World
Alice Cooper makes an excellent history teacher.
Radiohead & Pulp, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Although the full song was cut from the final movie, the filmmakers managed to assemble an incredible dream team to play the fictional Weird Sisters band at Hogwarts’ Yule Ball. The lineup consisted of Jarvis Cocker (Pulp), Steve Mackey (Pulp), Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead), Phil Selway (Radiohead), Jason Buckle (All Seeing I) and Steve Claydon (Add N to (X)).
Michael Jackson, Men in Black II
Michael Jackson may have been the King of Pop, but his secret dream was to become an agent in Men in Black.
Kanye West, The Love Guru
Mike Myers may have done the impossible, and found something that Yeezy loves more than himself…hockey!
Huey Lewis, Back to the Future
In addition to providing the two themes of the movie (‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Back in Time’), Huey Lewis also got to appear in the movie, calling Michael J Fox’s cover of his own song “too darn loud”.
ZZ Top, Back to the Future III
With those incredible beards, ZZ Top truly do look like an old Western band.
Blink 182, American Pie
Blink and you’ll miss it (sorry, I’ll see myself out), but Blink 182 briefly appear in the film, huddled around their computer watching Jim’s accidental webcast. Rather awkwardly, drummer Travis Barker was credited as former drummer Scott Raynor. Oops.
blink 182 
