Macauley Culkin's Pizza Band: A Cheesy Tale of Fame and Failure
Child stars often face challenges transitioning into adulthood, and Macauley Culkin was no exception. The weight of fame can lead to unconventional coping mechanisms, as seen in Culkin's venture into a pizza-themed band in the early 2010s.
Teaming up with four fellow musicians, Culkin formed the Pizza Underground, a quirky tribute band with a twist – replacing lyrics with pizza references. The group's 'pizza-box' percussionist, Deenah Vollmer, shared, "We soon realized you can replace most any word with slice or cheese."
In late 2013, the Pizza Underground emerged, recording their first demo in Culkin's New York City apartment. Their debut performance at a Lou Reed tribute show in the East Village of New York raised eyebrows, with one attendee dubbing it "sacrilege."
The band's first music video, released in January 2014, featured absurd parodies of Velvet Underground classics with a pizza twist. Clad in pizza slice masks and performing in a pizza-themed setting, the group's unique style caught attention, earning them an 18-date North American tour.
However, the Pizza Underground's journey took a sour turn during a UK performance at the Dot to Dot Festival in Nottingham. Booed off stage and pelted with beer, Culkin's plea to the crowd, "I'd rather drink them," fell on deaf ears. The band's abrupt exit after just 15 minutes marked the end of their touring aspirations.
While some criticized the band's performance, others appreciated their quirky charm. Despite mixed reactions, the Pizza Underground never took the stage again after the Nottingham incident. Culkin later confirmed the band's disbandment, reflecting on it as a drunken idea that faded with sobriety.
From a whimsical concept to a beer-soaked demise, the Pizza Underground's brief stint in the music scene left a cheesy legacy. Culkin's foray into pizza-themed music serves as a reminder of the unpredictable paths fame can lead individuals down, showcasing both the highs and lows of celebrity experimentation.
