what if they live

[IamtheRock3]

People say people died before there prime or too soon

Some say they died young, and it help thier image last longer. They may of got stale if they live longer


So I ask what if the following lived a long life. How would there careers be seen. Would they grow larger, and fall to wasteside


1) Kurt Kobain

2) Tupac

3) Biggier Smalls

4) John Belushi

5) Sam Kinison

6) Marlyn Monroe

7) Chris Farley

Phil Harman

9) Jimmy Hendrix

10) Jim morrison

[IamtheRock3]

for me


1) Kurt Kobain- would fizzled out when grunge died out. He would of either had to adapt (which is possible) or leave

2) Tupac- Think he was growing, he actully was a pretty decent actor and had some good songs. And could play the game. Although may of got softer because of it

3) Biggier Smalls- do ok, not as far as tupac. Would of fizzled out and be on flava flave roast

4) John Belushi- Done some good movies, but unless he stop drinking and stuff be to much of a liabillity to the studios

5) Sam Kinison- Done well, might of had to sale out a bit

6) Marlyn Monroe- Well no matter how attractive she is, we all lose our looks over time. And imagine when that happen it would be a brutal time for her. may of lost it faster then most given her hard lifestyle

7) Chris Farley- he was going to be in shrek as shrek. That could of propelled him. Could of had some good movies, unless he try to be a DRAMATIC actor.

Phil Harman- Would of been in a simpson movie. Maybe those movis made by the guys who made knocked up to. He could be part of that crew. Oh and new radio would of lasted more seasons, no offense to lovitz

9) Jimmy Hendrix- would of done ok

10) Jim morrison- fizzled out

[Wenatchee the Hatchet]

Hendrix would have done okay. I could have seen him branching out into other musical styles that might alienate people who thought they were his fan base but that'd be okay. Hendrix was a bit more musically diverse in his tastes than sometimes described.

I just don't imagine any alternate universe in which Cobain lived.

Phil Hartman would still be funnier than most other SNL people who have come since. He'd have been in the Simpsons movie, which would have made an already fine animated film even more fun. :)

The people who would have gotten most stale, imo, if they hadn't died exactly when they did are Jim Morrison (I hate the Doors anyway so it's not like his living longer and making more crap would have made me happier), and John Lennon. Now I enjoy a few Beatles songs but Lennon and McCartney aren't nearly the songwriters they were individually that they were competing against each other or collaborating within the band.

[The Zapper]

for me

1) Kurt Kobain- would fizzled out when grunge died out. He would of either had to adapt (which is possible) or leave


To be fair, grunge died when he died. I honestly don't know what would have happened if he had lived though.

[Bouncing Boy]

Phil Harman- Would of been in a simpson movie. Maybe those movis made by the guys who made knocked up to. He could be part of that crew. Oh and new radio would of lasted more seasons, no offense to lovitz


I think Lovitz would actually agree with you. I know that for me, NewsRadio lost something when Hartman died that even the addition of Lovitz couldn't bring to it.

One that you neglected on your list was Jim Henson. I think that if he hadn't died when he did, we would have seen some better Muppet Movies (don't get me wrong, I loved Muppet Christmas Carrol, Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets From Space...but they can't hold a candle to The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper and Muppets Take Manhattan. We also probably would have had a few more movies along the line of Dark Crystal and Labyrenth(sp?). Frank Oz would probably still be working with the Muppets if Jim was still alive, and I'm pretty sure that Seseme Street wouldn't have slipped in quality the way it has.

[mattx110]

is it just me, or is this some kind of de ja vu loop where i've seen this thread already....

i feel so lost...

[Agent Helix]

Obviously, Roddy Piper and Keith David would have to have an extended fistfight over a pair of sunglasses if this came to pass.

[jessecuster3]

Along with Cobain, what about Layne Staley, Brad Nowell, and Shannon Hoon, all 3 died within a year of each other, and still had loads of music to contribute to the soundscape.

[Agent Helix]

Also, I really like Biggier Smalls. He was Biggie's fatter cousin, who tragically died from a shrimp allergy.

[Thorlief]

if Chris Farley had lived we'd have a lotta more crappy comedies

Marilyn woulda probably made 5 or 6 good movies, then her career wouldve ended in some crap way.
she would be a old drunk hag by now

[Spackling Compound]

People say people died before there prime or too soon

Some say they died young, and it help thier image last longer. They may of got stale if they live longer


So I ask what if the following lived a long life. How would there careers be seen. Would they grow larger, and fall to wasteside


1) Kurt Kobain

2) Tupac

3) Biggier Smalls

4) John Belushi

5) Sam Kinison

6) Marlyn Monroe

7) Chris Farley

Phil Harman

9) Jimmy Hendrix

10) Jim morrison
I love these games!
Here's my speculation:
1) Kurt Cobain: Probably would have had a rift with Nirvana and gone somewhat the way of the guy from Stone Temple Pilots. Formed some kind of hybrid grunge band with former members of other bands. Then gone on live a public life filled with marital fights, drug busts and so on and so forth. VH-1 would later include him among their cadre of rehab shows as they had a 10 week program based on his marital fights with Love and their visits to a counsellor.

2) Tupac: By now, he'd be featured in children's films such as "Santa Surprise" and "Who Want A Puppy?" as the father of precocious children. He'd also be featured in some episodes of CSI as a special agent in a recurring role. He'd be publicly broadcast as rap music not being pure and Lil' Wayne, Kanye and Fiddy would call him an old man.

3) Biggier Smalls: Featured on "Celebrity Fit Club". He'd also be feautured on commercials for "Old Navy" and "Verizon Wireless".

4) John Belushi: He'd be a dramatic actor doing indie films and every once in a while appear on a celebrity roast on Comedy Central.

5) Sam Kinison:Facelifted, botoxed and struggling to be relevant he'd be featured as a voice actor on 12oz Mouse and Disney's "The Replacements".

6) Marlyn Monroe: By now, she'd be on Depends ads and afternoon television ads for insurance companies and whirlpool baths.

7) Chris Farley: Takes whatever Tom Arnold is doing these days and will be just as relevant.

8) Phil Hartman: If he wasn't suicidal or homicidal, he'd be one of the ones in this list who'd still be very much working and relevant. Voice overs, television, movies and personal appearances.

9) Jimmy Hendrix: Patronized by rockers and old wizened rock-icons, Hendrix would be dragged out every once in a while for some benefit or tribute show. He'd also make some statements about hip hop that would label him, once again, as not black enough. Mostly does county fairs, casinos and the occasional Vegas show.

10) Jim morrison: He'd be writing prolifically and DC would draft him to "update" Sugar and Spike. He'd also be a mainstay on nerdflicks and television shows much like Malcolm McDowell is and show up at Comic cons throughout the country. From time to time, he'd sing with a band here and there just for kicks.

[IamtheRock3]

just to add

for those of you who say there runs would be over by this point.

How long would each run last. Cause really some of them be REALLY old by now, so being not as popular in 2007 aint that bad of a run

[Kirk G]

I would have prefered to have heard that Phil Hartman was doing funny movies alot like Will Farrell is doing...

You seem to have left someone out as well.
What would Janis Joplin have been doing now?
My bet is that she'd have been dead from a different drug, or else, wrapped around a telephone pole while holding a bottle of Jack Daniels in one hand and a steering wheel in the other.

Mariyln? She'd have been burried in a shallow grave in the Nevada desert by: (pick one: The CIA, The SEcret Service, Jack Ruby, or Oliver Stone) But she'd have the iconic status that Eva Marie Saint now has... a faded glory who occassionally makes appearances, and is ignored except for the tabloid's annual, "Where are they now" issue...

[Weapon Ick]

I think if Phil Hartman had lived he would have voiced Zap Brannigan on Futurama.

If Hendrix had lived he would be doing blues albums much like Clapton is doing.

Janis Joplin would have been playing with the Dead as much as possible. Her career would mirror Etta James'.

[howyadoin]

Also, I really like Biggier Smalls. He was Biggie's fatter cousin, who tragically died from a shrimp allergy.Oh yeah, that guy should've been huge.

[Ben Morgan]

What if the plane carrying Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper never crashed?

[howyadoin]

What if the plane carrying Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper never crashed?Or what if Waylon Jennings had won the coin toss?

[frankiedetroit]

People say people died before there prime or too soon

Some say they died young, and it help thier image last longer. They may of got stale if they live longer


So I ask what if the following lived a long life. How would there careers be seen. Would they grow larger, and fall to wasteside


1) Kurt Kobain

2) Tupac

3) Biggier Smalls

4) John Belushi

5) Sam Kinison

6) Marlyn Monroe

7) Chris Farley

Phil Harman

9) Jimmy Hendrix

10) Jim morrison

Kurt had so many demons. He and Courtney would be divorced by now, certainly. Maybe he'd be hooking up with Lindsay Lohan. He'd probably be heavy into the anti-war movement now, if he wasn't constantly stoned.

Tupac wouldn't have released half the very outdated music his mom has put out. I think for a good measure of where he would be, look at LL and Ice Cube. Much more into acting. He was as charismatic as LL.

Biggie, it's hard to say. Maybe he would've fired the gun that night in Manhattan instead of Shine, and be sitting in jail while Puffy is out. Shine, btw, would have never been discovered, since his claim to fame is that he sounds so much like Biggie.

Belushi doesn't O.D. in '82 and stars in Ghostbusters. But he can't beat his addictions and instead of having Bill Murray's career, falls away. He's always famous, but more in a Zsa Zsa Gabor way.

Kinison's comedy career is pretty much done by the mid-90s. But he becomes a very successful commentator like Bill O'Reilly or Al Franken or Rosie O'Donnell. Loud, obnoxious, highly opinionated.

Marilyn, now 81, is still lovely and crazy. An older version of Liz Taylor. Perhaps friends with Michael Jackson? (And Elton John gets to meet her; still sings 'Candle in the Wind').

Farley...has a similar career to Adam Sandler. That's the only thing I can say about him since that is how his career seemed to begin.

Did you see The Simpsons movie? Wasn't the Troy McClure cameo hilarious?! That's what we would be saying if Phil Hartman was still alive.

I don't think Jimi was built for the music of the 70s, so he would've fallen away. Soft rock and disco made many 60s rockers rather obscure for many years. But fame comes knocking in the '80s when '1999' and 'Purple Rain' Prince starts impersonating him. After Prince becomes even bigger, he gets Jimi in his band, alongside Maceo Parker and Larry Graham.

Jim Morrison. He wouldn't be known, had he not died. I think his music making time was done. Living Morrison is now a recluse in Europe. Also pals with Michael Jackson.

[howyadoin]

I don't think Jimi was built for the music of the 70s, so he would've fallen away.I think you're lookin' at this the wrong way - if he'd lived he would've made that album with Miles Davis, and the 70s would've been completely different.

[Pól Rua]

What If They Live?

Well, I guess I'm kickin' ass...


...'cos I'm fresh outta bubblegum.

[Pól Rua]

People say people died before there prime or too soon
Some say they died young, and it help thier image last longer. They may of got stale if they live longer
So I ask what if the following lived a long life. How would there careers be seen. Would they grow larger, and fall to wasteside

1) Kurt Cobain
Hulk whine.

2) Tupac
Hulk sneer.

3) Biggie Smalls
Hulk fat.

4) John Belushi
Hulk zit.

5) Sam Kinison
Hulk scream.

6) Marlyn Monroe
Hulk just girl, no say no.

7) Chris Farley
Hulk embarrassment to self.

8) Phil Harman
Puny jumans may recognize Hulk from such film as 'Hulk Smash' and 'Hulk Smash II: Smashageddon.

9) Jimmy Hendrix
Hulk smash puny guitar.

10) Jim morrison
Hulk pretentious. Why puny human no listen Hulk poetry. Hulk have soul of Indian. Father? Hulk want smash you...

You seem to have left someone out as well.
What would Janis Joplin have been doing now?
Hulk smashed.

What if the plane carrying Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper never crashed?
Los Trios Hulkos.

[Karl H]

Er what about Bill Hicks. The last 8 years of Bush Jr government would have given him a lifetime's worth of material.

[Spackling Compound]

Er what about Bill Hicks. The last 8 years of Bush Jr government would have given him a lifetime's worth of material.

If he lived, then most people who love Bill Hicks would not like him because everyone would have heard of him.

[IamtheRock3]

here a question

Would marlyn do a JFK book

Cause I am guessing he still gets shot. Also what would she say in it. Heck sintra may not be please with the book either

[mgs]

1) Kurt Kobain
We've all seen the many disturbing stages of Courtney Love. Follow suit, with a man.

2) Tupac
Endless east/west coast killings of rappers. All the way, he'd proclaim that he wanted a better life without all the violence, while he lived the remainder of his life in and out of jail. Fathers many children.

3) Biggier Smalls
Same as Tupac.

4) John Belushi
Becomes health nut, loses all funniness. Almost like a more famous and funny Sam Kinnison.

5) Sam Kinison
Opens a strip club in Vegas with Howard Stern. Gets many sexually transmitted diseases.

6) Marlyn Monroe
Tries stipping and light porn. Sleeps with many more politicians. Addicted to nearly every drug on the market. Is like Britney with her children.

7) Chris Farley
Gets fatter. Becomes very well known comdian but career goes nowhere, until he gets very old and is only successful when put in movies as a punchline.

Phil Har(t)man
Stays on the Simpsons, joins cast of Futurama, Newsradio stays on air 1 season longer, final showdown between himself and Paul Reubens.

9) Jimmy Hendrix
Goes through, old rocker syndrome. Releases sex-tapes, sleeps with Pam Anderson, goes on VH1 for many 'lists' shows...has final concert that is not good. Tried but fails in movie acting, songs shilled out for tv commercials for pay for evergrowing greedy family.

10) Jim morrison
(see Jimmy Hendrix)

[IamtheRock3]

so guessing it doesnt end well for anyone

[Donald M.]

Or what if Waylon Jennings had won the coin toss?

The Dukes of Hazzard would have a different theme song, so in other words the end of civilization as we know it.

We'd all be living in huts made of rubble and eating dogs.

Remember, everything happens for a reason.

[J. Robb]

What if the plane carrying Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper never crashed?
If only. I'm sure Buddy Holly still had a quite a few great songs in him.

[Rattlehead]

1) Kurt Cobain- would have probably made an even more commercially accessible album than Nevermind ever thought of being after 2 more albums in the style of In Utero lead his fanbase away in droves.

2) Tupac- looked like he was heading to Hollywood.

3) Biggie Smalls- would have starting doing duets with the hot young Hip-Hop stars of the day like most rappers do.

4) John Belushi- would have sobered up and started starring in family comedies with Eddie Murphy.

5) Sam Kinison- most likely would have wound up taking Jackie Martling's spot on the Howard Stern Show.

6) Marlyn Monroe- beauty is fleeting, would have most likely turned into a recluse like Bettie Page.

7) Chris Farley- Beverly Hills Ninja 2 & 3. His was really for the best.

8) Phil Hartman- the next big late night talk show host.

9) Jimmy Hendrix- playing overpriced concerts with other wash-ups like Eric Clapton

10) Jim Morrison- would have fizzled out in spectacular fashion after striking out for a solo career. We know how this one would have gone, we've all heard the abortion known as the Soft Parade.

[Outsider]

I remember Guitar World had a fantasy story about 10 years ago where Jimi Hendrix continued to release material throughout the 70's and 80's that was more and more experimental and in the 90's befriended Kurt Cobain, even performing his own version of "All Apologies." Eventually Hendrix died setting his guitar on fire onstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or something. It's been a while since I read it.

Personally, I do think that Hendrix would have probably released stranger music to the point where most of his fan base would be alienated, but eventually he would have returned to his old styles as a new generation "discovered" him. His music probably wouldn't be as good as it was in his heyday, but he'd be successful -- and rich.

As for everybody else, I agree with what someone said about Morrison becoming a recluse in Europe. I don't think he'd would have been performing for a long time.

Kurt Cobain probably would have been in and out of rehab, I have a hard time visualizing his future. By this point Nirvana would've probably been broken up for at 10 years. There would have been a solo album or two here or there.

Tupac probably would have made more movies and been really annoying.

[howyadoin]

I remember Guitar World had a fantasy story about 10 years ago where Jimi Hendrix continued to release material throughout the 70's and 80's that was more and more experimental and in the 90's befriended Kurt Cobain, even performing his own version of "All Apologies." Eventually Hendrix died setting his guitar on fire onstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or something. It's been a while since I read it.

Personally, I do think that Hendrix would have probably released stranger music to the point where most of his fan base would be alienated, but eventually he would have returned to his old styles as a new generation "discovered" him. His music probably wouldn't be as good as it was in his heyday, but he'd be successful -- and rich.I like that. Certainly a better deal than the poor guy really got.

[Spackling Compound]

On the other hand, what if Carlos Santana had died young? Say in 1970 or so?

I bet he'd be on t-shirts, posters, fanfic, and so on much like Hendrix is now.

However, he's moved through various incarnations and styles to combining his skills with the up-n-coming generation.

I suppose the writer of the story Outsider tells could have said, "What Santana did, Hendrix would have done."

[IamtheRock3]

thing is would Hendrix sale out and let commerical play his stuff

Cause image that a few mansion right there. Dont see him dieing penniless...but still in the limelight now

That a lot of time. Dont know if he would surive some of the more poppy times in America. But he come out with a few extra classic record. Imagine outkast, Prince recruiting him