Clint Eastwood Reveals His Picks for the Greatest Bands Ever

Clint Eastwood’s name has long been linked to the world of music, thanks in part to the 2001 Gorillaz hit that borrowed his moniker for one of the most memorable tracks of the early 2000s. The song’s hypnotic chorus—

“I ain’t happy, I’m feeling glad / I got sunshine in a bag,”

—pays homage to Eastwood’s iconic role in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. The track, which soared to number four on the UK charts and earned double platinum status, is a testament to Eastwood’s enduring influence on pop culture. But while many associate him with this modern classic, few have stopped to consider Eastwood’s own relationship with music.

Music has been woven into the fabric of Eastwood’s life since childhood. He picked up the piano as a young boy and, in 1962, released a cowboy tune called ‘Rowdy’—a nod to his character Rowdy Yates from the TV western Rawhide. This early foray into music set the stage for a recurring pattern in his career: Eastwood often took the reins on the musical direction of his films, sometimes collaborating with his son, Kyle Eastwood, a talented musician in his own right.

Eastwood’s Musical Journey

Beyond his acting and directing, Eastwood has explored the world of music biopics. He brought the story of jazz legend Charlie Parker to life in Bird, using a free-form, non-linear narrative, and later recreated the tale of the Jersey Boys, casting many original Broadway performers. His love for jazz shines through in the energetic, stylish pacing of these films, revealing a deep appreciation for the genre’s improvisational spirit.

Eastwood’s passion for music extends far beyond the screen. He’s not just a Hollywood legend—he’s also a respected figure in the music world, having met and worked with many of its greats over the years. So, when it comes to naming the most influential groups in music history, Eastwood’s opinion carries real weight.

The Top Two Bands in Eastwood’s Eyes

During a conversation about Jersey Boys, a reporter from The Toronto Star wondered why Eastwood hadn’t tackled a Frank Sinatra biopic, given his clear affection for New Jersey music. Eastwood replied,

“Sure, like you’re suggesting there’s Frank Sinatra, and if you going to do top groups, what about the Beatles and the Stones and all that?”

With this, he made it clear that, in his view, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Eastwood’s picks reflect his keen sense for both cinematic and musical greatness. He seemed to anticipate the recent announcement of a major Beatles film project years before it became public. In 2028, fans can look forward to not just one, but four separate Beatles biopics, each focusing on a different member of the legendary band. While Eastwood won’t be directing, it’s easy to imagine him in the audience, eager to see the stories unfold.

Music and Legacy

Until those films hit theaters, Eastwood’s musical legacy continues to resonate. Whether through his own compositions, his work on film soundtracks, or his appreciation for the giants of rock and roll, Eastwood’s connection to music remains as strong as ever. And for now, spinning that unforgettable Gorillaz track is a fitting tribute to a man whose influence bridges both film and music.