The Toys Are Back In Town: The World of Music Figurines
"Life in plastic/it's fantastic" goes Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' and some musicians have taken that idea literally, whether it be dolls, toys, statues or a fully-detailed action figure (complete with 15 points of articulation!). We cast our nerdy nets into the wider oceans of the internet to bring back the strangest and funniest examples of the artists and the bands who ended up cast-died in plastic. Welcome to our action figure party!
"Life in plastic/it's fantastic" goes Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' and some musicians have taken that idea literally, whether it be dolls, toys, statues or a fully-detailed action figure (complete with 15 points of articulation!). We cast our nerdy nets into the wider oceans of the internet to bring back the strangest and funniest examples of the artists and the bands who ended up cast-died in plastic. Welcome to our action figure party!
Metallica - Master Of Puppets Smiti Figure Playset A playset indeed… this creation includes 25 pieces, the band members - James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton and other items such as guitars, drums, a stage and backdrop. Now fans can produce their own Metallica show from home!
Bach, Beethoven & Mozart – Action Figures These claim to be ‘action’ figures of the great composers, but it’s unsure how exciting they are, coming with a piano bench so they can stand up or sit down! It is also said to come with instructions for downloading a fold-up paper piano from the Internet.
Michael Jack ‘Thriller’ – Hot Toys Yeah you can remove his hands, and his head. Weird right? Particularly for a guy that looked like he could fall apart at any minute. Well actually this figurine represents a happier time in Michael Jackson’s career, recreating his character - zombiefied and no - from ‘Thriller’ in stunning detail.
Gwen Stefani – Dolls Released as part of the No Doubt singer's own fashion label L.A.M.B. (that's Love Angel Music Baby), these Bratz-like dolls have been created to represent the variety of each persona in Gwen Stefani’s video clips.
Iggy Pop – NECA Toys Iggy Pop’s body is most definitely weird looking. Well when it’s recreated in plastic as a figurine it’s even weirder. NECA, or the National Entertainment Collectables Associations specialize in figurines of prominent musicians and video game characters.
Jimi Hendrix @ Monterey Pop – McFarlane Toys McFarlane Toys are well known for their music based action figures and have everything from KISS figurines to Elvis Presley. This Jimi Hendrix item is a particular favourite, reenacting the famous Monterey Pop moment where he set his guitar on fire.
Johnny Cash - "Man In Black" Action Figure This figure is based on the photo of Cash "walking the line" from the Fall of 1969. It also includes a railroad track stand, and guitar. Probably one of the more realistic looking figures of the bunch.
KISS - Wacky Wobblers With a ridiculous wealth of tacky KISS merchandise to choose from, we had to go with these dashboard ornaments. Each pack contains individually packaged 6” bobble heads featuring Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons.
Madonna – Artist Creations Fashion Dolls It’s not just one or two commemorative dolls, but about 30 that have been produced to showcase highlights throughout Madonna’s career. Some looks she may be proud of, and others she might of hoped to never be reminded of.
N*Sync Collectible Marionettes Remember those super cool dance moves in the video for N*Syncs ‘Bye Bye Bye’? Well if you don’t, then here is the perfect time to learn them and recreate the scene with some N*Sync marionette dolls. Fun times guaranteed.
Iron Maiden - Eddie “Piece of Mind” Action Figure Deluxe Box Set If you’re brave enough to have this in your house, you can have a piece of Iron Maiden memorabilia. Featuring the band's iconic mascot, Eddie, in the madman persona; based on the cover artwork for Piece of Mind, which was released in 1983.
Kylie Minogue – Jakk’s Pacific These are straight up creepy. Released in 2003 by Jakk’s Pacific and wearing outfits Kylie wore for the World Music Awards. Two things are particularly notable about her odd appearance: her freakishly skeletal facial features and the size of her forehead.
Notorious B.I.G. – Mezco Toys This Biggie figurine comes with the choice of four different outfits, each one as gangster as the next. Mezco - who produced the Notrious figure - don’t stop there with hop-hop royalty, they’ve immortalized Public Enemy as well.
Johnny Ramone & Johnny Rotten – Funko Pop Rocks Vinyl Figure Funko Toys have gone on a crazy rampage of producing musical bobble heads, including a series of Sex Pistols and Ramones vinyl figures. The Ramones look particularly cute in their matching leather/denim combo; while Johnny Rotten looks quite angry, and even though he’s holding a mic, he has no mouth!
Elvis Presley – PEZ Dispenser The ultimate product to honour celebrities – PEZ. The company produced three different Elvis PEZ dispensers to showcase his career. They include when he was inducted into the US Army in 1958, his first television special, ‘'The 68 Special’ in 1968, and his television performance ‘Aloha From Hawaii’ in 1973.
Eminem – ‘Headknocker’ Figurine Would the real Slim Shady please stand up?! Popcultcha have created this 8” bobble head of Eminem. The business is said to be Australia's leading collectables retailer and have been in business since 1993.
The Black Keys – PEZ These custom PEZ dispensers were made at the release of The Black Keys single, “Everlasting Light”. It’s uncertain why, but the faces of the PEZ seem to resemble quite shocked expressions – some may not feel comfortable taking candy from their creepy eyes!
My Chemical Romance – Action Figure Set Dressed in matching black, with blood red ties - the complete lineup of emo rockers come packaged in a coffin box. Released in conjunction with the band's 2005 tour for Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
The Beatles – Russian Nesting Dolls These nesting dolls commemorate one of the band's most successful albums - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and are hand-made in Russia by 'professional' artists. Still, Beatles babushkas seems to get the popularity ranking correct, right down to teensy little Ringo.
Justin Bieber – Line Of Dolls Talking dolls. Performance collections. Style collections. The Canadian teen pop star has got it all when it comes to figures. Perhaps the most exciting is the ‘Rocking Tour Bus & Concert Stage Playset’, complete with sound and lights (awesome stuff). Of course, Bieber dolls are in direct competition with a wide-ranging variety of One Direction dolls and toys.
Lady Gaga My Little Pony – Marika Surinen Lady Gaga would be pretty happy that someone has gone to the trouble of recreating a ‘My Little Pony’ version of her. The sculpture really captures the sort of wow factor she brings to the music industry, complete with mock fringe and arty outfit.
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