When you think of slot machines, whether physical ones or their online versions, you immediately visualize jackpots, card symbols, cherries, and Lucky 7s, right? You’re also probably aware that most slot machines carry themes, which reflect the whole look and vibe of the machine. And the most common themes that are likely to cross your mind would probably be Egyptian, fruits, animals, and adventure. But do you know that bands—yes, music bands—have also become a popular online slot games theme in recent years?
In fact, many people in the music industry now consider having a slot machine designed in honor of a particular band is a sure sign that the band in question has made it in the business. It is seen as a badge of honor, and when you see the lineup of bands that have been transformed into slot game themes, you’ll understand why. If, in the past, it was enough for a band to sell a certain number of copies of their recording album to say they’re officially successful, that is no longer the case.
In the same way that a lot of solo singers are now venturing into TV shows and full-length films to prove their worth as artists, bands are now looking to have their own slot games to say that they truly have arrived. Game developers were indeed wise in recognizing the potential of band-inspired slot games. After all, nothing brings people together like music, and slot games can be one of the most entertaining ways for fans to keep reliving their favorite bands’ music.
Here are some of the best slot games that have immortalized some of the world’s most popular bands:
Spinal Tap
Spinal Tap wasn’t even a real band, but they became so popular that they might as well have been. As part of a sketch comedy in 1979, two members of Lenny and the Squitones (a real band) teamed up with three more musicians to perform a spoof of the performance style of heavy metal bands at the time. Their performance was so well-received that a mockumentary was made about the parody band’s fictional tour. Then the band was invited to perform in real tours and sort of became a real band.
Fortunately for Spinal Tap fans and gamers alike, the slot game inspired by this parody band is real enough. Developed by Blueprint Gaming, this game rocks out not only with the tunes popularized by the band, but also with a full load of bonus features. The base game offers 243 ways for you to win, which you can even increase 2,187 ways in the Rock Mode feature. Add to that the game’s sticky wilds, multipliers, free spins, and pick-to-win feature, and you’ll see just how action-packed this slot game can be.
Guns N’ Roses
This American rock band was formed in 1985 and shot to stardom just a year after the release of their debut album in 1987. They remained at the peak of their popularity throughout the 90s, and are still active to this day. Their popularity and influence were such that parents all over the world started naming their sons after frontman Axl Rose. Even now, many people would still rock out to one of their most popular songs, Sweet Child O’ Mine.
The slot game inspired by this world-famous band was developed by NetEnt, which is known for slot games with vibrant graphics, upbeat music, and exciting gameplay. This particular game certainly lives up to NetEnt’s reputation. You will hear the band’s awesome hits, including November Rain, Welcome to the Jungle, Chinese Democracy, Paradise City, and of course, Sweet Child O’ Mine. Game features include free spins, expanding wilds, overlay wilds, multipliers, wild substitutions, legend spins, and a bonus game.
Megadeth
This American heavy metal band was formed in 1983 and released their debut album in 1985. That first album caught the attention of Capitol Records, which signed them and produced their second album in 1986. But it wasn’t until the early 1990s when Megadeth truly came into their own, with albums earning platinum awards in 1990 and 1992. They also went on world tours and gained more recognition at that time.
Just as the band was known as one of The Big Four at the peak of their popularity, this slot game from Leander Games just might be one of the top band-themed games right now. With features like Mega Nudge, an expanding wild, sticky wilds, free spins, and a multilevel bonus round, this sure is one exciting game. If you’re a thrash metal fan looking for a slot game that mirrors the controversy and excitement surrounding the lives of these famous bands, then you’ll be sure to enjoy this game.
KISS: Shout it Out Loud
This American rock band was formed in 1973 and rose to prominence largely due to their elaborate performances, outrageous outfits, and full face paint. It was normal to see smoking guitars, pyrotechnics, fire-breathing, rocket-shooting, blood-spitting, and levitating drum sets in any of their live performances. They started performing sans face paint in the early 80s, but went back to full makeup and costume when the original band members reunited in 1996.
Just as the band gave rock n’ roll a new look back in the day, WMS Gaming also gave band-themed slot games a different face when they developed KISS: Shout it Out Loud in 2013. It has a 5x4 reel alongside a 5x12 reel, plus footage from their most popular live concerts playing in the background. Add to that the band’s music and features such as free spins and colossal reels, and you’ll get a slot game that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Motorhead
This English rock band was formed in 1975 and is said to have revitalized British heavy metal from the late 1970s through the early 80s.The band’s career spans 40 years. They made 10 live recordings, 22 studio albums, 5 EPs, and 12 compilation albums. It comes as no surprise that a well-known game developer like NetEnt would take notice and give them their own space in the slot game arena.
For this game, NetEnt decided to do without the classic 5x3 reel layout. Instead, they used a 3-3-4-4-5 grid layout, which provides players with a completely different gaming experience. Other than the unusual grid layout, the game also offers exciting features such as free spins, Mystery Reels, the Bomber feature, and Rock Mode. Perhaps the best thing about this layout and features combination is that it gives you more opportunities to win big, and what slot player doesn’t want a huge payout, right?
Now, you might think all band-themed slot machines feature one or more of your all-time favorite bands, but you’ll be surprised. You see, not all band-themed slot games feature popular bands. In fact, not all band-themed slot games feature human bands. Here are a few slot machines that carry the band theme, but with a twist:
Get Rocked
Instead of focusing on one particular band, this slot game is inspired by bands in general. Developed by Microgaming, this game icons like a blue guitarist, a red guitarist, a drummer, and a keyboard player. You’ll also see the vocalist, which serves as the Wild symbol and the stage, which is the game’s Scatter symbol. Don’t expect the band members in the game to resemble any real band members, as they’re not inspired by any particular band or band members.
Parrots Rock
Have you ever seen a parrot band? Well, in this slot game, you will. As mentioned earlier, not all band-themed slot games feature human bands, and this game is one perfect example. Released by Spinomenal in mid-2018, this slot was designed with the playful idea of forming a rock band with parrots as members and have this band give A-list rock bands a run for their money.
The slot adopts a 3-4-4-4-3 grid layout and features 30 paylines. It also offers special features that give players more chances to win, such as free spins, multipliers, stacked wilds, instant wins, colossus symbols, and the prize box feature. The overall lighthearted feel of this slot makes it a perfect game for the casual player just out to have some fun.
Rainbow Ryan
Since we’re on the topic of whimsical band-themed slot games, let’s move on from parrots to leprechauns. In this game brought to us by Yggdrasil, the tiny green-clad Irish fairies sport not only their usual beard, coat, and tophat, but also a pair of sunglasses and an electric guitar! And they offer not only a chance to win the proverbial pot of gold at rainbow’s end, but also some cool rock music.
The reel is a little bigger than the classic 5x3, as it is a 6x4 reel. But what’s even bigger than usual is the set of 4096 paylines and the Max Win of 510000 coins. The game only has two primary features, the Free Spins mode and Rainbow Reel, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a lucrative game. After all, when you’ve got leprechauns around, luck can’t be far behind, right?
So, if you’re looking for band-themed online slot machines to play on your next casino outing, or even online while relaxing at home, you might want to give any of the games listed above a try. But, wait! That’s not all we have for you. As a bonus, here are some slot games that may not be inspired by bands, but will also be sure to rock you out:
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix may have died too young, but no one can say he didn’t leave a legacy behind. In fact, there is probably only a handful of guitarists who carry the same influence as Hendrix did in his lifetime, and even still does to this day. His musical legacy remains unrivalled, and many musicians still consider him the best rock guitarist of all time. It is no wonder, then, that a slot game would be made in honor of Hendrix and his music, or that it would be released by a big-name developer like NetEnt.
Hendrix songs are a classic, and he himself is a class act. This may be why NetEnt chose to go with the classic 5x3 reel with 20 paylines for this game. Hendrix was also known for his psychedelic sound, and that is exactly what you’ll see in the overall design and graphics of this slot game. The look, feel, and sound of the game are sure to put you in the right mood for all the free spins, re-spins, wild substitutions, pick-and-click, and coin wins that the game has to offer.
Alice Cooper School’s Out for Summer
When people talk about music icons who got famous for being creepy, the name Alice Cooper will surely be mentioned. Born Vincent Damon Furnier, Cooper is an American rocker known not only for the distinctive raspy quality of his voice, but also for the electric chairs, snakes, guillotines, and duelling swords in his stage shows. He gave life to a theatrical brand of rock that became known as Shock Rock.
Needless to say, the slot game developed by Spike Games in honor of Alice Cooper pays homage to the creepy look and feel of his shows. The background is dark and eerie, the reel bordered by theatrical lights, and the game symbols depicted in ways reminiscent of horror films. Game features and elements also give us a sneak peek into Cooper’s character, so true Cooper fans will really be drawn to the game.
So, you want to rock on and have some fun at the reels all at once? Then these slot games should be enough to get you started. Whether you’re a heavy metal, alternative rock, or shock rock fan, or you just want some casual gaming with cool background music, you’ll be sure to find a band-themed or rock-themed slot that’s just right for your taste.
And the above lists don’t even cover half of what’s out there. Considering the current landscape of the music industry, it might not be long before game developers start releasing slots inspired by today’s famous boy bands.
