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The '''Weird Sisters''' were a very popular band in the [[wizarding world]], and on the [[Wizarding Wireless Network]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] booked them to perform in [[Hogwarts]] at the [[1994]] [[Yule Ball]]. Despite their name, all eight known members are male.
 +
The '''Weird Sisters''' were a very popular band in the [[wizarding world]], and on the [[Wizarding Wireless Network]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] booked them to perform in [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] at the [[1994]] [[Yule Ball]]. Despite their name, all eight known members are male.
   
 
==Performing and singularity==
  
==Performing and singularity==
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===Songs===
  
===Songs===
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Among the Weird Sisters' songs was ''[[Do The Hippogriff]]'', ''[[Magic Works]]'' and ''[[This Is The Night]]'' which they played at the [[Yule Ball]].
 +
Among the Weird Sisters' songs was "[[Do the Hippogriff]]", "[[Magic Works]]" and "[[This Is the Night]]" which they played at the [[Yule Ball]].
   
 
===Instruments===
  
===Instruments===
−
Among the band's instruments were a set of drums, several guitars, a cello, a lute and some bag pipes.
 +
Among the band's instruments were a set of drums, several guitars, a cello, a lute, a double bass and some bag pipes. When performing in Hogwarts during the Yule Ball, they performed on a magically-appearing stage.
   
 
===Clothing===
  
===Clothing===
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===Gossip===
  
===Gossip===
−
The band was popular enough that the marriage of the bass player in 1995 made front-page news in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>
 +
The band was popular enough that the marriage of the bass player ([http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Donaghan_Tremlett Donaghan Tremlett]) in [[1995]] made front-page news in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]'', in Harry Potter's [[fifth year]] at [[Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry|Hogwarts]] .<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>
   
 
==Known band members==
  
==Known band members==
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==Etymology==
  
==Etymology==
−
''Weird Sisters'' was the name given to the three witches in the play "Macbeth", by William Shakespeare. This is arguably where [[J. K. Rowling]] got the idea for the band's name from, although a variant of the name, ''[[wikipedia:Wyrd Sisters|Wyrd Sisters]]'', was used as the title of a 1988 ''Discworld'' novel by [[wikipedia:Terry Pratchett|Terry Pratchett]].
 +
The term "''Weird Sisters''" was the name given to the three prophetic witches in the play "Macbeth," by [[William Shakespeare]] ("weïrd" being Old English for "fate" or "destiny"). ''[[Harry Potter (book series)|Harry Potter]]'' series author [[J. K. Rowling]] has stated is quite possibly her favourite Shakespeare play.<ref name="leakymugglenet">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-tlc_mugglenet-anelli-3.htm The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet Interview]</ref>Interestingly, the Spanish edition of the books refers to the band by the name ''las Brujas de Macbeth ''(Macbeth's Witches). It is also interesting to point out a second allusion to Macbeth made in [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]] when the [[Frog Choir]] sings "Double Double Toil and Trouble", which is a direct quote from the play.
  +
  +
This is arguably where J. K. Rowling got the idea for the band's name from, although a variant of the name, ''[[wikipedia:Wyrd Sisters|Wyrd Sisters]]'', was used as the title of a 1988 ''Discworld'' novel by [[wikipedia:Terry Pratchett|Terry Pratchett]].
  +
  +
There is also a possibility that the name is a play on the heavy rock band, Twisted Sister.
  +
  +
However, the name has no relation with a popular pop rock band, Scissor Sisters, as the American band was formed in 2001.
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
 
*[[Nymphadora Tonks]] and [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] are both fans of the Weird Sisters.
  
*[[Nymphadora Tonks]] and [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] are both fans of the Weird Sisters.
−
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' the band which performs deliberately goes unnamed throughout the film because of a legal dispute between the film studio and Canadian folk band Wyrd Sisters. <ref>http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=ece18f65-1eb9-4829-9e2b-1d50a0dca298 Wyrd Sisters keep fighting the good fight</ref> The band is simply introduced as "The band that needs no introduction!" Because they are identified in the book as the Weird Sisters, it's safe to assume the band in the film was designed to be them.
 +
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'', the band which performs at the Yule Ball deliberately goes unnamed throughout the film because of a legal dispute between the film studio and Canadian folk band Wyrd Sisters. <ref>http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=ece18f65-1eb9-4829-9e2b-1d50a0dca298 Wyrd Sisters keep fighting the good fight</ref> The band is simply introduced as "The band that needs no introduction!" Because they are identified in the book as the Weird Sisters, it's safe to assume the band in the film was designed to be them.
 
*Members [[Merton Graves]] and [[Herman Wintringham]] do not make an appearance in the film.
  
*Members [[Merton Graves]] and [[Herman Wintringham]] do not make an appearance in the film.
−
*The band's songs were written by [[Jarvis Cocker]], who plays singer Myron Wagtail. "Do The Hippogriff" was a collaboration between Cocker and rhythm guitarist [[Jason Buckle]] (Heathcote Barbary).
 +
*The band's songs were written by [[Jarvis Cocker]], who plays singer Myron Wagtail. "Do the Hippogriff" was a collaboration between Cocker and rhythm guitarist [[Jason Buckle]] (Heathcote Barbary).
 
*The Scottish band [[wikipedia:Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]], confessed fans of the books, were originally invited to play the Weird Sisters.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1492215/20041012/franz_ferdinand.jhtml Franz Ferdinand To Play Ugly Sisters In Next 'Harry Potter' Flick?], MTV</ref>
  
*The Scottish band [[wikipedia:Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]], confessed fans of the books, were originally invited to play the Weird Sisters.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1492215/20041012/franz_ferdinand.jhtml Franz Ferdinand To Play Ugly Sisters In Next 'Harry Potter' Flick?], MTV</ref>
  +
*In an interview, [[J. K. Rowling]] stated that the instruments that they played included bagpipes, cello & electric guitar and that they were Harry Potter's favourite band.<ref name="royalhall">J.K. Rowling at the Royal Albert hall, [http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2003/0626-alberthall-fry.htm available on Accio Quote!]</ref>
−
*Despite the fact that the musicians portraying them are members of indie bands (Pulp, Radiohead, Add N to (X) and All Seeing I), the Weird Sisters have the look and sound of a hard rock/heavy metal band.
  
  +
*At least as portrayed in the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' films]], the Weird Sisters is considered to be a [[wizard rock]] band.<ref name="pts135">''[[Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey]]'', Page 135</ref>
  +
*Profiles of female members of the Weird Sisters can be seen in the PC [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)|video game]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]].''
  +
*All appear on [[Chocolate frog]] cards at the Harry Potter Exhibition.
  +
*In the film version of ''Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'', piper Gideon Crumb plays keyboards as well as bagpipes. In the book series, however, there is no mention of the band having a keyboard player.
   
 
===Portrayers of the Weird Sisters===
  
===Portrayers of the Weird Sisters===
−
*[[Jarvis Cocker]] (of Pulp) as Myron Wagtail – vocals
 +
*[[Jarvis Cocker]] (of {{w|Pulp (band)|Pulp}}) as Myron Wagtail – vocals
−
*[[Jonny Greenwood]] (of Radiohead) as Kirley Duke – lead guitar
 +
*[[Jonny Greenwood]] (of {{w|Radiohead}}) as Kirley Duke – lead guitar
−
*[[Jason Buckle]] (of All Seeing I) as Heathcote Barbary – rhythm guitar
 +
*[[Jason Buckle]] (of {{w|All Seeing I}}) as Heathcote Barbary – rhythm guitar
 
*[[Steve Mackey]] (of Pulp) as Donaghan Tremlett – bass
  
*[[Steve Mackey]] (of Pulp) as Donaghan Tremlett – bass
−
*[[Steven Claydon]] (of Add N to (X)) as Gideon Crumb – keyboards and bagpipes
 +
*[[Steven Claydon]] (of {{w|Add N to (X)}}) as Gideon Crumb – keyboards and bagpipes
 
*[[Phil Selway]] (of Radiohead) as Orsino Thruston – drums
  
*[[Phil Selway]] (of Radiohead) as Orsino Thruston – drums
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]] {{C|PC version}} {{Portrait}}''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' {{1st}}
  
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' {{1st}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
  
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' {{Comment|At the funeral for Albus Dumbledore}}
  
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' {{Comment|At the funeral for Albus Dumbledore}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{Mentioned on a poster}}
  
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{Mentioned on a poster}}
  +
*''[[Pottermore]]''
   
 
==Notes and References==
  
==Notes and References==
 
{{Reflist}}
  
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
[[ru:Ведуньи]]
  +
[[es:Las Brujas de Macbeth]]
 
[[fr:Bizarr' Sisters]]
  
[[fr:Bizarr' Sisters]]
  +
[[it:Sorelle Stravagarie]]
 
[[nl:De Witte Wieven]]
  
[[nl:De Witte Wieven]]
⚫
[[Category:Musical groups]]
  
 
[[Category:Weird Sisters| ]]
  
[[Category:Weird Sisters| ]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Musical groups]]

Revision as of 20:26, 3 January 2016

The Weird Sisters were a very popular band in the wizarding world, and on the Wizarding Wireless Network. Albus Dumbledore booked them to perform in Hogwarts at the 1994 Yule Ball. Despite their name, all eight known members are male.

Performing and singularity

The Weird Sisters are a popular band among young wizards and witches.

Songs

Among the Weird Sisters' songs was "Do the Hippogriff", "Magic Works" and "This Is the Night" which they played at the Yule Ball.

Instruments

Among the band's instruments were a set of drums, several guitars, a cello, a lute, a double bass and some bag pipes. When performing in Hogwarts during the Yule Ball, they performed on a magically-appearing stage.

Clothing

All members of the band were described as being extremely hairy and all wore black robes that had been artfully torn.

Gossip

The band was popular enough that the marriage of the bass player (Donaghan Tremlett) in 1995 made front-page news in the Daily Prophet, in Harry Potter's fifth year at Hogwarts .[1]

Known band members

Etymology

The term "Weird Sisters" was the name given to the three prophetic witches in the play "Macbeth," by William Shakespeare ("weïrd" being Old English for "fate" or "destiny"). Harry Potter series author J. K. Rowling has stated is quite possibly her favourite Shakespeare play.[2]Interestingly, the Spanish edition of the books refers to the band by the name las Brujas de Macbeth (Macbeth's Witches). It is also interesting to point out a second allusion to Macbeth made in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) when the Frog Choir sings "Double Double Toil and Trouble", which is a direct quote from the play.

This is arguably where J. K. Rowling got the idea for the band's name from, although a variant of the name, Wyrd Sisters, was used as the title of a 1988 Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett.

There is also a possibility that the name is a play on the heavy rock band, Twisted Sister.

However, the name has no relation with a popular pop rock band, Scissor Sisters, as the American band was formed in 2001.

Behind the scenes

  • Nymphadora Tonks and Ginny Weasley are both fans of the Weird Sisters.
  • In the film version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the band which performs at the Yule Ball deliberately goes unnamed throughout the film because of a legal dispute between the film studio and Canadian folk band Wyrd Sisters. [3] The band is simply introduced as "The band that needs no introduction!" Because they are identified in the book as the Weird Sisters, it's safe to assume the band in the film was designed to be them.
  • Members Merton Graves and Herman Wintringham do not make an appearance in the film.
  • The band's songs were written by Jarvis Cocker, who plays singer Myron Wagtail. "Do the Hippogriff" was a collaboration between Cocker and rhythm guitarist Jason Buckle (Heathcote Barbary).
  • The Scottish band Franz Ferdinand, confessed fans of the books, were originally invited to play the Weird Sisters.[4]
  • In an interview, J. K. Rowling stated that the instruments that they played included bagpipes, cello & electric guitar and that they were Harry Potter's favourite band.[5]
  • At least as portrayed in the Harry Potter films, the Weird Sisters is considered to be a wizard rock band.[6]
  • Profiles of female members of the Weird Sisters can be seen in the PC video game of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
  • All appear on Chocolate frog cards at the Harry Potter Exhibition.
  • In the film version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, piper Gideon Crumb plays keyboards as well as bagpipes. In the book series, however, there is no mention of the band having a keyboard player.

Portrayers of the Weird Sisters

Appearances

Notes and References

  1. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  2. ↑ The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet Interview
  3. ↑ http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=ece18f65-1eb9-4829-9e2b-1d50a0dca298 Wyrd Sisters keep fighting the good fight
  4. ↑ Franz Ferdinand To Play Ugly Sisters In Next 'Harry Potter' Flick?, MTV
  5. ↑ J.K. Rowling at the Royal Albert hall, available on Accio Quote!
  6. ↑ Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey, Page 135
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