15 Badass Tributes to Dead Members of Bands and Comedy Groups

A truly epic send-off… What more could you ask for? These heartfelt and sometimes pretty spicy tributes are a testament to not only their world-class talents, but their world-class lovability. Because honestly, no one wants to celebrate the life and legacy of a real jerk face. Tragedy and loss are the toughest things we have to deal with on this wet rock, but when a memorial is done right, the family, friends (and in the fortunate case of these posthumous honorees) adoring fans can crack a tearful smile.
It’s pretty cool that even though they were clearly dealing with loss, they scrounged up the gumption to help provide the fans with a better sense of what their friend meant to their families and the world. Getting the family involved in the tribute is even better. Kudos. Our tears got a proud nod or even a laugh because of these best tributes to fallen members of bandmates, castmates, and comedians.
Tupac

Howard Stern’s “dry” humor.

Quite possibly the only service in history to feature Muppets.

Buena Vista Television
American Pie

United Artists,
Brunswick Records/Wiki Commons
The Who

Neil Young

An epic tribute for the “Dirty Daddy.”

Netflix,
Joe Seer/Shutterstock
Monty Python keeps Graham Chapman part of the gag.

Handmade Films,
YouTube
George Harrison and Paul McCartney’s tribute songs to John Lennon.

mark reinstein/Shutterstock,
David Hume Kennerly/Wiki Commons,
rnkadsgn/Shutterstock
Michael Jackson’s kingly send-off.

AP (via Cincinnati Enquirer),
360b/Shutterstock
Shane Hawkins fills his dad’s toms.

Another son takes the reins.

Adam Sandler’s Tribute to Chris Farley

Saturday Night Live/YouTube,
Paramount Pictures
The Notorious B.I.G is celebrated in Brooklyn.

Reuters (via BuzzFeed News),
Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
Brian Doyle-Murray

Saturday Night Live/YouTube,
Universal Pictures