Simpsons Comic #59: Faking the Band/Kent's State

by Eric Rogers, Matt Groening (creator)

Upon witnessing Bart and Lisa arguing over the legitimacy of boybands, Homer realizes he can form his own as a get-rich-quick scheme. After auditioning most of the boys in Springfield, Homer decides on the band members - Bart, Nelson, Rod and Roy. However, using guidance from a boyband bible, he also needs a fifth member who has a funny persona, and instantly rejects Martin for this position. Chief Wiggum persuades Homer to take on Ralph, after proving he is both funny and can sing.

With Nigel as the manager, the band is named 5 From 'Field as a reference to their hometown of Springfield. When the boys' vocals are tested, it emerges that Ralph is the only one who can sing, though Nigel decides to overcome this by recording Ralph's voice and editing it at certain points to sound like the other members. The band release a No. 1 hit single, "Please Smile, Girl ('Cause Frowning Makes You Ugly)". Upon listening to the record, Martin determines that the band is fake and challenges them to perform on the spot. Nigel agrees to have the band perform live at Springfield Elementary, but when the day arrives, they are unprepared.

Also includes story called Kent's State. This story is about when The Simpsons attend an award show dedicated to Kent Brockman and Lisa is up for an award for Best Public Access Cable Show!

27 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2001