The Simpsons has been rocking our TV screens for over 30 years, and along the way, they’ve pulled off some of the best musician cameos in television history. From rock legends to pop superstars to some truly unexpected appearances, Springfield has been a musical paradise. Here are 20 of the best times musicians crashed into Homer’s world, in the most unforgettable ways!
1. Paul McCartney (Season 7, Episode 5 – “Lisa the Vegetarian”)
Lisa gives up meat, and who better to guide her than Sir Paul himself? Alongside his wife Linda, Paul reveals that if you play Maybe I’m Amazed backwards, you get a hidden lentil soup recipe. Only The Simpsons could mix classic rock with vegetarian propaganda and make it hilarious.
2. Michael Jackson (Season 3, Episode 1 – “Stark Raving Dad”)
Officially credited as John Jay Smith, the King of Pop played a soft-spoken, lovable mental institution patient who thinks he’s Michael Jackson. He helps Homer write Happy Birthday Lisa, and while Jackson didn’t sing in the episode, his voice acting was iconic.
3. The Rolling Stones (Season 14, Episode 2 – “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”)
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards teach Homer how to rock at “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp,” alongside Lenny Kravitz, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello. Only in Springfield can you get guitar lessons from Keith Richards and still get mocked for your dance moves by Mick Jagger.
4. U2 (Season 9, Episode 22 – “Trash of the Titans”)
Homer crashes a U2 concert to promote his campaign for Sanitation Commissioner, leading to a legendary beatdown by security and a disgusted Bono. The best part? The Edge casually harmonizing The Garbageman Can like it’s a stadium anthem.
5. Johnny Cash (Season 8, Episode 9 – “El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer”)
The Man in Black plays the Space Coyote in Homer’s chili-induced hallucination. With that deep, legendary voice, Cash guides Homer through a psychedelic spirit quest. It’s easily one of the most beautifully weird Simpsons moments ever.
6. The Ramones (Season 5, Episode 4 – “Rosebud”)
The Ramones sing Happy Birthday to Mr. Burns, but in true punk rock fashion, they insult him mid-song. “Go to hell, you old bastard!” might be the most Ramones thing ever said on network television. Burns’ response? “Have the Rolling Stones killed.”
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers (Season 4, Episode 22 – “Krusty Gets Kancelled”)
Krusty the Clown revamps his career with an all-star special, and who better to bring the energy than the Chili Peppers? They reluctantly change the lyrics to Give It Away to be more family-friendly, proving that not even Flea can fight network censors.
8. Weird Al Yankovic (Season 14, Episode 16 – “Three Gays of the Condo”)
Weird Al does what Weird Al does best—parodying Homer’s misery with a reworked version of Jack and Diane about his crumbling marriage. Homer may not appreciate it, but we sure do. “You can’t polka your way out of this one!” Yes, yes he can.
9. Metallica (Season 18, Episode 1 – “The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer”)
Otto pulls over the school bus to fanboy over Metallica, only for them to roast him and take a better ride—on Hans Moleman’s truck. Kirk Hammett’s insult? “We love you, Otto, but we’d rather walk.” Cold.
10. Green Day (The Simpsons Movie, 2007)
Green Day opens the movie with a punk-rock Simpsons theme, only to meet a tragic fate when their barge sinks into Lake Springfield. Their final moments? A Titanic-style violin farewell. Classic.
11. Spinal Tap (Season 3, Episode 22 – “The Otto Show”)
Even fictional rock legends get the Simpsons treatment! Spinal Tap’s concert is a disaster, with ridiculous pyrotechnics and a show cut short by a riot. Harry Shearer voices Derek Smalls, so it’s basically like he’s heckling himself.
12. Elvis Costello (Season 14, Episode 2 – “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”)
Alongside Jagger and Petty, Elvis Costello rocks out at fantasy camp—until Homer smashes his glasses. “I need those to see!” Springfield is where dignity goes to die, even for punk legends.
13. Tom Petty (Season 14, Episode 2 – “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”)
Tom Petty’s role? Teaching songwriting at rock camp, only to get booed for encouraging deep, meaningful lyrics. “Stop trying to confuse us with words, man!” Maybe he should’ve stuck to Free Fallin’.
14. Lady Gaga (Season 23, Episode 22 – “Lisa Goes Gaga”)
Dressed in a dozen over-the-top outfits, Lady Gaga descends upon Springfield to cheer up Lisa. She even gives Homer an accidental therapy session. It’s peak surrealism, but then again, so is Lady Gaga.
15. The Who (Season 12, Episode 2 – “A Tale of Two Springfields”)
Springfield is divided over area codes, and the only thing that can reunite them? The Who. Their stadium-sized riffs literally bring down a wall, because that’s how powerful rock and roll is.
16. R.E.M. (Season 13, Episode 6 – “Homer the Moe”)
Homer kidnaps R.E.M. and forces them to play in his garage. Instead of calling the cops, they jam with him and sing It’s the End of the World As We Know It—because even Michael Stipe knows Springfield is a lawless place.
17. James Brown (Season 5, Episode 1 – “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet”)
James Brown brings the funk to the Springfield County Fair, but when the stage collapses, all he can do is yell, “This bandstand wasn’t double-bolted!” The hardest-working man in showbiz deserved better.
18. Barry White (Season 4, Episode 12 – “Whacking Day”)
Barry White’s deep, silky voice saves the snakes of Springfield. His smooth bass tones lure the slithery critters to safety, proving once and for all that Barry White has the power to seduce anything.
19. 50 Cent (Season 16, Episode 9 – “Pranksta Rap”)
Bart sneaks into a 50 Cent concert and gets caught in the ultimate clout-chasing lie. 50’s reaction? “I like your style, kid.” Bart Simpson: Springfield’s original pranksta.
20. Blink-182 (Season 14, Episode 22 – “Barting Over”)
Bart moves into his own apartment and discovers his neighbor is Blink-182. They jam with him at a party, proving that even in the early 2000s, Springfield was the only place to be.
