15 Badass Tributes to Dead Members of Bands and Comedy Groups
A truly epic send-off… What more could you ask for? These heartfelt and sometimes pretty spicy tributes are a testament to not only their world-class talents, but their world-class lovability. Because honestly, no one wants to celebrate the life and legacy of a real jerk face. Tragedy and loss are the toughest things we have to deal with on this wet rock, but when a memorial is done right, the family, friends (and in the fortunate case of these posthumous honorees) adoring fans can crack a tearful smile.
It’s pretty cool that even though they were clearly dealing with loss, they scrounged up the gumption to help provide the fans with a better sense of what their friend meant to their families and the world. Getting the family involved in the tribute is even better. Kudos. Our tears got a proud nod or even a laugh because of these best tributes to fallen members of bandmates, castmates, and comedians.
Tupac

Howard Stern’s “dry” humor.

Jim Henson

Buena Vista Television
American Pie

United Artists,
Brunswick Records/Wiki Commons
The Who

Neil Young

An epic tribute for the “Dirty Daddy.”

Netflix,
Joe Seer/Shutterstock
Monty Python keeps Graham Chapman part of the gag.

Handmade Films,
YouTube
George Harrison and Paul McCartney’s tribute songs to John Lennon.

mark reinstein/Shutterstock,
David Hume Kennerly/Wiki Commons,
rnkadsgn/Shutterstock
Michael Jackson’s kingly send-off.

AP (via Cincinnati Enquirer),
360b/Shutterstock
Shane Hawkins fills his dad’s toms.

Another son takes the reins.

Adam Sandler’s Tribute to Chris Farley

Saturday Night Live/YouTube,
Paramount Pictures
The Notorious B.I.G is celebrated in Brooklyn.

Reuters (via BuzzFeed News),
Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
Brian Doyle-Murray

Saturday Night Live/YouTube,
Universal Pictures