There are few things better in life than learning that your favorite band or artist has performed a Tiny Desk Concert on NPR. The only problem is that the performers must be real people, meaning you’ll never see any of your favorite video game characters on the series. Here are ten characters that we would be pumped for.
Love Fist (Grand Theft Auto:Vice City)
This one is for sure a reach, but a metal head can dream. Love Fist hasn’t performed together in over 30 years. Willy, the band’s bassist, hasn’t even been seen in public since distancing himself from the band in 1992. At their peak in the mid-80s, the band seemed poised to rule the world, with chart toppers like Fist Till Morning and Fist Fury. You couldn’t walk down the street without someone shouting at you, “Our love rockets are too aroused.” Just imagine, the band back together for an unplugged rendition of their first EP. Maybe one day
Must Play Track: Fist Fury
Freddy & Friends (Five Nights at Freddy’s Series)
FNaF Finatics have been begging for a Tiny Desk performance from Freddy & Friends since the band first started performing. The souls that inhabit these animatronic performers have so much soul. Sure, some of the music is a bit corporate, but hopefully the stripped down sound of a desk performance would bring the soul back to Freddy and the gang.
Must Play Track: Their covers are always the best
PaRappa The Rapper (PaRappa the Rapper Series)
PaRappa The Rapper is hot off a beef with Chance the Rapper, and his paw is still on the gas pedal. Rising to prominence in the mid-90s, Parappa’s career seemed to be a flash in the pan, but his work has passed the test of time and to quote the dog himself “Has a longevity that outlast both Chance and his marriage.” PaRappa’s funk flow will shine should he get the chance to kick, punch, and chop through a Tiny Desk set.
Must Play Track: MC King Kong Mushi
U-1, The Legendary Gitaroo Man (Gitaroo Man)
U-1 and the supporting characters that made up his career were born to be on Tiny Desk Concert. You’re telling me a live performance of Bee’Jam Blues wouldn’t kill an NPR intern from how awesome it is? Get this man his guitar and get him behind the desk.
Must Play Track: Born to be Bone
The Indigo-Go’s (The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask)
You’d have to fill the NPR offices with gallons of seawater to make this one a reality, but it would be worth it. The scond generation of The Indigo-Go’s really made a name for themselves back in 2000, heading out on a world tour that spanned across the seven seas. Sadly, the band doesn’t tour much these days due to lead singer, Lulu’s constant bouts with shore vocal cords and depression. One would think a lowkey setting like the Tiny Desk would be perfect for these Zora rockstars.
Must Play Track: New Wave Bossa Nova
Dandelion (The Witcher Series)
If you can keep him from flirting with all the maidens in the office, Dandelion doesn’t need much to perform behind the desk. Just don’t take all his tales inbetween songs at face value.
Must Play Track: Toss a Coin to Your Witcher
Donkey Kong (Donkey Konga Series)
This is another tough one, cause obviously you want him to do the DK Rap, but he would very much rather play his bongos. His last three studio albums have all been bongo based, which is fine, but come on Donkey Kong, we want to hear the hits. Maybe we can let him do three bongo songs and then he’ll feel more inclined to rap for everyone.
Must Play track: The DK Rap
You (Guitar Hero Series)
You think we’d forget you? We remember the late 2000s and the blisters on your fingers from trying to master Through the Fire and Flames. It sucks that you sold your guitar for beer money, but maybe we can find one in the NPR offices, that you can use for your performance. Just don’t get mad and throw it down when you miss a note in your song, big guy.
Must Play Track: Free Bird
K.K. Slider (Animal Crossing Series)
K.K. has been traveling from town to town, playing music for over 20 years now. No other discography can compete with his. Just a dog and his guitar bebopping about and creating some of the heaviest tunes you’ve ever heard. Getting him behind the desk may be tricky since he’s so touch and go. Once there, he may try to get away with performing only one track. He’s a one track concert kind of dog, so bask in it.
Must Play Track: K.K. Disco
Jack Black
You knew he was going to be number one before you even started this list. If there’s one video game character that’s avoided the Tiny Desk Concert, it’s been Jack Black and his musical talents. Get him out of the booth and behind the desk. Just don’t let him hear any of the interns making assassination jokes or the whole show is off.
Must Play Track: When Doves Cry
