Simpsons theme tune composer, 68, makes rare live appearance and it's not what most people were expecting

19.04.2022 - 17:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

He's the man behind some of the most well-known theme tunes in showbiz, including the ear-worm that kicks off every episode of long-running cartoon favourite The Simpsons. But not that many people probably know what celebrated composer Danny Elfman looks like.

So when he did show his face (as well as the rest of himself) on the weekend - performing to thousands at California 's popular Coachella Music Festival - many fans were left muttering a collective 'Eh?" rather than a Homer-style "D'oh!" The Grammy Award-winning musician, who's also famed for this work on Tim Burton 's original Batman film and '93's The Nightmare Before Christmas, took to the stage on Saturday night (April 16) and shocked the audience with his appearance.

The 68-year-old performed at the festival site's Outdoor Theatre stripped to the waist, sporting long red hair and numerous tattoos which covered his upper torso. As a result, some punters were left unsure whether to listen to the music on offer or just stare at his body art.

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"Yes Danny Elfman's Coachella performance was badass," tweeted one fan. "But can we take a moment for his shred and tattoos please. Dude is 68."

"I was today years old when I found out what Danny Elfman looked like and I was not expecting it at all, " added another. A third person gushed, "Danny Elfman is jacked, tatted and has a legacy that will live forever like an alternative universe Ed Sheeran."

Weathering, at one point, an onstage dust storm courtesy of the dry Californian climate, Elfman also delighted the assembled throng with what's been described as a "mad version" of his Simpsons theme, along with renditions of his other best loved