Buzz
For artists who value their craft over fame and fortune, concealing their identity ensures the spotlight remains on their work, not their persona. Dive into the intriguing tales of 11 bands that perform behind masks.
1. The Residents
For 44 years, the enigmatic art collective The Residents has maintained a veil of secrecy around their identities. Originating from Shreveport, Louisiana, where the members met in high school, they later moved to San Francisco, California. Their iconic eyeball masks and top hats serve to direct attention to their innovative pop deconstructionist music rather than their appearance. Throughout their career, The Residents have produced nearly 40 albums of avant-garde music and a variety of multimedia projects.
2. Slipknot
Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Slipknot is a Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band that emerged in 1995. Their self-titled debut album achieved both commercial and critical acclaim, reaching the top 50 of the Billboard Top 200 in 1999. A significant factor in their initial success was their striking and unforgettable masks.
Every member of this heavy metal group dons a distinct mask that reflects their individual persona. Over time, these masks have evolved, symbolizing the band's journey. In 2002, lead vocalist Corey Taylor explained, “The masks allow us to connect deeply with the music. They help us shed our external identities and fully immerse ourselves in the art. It’s a way to embody the music and let it consume us.”
3. Insane Clown Posse
Formed in 1989 in Detroit, Michigan, Insane Clown Posse is a hip-hop horror duo consisting of Joseph Bruce (Violent J) and Joseph Utsler (Shaggy 2 Dope). Known for their dark and violent themes, the duo adopts the personas of deranged clowns, using face paint to embody the Dark Carnival, a central theme in their music and mythology.
The Joker’s Cards albums by the duo introduce The Dark Carnival, a concept of the afterlife as envisioned by Insane Clown Posse. This metaphorical realm serves as a purgatory where souls are judged before their final destination, either Heaven or Hell.
4. The Locust
Originating as a typical four-piece punk band from San Diego, California, The Locust shifted their image when discussions began to focus more on their attire than their music. “We initially wore everyday clothes,” singer/bassist Justin Pearson explained to the Chicago Sun-Times. “As broke punk kids, we were surprised when our outfits overshadowed our sound.” Today, the band dons tight, full-body nylon suits with hoods, designed to
5. The Knife
The Knife, a sibling electronic pop duo from Sweden, began their journey in 1999 but only gained widespread recognition after José González’s cover of their track “Heartbeats” featured in a Sony ad. Despite winning multiple Swedish Grammis Awards in 2003 and 2007, the duo consistently avoided the limelight, refusing to attend award ceremonies or accept their accolades.
The Knife seldom appears in public, but when they do, they don masks featuring large bird-like beaks, reminiscent of the Venetian Medico Della Peste (plague doctor) masks.
6. Clinic
Formed in 1997 in Liverpool, England, Clinic is a post-punk revival band founded by Ade Blackburn and Jonathan Hartley. They aimed to create a sound more centered around keyboards and organs, diverging from their previous group, Pure Morning. In 2002, their track “Walking with Thee” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.
At live performances, Clinic members wear surgical masks to conceal their identities, a nod to the San Francisco art collective The Residents. “I appreciated their visual approach—it wasn’t overly serious but rather a playful twist on their name. I wanted something equally absurd,” Blackburn remarked.
7. Deadmau5
Joel Thomas Zimmerman, known professionally as Deadmau5 (pronounced Dead Mouse), is a progressive-house music producer and DJ hailing from Toronto, Canada. The name Deadmau5 originated as a screen name after Zimmerman, as a teen, found a deceased mouse inside his computer while repairing it.
The iconic Deadmau5 logo was born when Zimmerman was experimenting with 3D modeling software. After the lead singer of the industrial metal band Orgy suggested he wear the logo as a headpiece during shows, the Deadmau5 persona took off. Variations of this logo and headpiece now feature prominently in all of Zimmerman’s albums and live performances.
8. Gwar
Gwar was formed in 1984 when two creative projects merged. One was Death Piggy, a punk band from Richmond, Virginia, and the other was The Slave Pit, a production space for an unmade film titled Scumdogs of the Universe.
When the creators of these projects met, they decided to form a satirical band named "Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh" to perform as an opening act for Death Piggy. However, after noticing audiences leaving after "Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh"’s sets, the members of Death Piggy and The Slave Pit merged, simplifying their name to Gwar.
Gwar’s unique blend of satirical heavy metal has captivated audiences with their over-the-top live performances, featuring elaborate costumes and masks. Their shows combine horror and sci-fi elements to humorously explore taboo subjects and deliver sharp political commentary.
Since their inception, Gwar has produced 13 albums and earned two Grammy nominations—Best Long Form Music Video in 1993 and Best Metal Performance in 1995.
9. Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot, a Russian feminist punk collective, comprises 11 members who don vibrant ski masks to maintain their anonymity. They stage unauthorized, guerrilla-style performances to protest against Russian policies and President Vladimir Putin.
On February 21, 2012, Pussy Riot performed at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior for their music video “Punk Prayer—Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!” Three members were arrested, denied bail, and sentenced to two years in prison on charges of hooliganism driven by religious hatred.
10. The Aquabats!
Founded in 1994 by lead singer Christian Jacobs, bassist Chad Larson, and trumpet player Boyd Terry, The Aquabats! blended punk, ska, surf rock, and new wave. Initially created to mock the overly serious tone of punk and ska bands, they transformed into a lighthearted rock band with a superhero theme, complete with blue costumes, silver helmets, and black masks.
Over the years, The Aquabats! have released five albums and starred in their own live-action Saturday morning TV series, The Aquabats! Super Show!, on The Hub. Their performances are like mini theatrical productions, where they use music to battle crime and villains, all while embracing humor, absurdity, and pure entertainment.
Jacobs also co-created the beloved children’s TV series Yo Gabba Gabba!, which aired on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.
11. Daft Punk
In 1987, French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter founded a band named Darlin’ alongside Laurent Brancowitz. Although the group disbanded quickly, a critical review labeled their performance as “a daft punky thrash.” Inspired by this, de Homem-Christo and Bangalter later formed the electronic duo Daft Punk, while Brancowitz joined the pop band Phoenix.
Daft Punk is celebrated not just for their groundbreaking music but also for their visually stunning live performances. Their work is deeply narrative-driven, and their concerts extend these stories beyond their albums. In 1999, they began wearing robot helmets, a move that allowed them to blend into their music and shield their introverted personalities from public view.
