For many of us, music has been a throughline throughout our youth, adolescence, and into adulthood. We’ve experienced many flavors of music, likely ranging from the 1960s and beyond! Considering this, we wanted to explore the toys of many of our beloved musicians, with a focus on those from the ‘70s to the ‘90s. Join us as we revisit some of the most popular musicians from across several decades as we learn about the top 10 musician toys!
This list spans many decades of music and many different toy brands. Due to the artists in our list, we hope that some of these artists will strike a chord and bring us back to our days of yore. We hope to shine some appreciation on these talented artists who devoted their lives to their craft as we count down the top ten best musician toys!
Presenting the Ten Best Musician Toys Ever Created
Going into this list, we applied certain restrictions, which significantly impacted the entries on this list. We avoided using the same type of toy multiple times, e.g., multiple Funko Pop!s or multiple realistic figures from the same company. Because many musicians only receive toy representation through Funko Pop!s, many would-be picks had to sit this list out. Again, this list is based upon the quality of the toys themselves, and the rankings are not judgements on the artists themselves.
There is not one single set of traits that define the placement of a figure, so if your opinions differ from ours, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! For those who would like to explore music videos rather than toys, check out our countdown of the Top 20 ‘80s – ‘90s Music Videos!
10. Funko Twenty One Pilots Funko Pop!
![Twenty One Pilots Funko Pop Twenty One Pilots Funko Pop](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151033/Funky-Popper.webp)
Twenty One Pilots is a musical duo composed of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Ex-members Nick Thomas and Chris Salih left the band prior to Dun joining. Many know the two for their alternative music, typically delving into rock and pop subgenres. Twenty One Pilots began to rise to prominence in 2012-2013 upon signing to Fueled by Ramen and the release of their third album, Vessel. The ex-band truly hit their stride with the release of their album Blurryface and the release of the hit song “Heathens” for the Suicide Squad (2016) soundtrack! Unique among the artists mentioned in our list, the musical duo created concept albums, with an overarching plot across their albums. While the band state their latest album, Clancy (2024) is the conclusion of the story, fans have yet to solve the narrative.
For the majority of artists, their only commercial figure representation takes the form of the pervasive Funko Pop!. Due to that fact, it was inevitable that one would find its way on our list. The duo received individual collectables, alongside a glow-in-the-dark two pack and Pop! Of the fictional creature Ned. Josh’s and Tyler’s Pop! figures are based upon their appearances in the “Stressed Out” music video. The music video explored feelings of longing for the innocence of youth and general feelings of nostalgia, resulting in unprecedented success for the two. For the sake of including both musicians in the entry, we have chosen the exclusive glow-in-the-dark pack.
9. Smiti The Offspring Playset
![Smiti The Offspring Playset Smiti The Offspring Playset](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151047/The-Offspring.jpg)
Formed in 1984 as Manic Subsidal, the Offspring is one of the most successful punk rock bands to date. The band is currently composed of Dexter Holland, Kevin Wasserman (Noodles), Todd Morse, Jonah Nimoy, and Brandon Pertzborn. Some of the group’s most popular songs include the likes of “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” and “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid.” The Offspring’s music has appeared in many films, television shows, video games, and more.
Smiti blessed the Offspring, creating small figures of their likenesses. The company has created toys based off of various bands, all with rather… peculiar action figures. Smiti released the playset in 2005, including a stage display, instruments, and possibly featuring the lineup as of 1987. The strange and memorable designs of these toys place them over the inescapable Funko Pop!s that exist of nigh every hit band. For music admirers who enjoy unique and eccentric merchandise, Smiti’s toys are absolutely worth looking into.
8. CelebriDucks The Floating Stones
![CelebriDucks The Floating Stones CelebriDucks The Floating Stones](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151856/Please-Stop-Reading-These-File-Names.jpg)
Since the band’s start in 1962, the Rolling Stones has accumulated a mighty fanbase, peaking around 1980. Following Charlie Watts’s death in 2021, the band only consists of Kieth Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Mick Jagger, with various touring musicians. As the rock band with arguably the most recognizable iconography, the Rolling Stones has had a variety of toys made in its image. From the band themselves to their logo, the Rolling Stones have their fair share of representation by means of toys.
While several of these toys are rather unique among toys of musical artists, such as the Fisher Price Little People figures, CelebriDucks’s iteration of the band is even more unique! The toy is a rubber duck based off of Keith Richards, with a duck-based spoof of the band’s logo on his shirt. Additionally, the company named the band “The Floating Stones,” a duck-based pun, common amongst their releases. Seeing the fun idea and great execution, we believe that this is one of the most fun musician toys there is!
7. Goldberger Dolly Parton
![Goldberger Dolly Parton Goldberger Dolly Parton](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151546/Dolly-Parton-get-it-hahaha.jpg)
A beloved country music icon with a massive discography and an equally large list of philanthropic deeds, Dolly Parton joins our list of the top 10 toys of musical artists. Since receiving her first nomination in 1981, Parton has been nominated for 383 awards, winning 180 of those. The singer has released a whopping 49 studio albums, hundreds of compilation albums, and a variety of miscellaneous albums! While she predominantly releases country music, she has also utilized the genres of gospel, bluegrass, rock, and more! Even if one does not care for her music, her lengthy list of good deeds is certainly commendable. Over her career, Parton has donated millions to many different organizations, supported LGBTQ+ rights, and assisted other social causes.
In the late 1970s, the toy company Goldberger created a doll based off of Dolly Parton. The plastic doll stood 12 inches tall and came in a variety of outfits. Due to the doll’s similar size to Barbie dolls, fans could use the toys in conjunction with each other! There’s a certain humbleness and sincerity to the figure that earns it a place on our list.
6. Mego KISS Action Figures
![Mego KISS Action FIgures Mego KISS Action FIgures](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151152/Kissy-boo.jpg)
KISS, the beloved American rock band, was subject to a wide array of merchandise. One of the companies that produced KISS merchandise was Mego. In 1978, the toy company created action figures of the band, which at the time consisted of Gene Simmons as “the Demon,” Paul Stanley as “the Starchild,” Peter Criss as “the Catman,” and Paul “Ace” Frehley as “the Spaceman.” Mego released two versions of each KISS member. Eight-inch versions with pale skin, sculpted plastic hair, and instruments were released on yellow cardback. Additionally, 12.5” versions with darker skin and artificial hair were released in windowed boxes.
The influential band has received a variety of other toys and merchandise we think are worth sneaking a peek at. Such items include the KISS rubber ducks, KISS Mr. Potato Heads, and the rather unique “Kiss Kasket.” While the sheer number of KISS memorabilia is controversial among fans, the variety and randomness of the items is certainly noteworthy.
5. NECA Iron Maiden Piece of Mind Eddie Clothed Action Figure
![NECA Iron Maiden Piece of Mind Eddie Clothed Action Figure NECA Iron Maiden Piece of Mind Eddie Clothed Action Figure](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10151206/Iron-Maiden-Piece-of-Mind-Eddie-Figure.jpg)
Among musical artists, Iron Maiden has an uncommon way of representing their brand. While many musicians tend to represent themselves through a written logo, such as Metallica, or a costume, such as KISS, Iron Maiden has a mascot. Eddie, or Eddie the Head, is a zombie-like creature that dresses in different garb in the band’s album covers. Eddie is the face of the band’s merchandise, though Iron Maiden has a very talented crew. While the band has had 23 different members throughout its existence, the band is currently composed of Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Nicko McBrain! Additionally, the band has created 17 studio albums and various other works, including singles, EPs, and more. Many believe the band to be one of the most successful bands in its niche, with high ratings from various aggregators and reviewers.
Popular action figure company NECA has produced figures of Iron Maiden’s Eddie the Head. Out of all of their Eddie figures, we chose the entry based upon the band’s 1983 album, Piece of Mind. We wouldn’t say the figure is better than its peers, as they are all equal in their excellence. The 8” action figure features Eddie in a straightjacket and tattered jeans, with a collar featuring three chains. The figure has a full range of articulation, despite the design not requiring arm movement. With a face contorted into a violent scream and blood streaming down his rejoined skull, the figure masterfully mirrored the album cover’s appearance! Fortunately for fans, the figure further finds itself on sale on various online retailers!
4. McFarlane The Beatles Yellow Submarine Figures
![McFarlane The Beatles Yellow Submarine Figures McFarlane The Beatles Yellow Submarine Figures](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10150912/The-Beatles.jpg)
In 1999, McFarlane Toys released figure adaptations of the Beatles’ famous Yellow Submarine film. The line consisted of eight sets, or nine if we include the Paul McCartney variant that featured Old Fred. Additionally, McFarlane released the Beatles in smaller packages with swapped pack-in partners. McFarlane split the line between two subthemes, being the Yellow Submarine and the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (sic.) The toys masterfully captured the likenesses of the band and the characters, ripping them right off of the screen. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Chief Blue Meanie, Jeremy Hillary Boob; Ph.D., Old Fred, Dreadful Flying Glove, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band all appeared in the toy line. Additionally, the titular Yellow Submarine was included with George Harrison’s figure!
While the line was rather small, it did everything it set out to do. The line captured all of the significant characters in the film in a fun and faithful manner. Fans of the Beatles, especially of Yellow Submarine, would be doing themselves a favor by owning these remarkable figures!
3. KnuckleBonz Queen Robot
![KnuckleBonz Queen Robot KnuckleBonz Queen Robot](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10150851/Queenie-Beanie-Robot.webp)
Queen is a world-famous band that found its start in 1970. The quartet was composed of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Queen’s sixth studio album, News of the World, featured two of the band’s most known songs: “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.” The album was released on October 28, 1977. The album’s cover based off of the cover for the October 1953 issue of Astounding Science Fiction. The original cover for the sci-fi magazine featured a large humanoid robot holding a dead man in its palm. The band, liking the painting, contacted the original creator, Frank Kelly Freas, to make a modified version featuring the four band members for the album cover. After Queen made their request, they sat waiting for the verdict.
Freas accepted their request. Being a classical music fan, Freas stated that he did not listen to Queen’s music until after completing the art. His rationale was that he worried he would hate the music, and it would taint the art. Despite his initial thoughts, he ended up enjoying the band, viewing it as an inventive culmination of great music. The album featured the robot holding Mercury and May in its hand, with Taylor and Deacon falling to the ground. Taylor was the only band member not visible on the front cover, only visible on the back. The inner cover featured an image of the same robot grabbing at the fleeing masses.
While various companies have made statues of the original robot, KnuckleBonz decided to create the robot as seen on Queen’s album art. KnuckleBonz produced the statue in 1977 pieces, referencing the album’s year of publication. The limited edition statue was brass-colored, and rather accurately depicted the art. The robot kneeled on rubble, and the side of the display featured a unique 3D “QUEEN.” Unfortunately, however, the statue completely lacked both Taylor and Deacon. While the lack of half of the band takes it down a notch, the statue did an amazing job at capturing one of the most iconic and beloved Queen album arts.
2. Hot Toys Thriller Michael Jackson
![Hot Toys Thriller Michael Jackson Hot Toys Thriller Michael Jackson](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10150755/Kissy-Kissy-Muah-Muah.jpg)
On December 2, 1983, the most influential music video ever produced was released. The video, titled Michael Jackson’s Thriller, was made for the funk “Thriller” from Jackson’s widely popular 6th studio album, Thriller. The music video received positive critical and audience reception, winning a Grammy and four MTV Music Video Awards. The success of the production helped propel the album to its spot as the best selling album of all time. Since its release in 1982, the album’s 50.1 million confirmed sales (70m estimated) has yet to be topped!
The music video is an incredible piece of media, especially for the time. The piece focuses on a zombified young man (Michael Jackson) leading a group of the undead after his girlfriend (Ola Ray) during the dead of night. The story has a couple of twists, and while they aren’t incredibly shocking, they still make for a fun experience. For those who haven’t see the music video, or even those who have, view it in 4k on YouTube!
Hot Toys sought to capture the late Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” look with a ⅙ scale figure. The set included MJ in his “Thriller jacket,” several sets of alternate hands, a zombified head, tattered jacket, and a simple display stand. With the given accessories, one could display the realistic figure as either the iconic zombie version or the human version. Though the figure is no longer available from Hot Toys, those interested in an incredible figure of the beloved singer ought to keep an eye out for any future Hot Toys MJ releases!
1. Soosoo Toys Prince
![Soosoo Toys Prince Soosoo Toys Prince](https://cdn.wheeljackslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10150808/Soosoo-Toys-Prince.jpg)
Released at the tail end of 2023, Soosoo Toys released a ⅙ scale version of the late Prince Rogers Nelson. It is reported that in life, Prince was reportedly a wonderfully kind person. There are reports that the artist performed a variety of anonymous charitable deeds. Prince was a pescatarian and a vegetarian at different points in his life, and he became a Jehovah’s Witness in 2001. Alongside his albums, Prince starred in several films, most notably Purple Rain (1984), which the Soosoo Toys Prince figure is based off of.
The lifelike figure perfectly captured the appearance of Nelson’s character, the Kid. From the ruffled white shirt to the glittery purple jacket with a bedazzled right shoulder, the costume was about as spot-on to the film as humanly possible. The figure included an array of accessories, from a display base sculpted like a stage with spotlights, alternate hands, the iconic Cloud guitar, and several guitar picks with Prince’s love symbol printed on them. From the immaculate face sculpt to the overall design, the figure was certainly a product of love. Though it is no longer available, the figure made for a perfect display for any Prince or Purple Rain fan!
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Made in Collaboration With:
Chris Ingledue
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Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab Pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!