13 Rock Stars Who Still Deserve a Biopic
Hollywood clearly loves its musical biopics. These movies are real crowd-pleasers, combining some of our favorite songs with a satisfying story about artists achieving fame and fortune, hitting rock bottom and bouncing back for the sake of the music. Recent releases like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Rocketman" prove that the rock biopic is as popular as ever. But Hollywood still has a lot of rock stars to get to. Here are 13 more rock icons (including both solo musicians and bands) that still need a good biopic.
Syd Barrett
While a general Pink Floyd biopic would be great, we're especially keen on seeing a movie devoted to the tragic life of original frontman Syd Barrett. The film could focus on the band's original rise to prominence in the psychedelic era and the struggles Barrett faced as drug abuse exacerbated his mental problems. We'd love to see the film take a crack at replicating Barrett's live renditions of early Floyd hits like "Interstellar Overdrive."
David Bowie
David Bowie was among the most unique voices in rock -- a true artist who helped popularize the glam rock genre even as he constantly reinvented himself with every new album. Bowie as legions of fans, but how many of them truly have a sense of the man behind iconic characters like Aladdin Sane, Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke?
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is one of the true titans of rock, giving us countless hits and even managing to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three separate times. His career has certainly taken many interesting twists and turns. The sad backstory behind his hit song "Tears in Heaven" alone may be a great foundation for a biopic.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain will probably always be one of the most fascinating figures in rock. He lived out the quintessential rock star life -- achieving massive fame, battling addiction and psychological problems and ultimately flaming out long before his time. The trick is to chronicle his life in a respectful way that doesn't glamorize or fall victim to the usual tropes. Cobain himself would have hated that more than anyone.
Fleetwood Mac
As a group, Fleetwood Mac is responsible for some of the most popular rock albums ever created. But the story behind those albums is almost as fascinating as the music itself. This is a band notorious for behind-the-scenes drama and romantic intrigue. Maybe the time has finally come to explore that drama in the form of a biopic.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson truly earned the title "The King of Pop," with charisma and dance moves every bit as impressive as his voice. Unfortunately, he was also a very damaged individual, and allegations of sexual abuse continue to swirl even years after his death. Any MJ biopic faces the difficult task of both finding someone to portray an inimitable icon and acknowledging the more unsavory aspects of his life. We'd love to see someone try, though.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin is a prime biopic candidate for all sorts of reasons. She's one of the figureheads of the late '60s rock movement, as well as being one of the first female rock stars ever. She's also a part of the tragic "27 Club" - artists who died long before their time at the young age of 27. There's surely a fascinating story to be told about her life and legacy.
Madonna
As the undisputed Queen of Pop, one of the biggest superstars of the '80s and the best-selling female recording artist in history, it pretty much goes without saying that Madonna deserves a biopic. She's led a very interesting life and courted more than her share of controversy. The only question is how to narrow down that life into manageable movie.
Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson was a fascinating study in contrasts. He was one of the greatest guitar players in the world and a truly electrifying stage presence, yet he also took great pains to keep his personal life (including his chronic medical issues) behind closed doors. The result being that, like David Bowie, few fans have a good sense of who Prince truly was off the stage. A good biopic could fix that.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have been one of the few constant fixtures on the ever-changing rock scene. They made their reputation during the British Invasion of the 1960's, and they've kept churning out hits in the decades the followed. Members like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards rank among the most colorful and controversial figures in the industry. This is one band that could easily support an entire series of biopics.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen appeals to wide swaths of music fans thanks to his strong musicianship and poetic songwriting. His life may not be as marked by controversy as many of his rock star peers, but we still think he's prime candidate for the biopic treatment. How did he earn his reputation as "The Boss," and what inspired him to create some of the most enduring works of American music?
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder's life and career practically call out for a biopic. He was a true child prodigy, establishing his career at the tender age of 11 despite being born blind. In the decades since, Wonder has become one of the biggest stars in the world, raked in countless awards and won over generations with his incredible talent and stage presence. He's perfect for a feel-good rock biopic.
Frank Zappa
There was no one else quite like Frank Zappa. This rock star always followed his own muse, creating genre-defying works that might not have always been commercially successful, but won him the admiration of musicians and music lovers the world over. He was also superhumanly prolific, crafting no fewer than 60 albums before his death at 52. That impressive career deserves a biopic.