‘Simpsons’ Character Ned Flanders Inspires Okily Dokily, the World’s First ‘Nedal’ Band
Sweater-loving, God-fearing Simpsons character Ned Flanders is the inspiration for the Phoenix-based metal band Okilly Dokilly.
The group, which bills itself as the world's only "Nedal" band, not only boasts a distinctive Flanders visual vibe — with each of the five members decked out in the signature green-sweater-and-pink-collared-shirt combo Ned's sported since The Simpsons debuted in December 1989 — but takes the bulk of its lyrical inspiration from the many cheerfully annoying things he's said throughout the show's hundreds of episodes. As the Okilly Dokilly Facebook page puts it, "Most of our songs are direct Ned quotes."
The brand new band has yet to make its live debut, which is currently scheduled for Sept. 5, but they've already attracted plenty of attention, including a profile recently posted by Rip It Up, in which lead singer Head Ned explains the way Okilly Dokilly came together: during a giggle-filled conversation in line at the grocery store.
Saying he and drummer Bled Ned were "entertaining ourselves by coming up with really cutesy names for really hardcore, brutal bands," Head Ned continued, "The name Okilly Dokilly came up and was very funny to us. We ran with it. I contacted a few friends (Red Ned, Thread Ned and Stead Ned), and here we are. Most of us have played in other bands around our hometown. This is definitely the heaviest sounding project any of us Neds have done."
You can hear the early results of their work at the Okilly Dokilly Bandcamp page, where they're currently streaming the demo tracks "They Warned Me," "Nothing at All," "Press Destruct Button" and "All That Is Left." As for where they go from here, the band seems to have some fairly low-key goals.
"In reality, this is all just an over-the-top attempt at getting [Simpsons creator] Matt Groening’s autograph," says Head Ned. "Even if it comes on a cease-and-desist letter."
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