# Has there been a more successful band of "dorks" than Toto? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 17, 2019, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787 "2019-08-17T11:02:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2019, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/21 "2019-08-17T20:11:10Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > One last nominee – not as successful as Toto or Devo or Weezer, but he did have several top 40 hits: > > [Donnie Iris](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5Arbm47IQ) > > He totally had the pencil-necked geek vibe down. 😃 At the time, I remember thinking “Well, he nabbed the award for top dork from [Leo Sayer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE-Okqna4sQ)!” ---
**Author:** ![txjim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f07891/32.png) [@txjim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txjim)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2019, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/22 "2019-08-17T20:18:08Z")
> [@minlokwat](#): > > I take it you’ve never seen this: > > [Do the Freddie](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgJ-P_uOkC0) Please tell me the 60s weren’t really like that!!! It was just a bad dream due to advanced age, right? ---
**Author:** ![betterlifethroughchemistry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/betterlifethroughchemistry/32/3094_2.png) [@betterlifethroughchemistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betterlifethroughchemistry)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2019, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/23 "2019-08-17T20:44:32Z")
[The Talking Heads](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsSpAOD6K8) ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2019, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/24 "2019-08-17T20:46:39Z")
Boston was what happens when MIT engineers try to figure out interesting ways to create and mix rock music. ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2019, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/25 "2019-08-17T21:04:31Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Both members of Steely Dan look like accountants and for the most part always have. 😕 Donald Fagen does not look like an accountant, he was the “cool” half of Steely Dan. The late Walter Becker did look like a dork 100% though. Not really an “accountant”, more of a Dungeons and Dragons programmer type. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/26 "2019-08-18T02:36:59Z")
Buddy Holly [https://www.google.com/search?q=buddy+holly&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit0YamsYvkAhUPpFkKHTb2A1QQ\_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=938](https://www.google.com/search?q=buddy+holly&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit0YamsYvkAhUPpFkKHTb2A1QQ_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=938) ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/27 "2019-08-18T03:33:41Z")
> [@Aspidistra](#): > > REM My favorite R.E.M. as dorks story is this: The first time they performed in Chicago, they had some uninvited backstage guests, the Chicago Plaster Casters. Their services were refused, and Peter Buck put it this way: “I don’t know what to say to people like that. I mean, I’m sure they’re very nice girls and everything…” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/28 "2019-08-18T05:51:32Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > I agree with the mentions of Devo and They Might Be Giants – though, to be fair, both bands intentionally cultivated a vibe . . . By the 1980s, “dorkiness” was clearly cultivated in general, so most of the bands listed in this thread shouldn’t really count, should they? ---
**Author:** ![Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b2d939/32.png) [@Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_Arachnid_Laser_1)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/29 "2019-08-18T08:19:32Z")
Let me try to bring a modern contender: [The Mountain Goats](https://media.pitchfork.com/photos/5afda8f7beaae61a3a8522d9/2:1/w_790/The%20Mountain%20Goats.png). The one band whose managers look cooler than them. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/30 "2019-08-18T11:35:23Z")
> [@Enola\_Straight](#): > > Buddy Holly > [https://www.google.com/search?q=buddy+holly&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit0YamsYvkAhUPpFkKHTb2A1QQ\_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=938](https://www.google.com/search?q=buddy+holly&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit0YamsYvkAhUPpFkKHTb2A1QQ_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=938) Pretty weak, if you’re going to include Buddy Holly for his dorky glasses, that was pretty common for glasses at the time. The BC style glasses were pretty common at the time. Hell, the Navy was still using that style frame through the 80s. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/31 "2019-08-18T12:07:14Z")
I always thought The Bare Naked Ladies were pretty dorky, without necessarily trying to be dorky. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/32 "2019-08-18T12:12:43Z")
Billy Joel. I mean, I love the guy, but he’s always been a big ole dork. ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/33 "2019-08-18T13:23:50Z")
Bluegrass musicians can always be counted on to be pretty dorky. As successful as Toto? No, never, of course. I mean, it’s bluegrass. But dorky? For sure. [Billy Strings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6CyQftidOw) I guess there’s a bit of a hipster vibe there too, but the line between hipster and dork is a \*very \*blurry line indeed. [Molly Tuttle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etg152GcDgI) Adorable dork, which is a look in and of itself, but dorky nonetheless. ---
**Author:** ![Kelby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a587f6/32.png) [@Kelby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelby)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/34 "2019-08-18T13:24:21Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#): > > Probably disqualified because of his complete lack of succes at the time of the initial recordings of his music in the 70’s, and the questionable nature (and extent) of the success of the re-releases, but unsurpassed in dorkiness: Mark Gormley. [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU) A man whom pop-history inexplicably and unjustly overlooked, and who represents greatness in a non-traditional way. Please note that his demeanor, presentation, dress and power-stance is entirely un-affected and not meant ironically in any way. This is genuine. What the… ---
**Author:** ![Toxylon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f05b48/32.png) [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/35 "2019-08-18T15:13:15Z")
IMHO it doesn’t get 90-pound-weakling-with-glasses-and-dorky-haircut-dorkier than [The Korgis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfvSXclFlI) (a killer song, too). ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/36 "2019-08-18T16:11:27Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#): > > Probably disqualified because of his complete lack of succes at the time of the initial recordings of his music in the 70’s, and the questionable nature (and extent) of the success of the re-releases, but unsurpassed in dorkiness: Mark Gormley. [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU) A man whom pop-history inexplicably and unjustly overlooked, and who represents greatness in a non-traditional way. Please note that his demeanor, presentation, dress and power-stance is entirely un-affected and not meant ironically in any way. This is genuine. I… did not expect _that_. ---
**Author:** ![JoseB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/joseb/32/1530_2.png) [@JoseB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoseB)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/37 "2019-08-18T17:33:48Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#): > > Probably disqualified because of his complete lack of succes at the time of the initial recordings of his music in the 70’s, and the questionable nature (and extent) of the success of the re-releases, but unsurpassed in dorkiness: Mark Gormley. [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87nkJquHnAU) A man whom pop-history inexplicably and unjustly overlooked, and who represents greatness in a non-traditional way. Please note that his demeanor, presentation, dress and power-stance is entirely un-affected and not meant ironically in any way. This is genuine. I… I have achieved complete illumination after watching this video. My mind encompasses the Universe and I am one with the immanent quiddity of transcendent deities. This is beyond awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/38 "2019-08-18T19:06:39Z")
Mark Gormley was clearly robbed out of a Grammy, what with the mom jeans, the softness of voice, barley moving mouth, and va-va-va-_voom_ lady, posing in that way that only she knew how to pose. > [@Toxylon](#): > > IMHO it doesn’t get 90-pound-weakling-with-glasses-and-dorky-haircut-dorkier than [The Korgis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfvSXclFlI) (a killer song, too). Buddy playing violin that sounds like a kazoo treated through a synthesizer while surrounded by cats has probably been my highlight of the past couple months. Definitely shoulda had some lounging around my drum kit back in the day. [The Thamesmen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMgyxqcdVYY) [Five Neat Guys](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMjtvSABQ3Q) [Happy Kyne and the Mirthmakers](https://youtu.be/Rm48gbC-NpI?t=57) [Tony Roletti](https://youtu.be/e3ZwRC-CEGk?t=8) Terry Jacks Robert John Eric Carmen ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/39 "2019-08-18T19:51:42Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > [The Thamesmen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMgyxqcdVYY) The Thamesmen’s drummer died in a bizarre gardening accident. This actually happened to Toto’s drummer (insecticide poisoning) and almost happened to R.E.M.'s drummer (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, probably contracted when he cleared some brush on his acreage). How about the ultimate rock dork, Christopher Cross? (And they say appearance only matters if you’re female. :dubious: ) ---
**Author:** ![Magic\_Pig\_Detective](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Magic\_Pig\_Detective](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magic_Pig_Detective)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787/40 "2019-08-18T19:59:13Z")
Steely Dan. Great musicians, but they looked like IT specialists. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-more-successful-band-of-dorks-than-toto/838787.md?page=3)