They're bigger than Elvis. They've sold more records than Michael Jackson and Madonna. They're more influential than The Beatles. They're "more popular than Jesus."
They're Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
Jim Henson designed the puppets Dr. Teeth and Animal, while the rest of the original band members were designed by Michael K. Frith.
Now let's introduce the band:
Dr. Teeth (Keyboards/Vocals)
Dr. Teeth is the green-skinned, red-haired, wide-grinned, full-mouthed leader of the band. His gold tooth is claimed to have been fashioned from the melting down of his gold records.
Dr. Teeth's arms are so long that Jim Henson worked with another performer who acted as Dr. Teeth's 'hands' in order to play the keyboard. Dr. Teeth is based on the musician Dr. John.
Animal (Drums)
Animal, the untamed drummer, is the only member of the band to have appeared in every feature film. He is named for his wild behavior and drumming style. Some folks believe that Animal is based on Keith Moon, while others believe he is based on Mick Fleetwood.
Janice (Guitar/Vocals)
Janice plays a left-handed Gibson Les Paul, and though she sings regularly, she has only sang lead a couple of times on the show. Janice has been romantically linked to Zoot and Floyd Pepper. Her name is an homage to Janis Joplin.
Sgt. Floyd Pepper (Bass/Vocals)
He's the "hippest of the hip." He's Sgt. Floyd Pepper.
Although Dr. Teeth is the leader of the band, Sgt. Floyd Pepper performs most of the vocals. Some of the songs he sang include: "New York State of Mind," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."
Like Janice, Floyd Pepper plays left-handed, an obvious homage to Paul McCartney. His name refers to Pink Floyd and the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, but he resembles Duane Allman.
Floyd considers himself a genius songwriter, but admits that everyone hates his music: "If I didn't know I was a genius, I wouldn't listen to the trash I write."
Zoot (Saxophone)
Zoot dated Janice for a while, but his real moment in the sun comes at the end of The Muppet Show when he toots out the final off-key note. His name refers to the 20th century saxophonist Zoot Sims and modeled after Latin saxophonist and composer Gato Barbieri.
Lips (Trumpet)
Lips joined the Electric Mayhem in the later episodes. He has a yellow Afro, goatee, a permanent squint, and doesn't say very much. He just plays trumpet.
I LOVE this band! The best part of this post is the quote from Floyd. Or, I should say, the fact that Floyd has a quote. Rock on muppets!
Posted by: colleen | 11/22/2011 at 05:34 PM
These guys have been flying under the radar. It's high time the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acknowledges their greatness. Will you sign my petition?
Posted by: richie | 11/22/2011 at 05:37 PM
of course!
Posted by: Colleen | 11/22/2011 at 06:12 PM
I have two names so far. It's a start.
Posted by: richie | 11/22/2011 at 06:22 PM
My favorite band member here is Dr. Teeth. Why? Because of his gold tooth! It looks so cool! That's practically his most valuable asset! A very popular dentist must've put that in him. LOL!
Posted by: Patsy Dupre | 02/13/2012 at 01:20 PM
Dr. Teeth is stylin' and profilin', for sure. Thanks for stopping by, Patsy.
Posted by: richie | 02/13/2012 at 01:51 PM
Great post, su funny. Excellent band!
Posted by: Blanqueamiento dental precio | 04/18/2012 at 03:26 PM