Top 10 Bands With Members Who Don’t Play Anything

Photo January 12, 2012 3:44 PM By Stereogum

Top 10 Bands With Members Who Don’t Play Anything

Photo January 12, 2012 3:44 PM By Stereogum

In today's Listomania, we unveil our favorite 10 bands who have a member that doesn't play or do anything, and that's no intended sleight to these critical players, whether they be hypemen, "vibes managers," or just token old dudes to round out a musical family. Honorable mention goes out to Broken Social Scene's fourth guitar player, or to any band ...

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Happy Mondays: The Happy Mondays' maraca man Bez has a passionate following.

Arrested Development: Baba Oje -- back right, red hat -- is known as Arrested Development's "spiritual advisor," but most know him as "that old dude." In some press pics, he's sitting in a rocking chair, so he's not trying to fight it.

Avail: In the crowded field of “anthemic punk bands with mascots,” Beau Beau is at the head of his class.

A Tribe Called Quest: He wasn't in the group long, but one of ATCQ's founding members was Jarobi, a figure who never rapped on anything but was the recipient of numerous shout-outs and prominent placement in videos like "Can I Kick It?" According to the Tribe doc Beats, Rhymes & Life, he is now a chef in the greater NYC area.

Das Racist: Dap (middle) is an invaluable piece of Das Racist, a squirrely hypeman that solidifies much of Das Racist’s charm. But, he doesn’t, you know, rap on anything or produce any of the music Das Racist raps on. He knows how to handle a megaphone and a wild Twitter account, though.

Brian Jonestown Massacre: Joel Gion was billed as "Spokesman of the Revolution," which is the fanciest name ever given to a tambourine player.

Gang Gang Dance: Gang Gang Dance is a band that has a ton going on, sonically, lots of moving parts. While his band is busy managing these pieces, Taka Imamura (front left) waves a flag, sometimes incense.

Kottonmouth Kings: Pakelika (back right with the mask) is best known as "that dude who just smoked weed and danced around on stage." But, he did it with dignity. And a mask!