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An elite group of individuals, blessed with some of the world’s most remarkable talents.

That description could easily be used to describe the superheroes making up the Avengers. But it also applies to the many musicians who have contributed their work to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (commonly referred to as MCU) over the years.

It didn’t take long for rock music to make itself heard in this universe, as future Iron Man Tony Stark showed off his latest high-tech weapons systems while blasting AC/DC‘s “Back in Black” during the opening scene of 2008’s Iron Man, the first movie in the series.

Throughout Marvel’s canon of films, music has played many key roles. Songs have established a movie’s era, accentuated a character’s persona and even provided the occasional inside joke.

Additionally, artists’ contributions to the MCU aren’t limited to just music. Several high-profile stars have made cameos in Marvel films, some of which you may have missed.

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AC/DC, “Back in Black” – ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

As ‘Iron Man’ opens, billionaire arms dealer Tony Stark is riding with a group of soldiers through the Afghanistan desert. A small boombox inside the vehicle blares AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” Stark sips on some scotch and makes small talk with the military personnel while the song continues to play. A sudden, surprise attack breaks up the happy times and sets into motion the events that lead to Iron Man’s creation.

Tom Morello cameo – ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Tom Morello is best known for his guitar work in Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, but the musician has also occasionally tried his hand at acting. Morello appeared in Jon Favreau’s directorial debut, the 2001 film ‘Made,’ with Favreau later recruiting Morello to appear in ‘Iron Man.’ His moment in the movie is brief, portraying a terrorist soldier who is quickly eliminated by Tony Stark in the earliest incarnation of the armour prototype. Morello also contributed guitar parts for the movie and its sequel, ‘Iron Man 2.’

Suicidal Tendencies, “Institutionalized” – ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Southern California hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies have forged a long and successful career sine the ’80s. The group’s most recognizable track is their 1983 single “Institutionalized,” with its long and at times rambling spoken lyrics, coupled with a frantic, energized chorus. Perhaps as a nod to Tony Stark’s dichotomy, or simply a reflection of the billionaire’s “bad boy” style, the song plays during a scene where the future Iron Man is working in his garage.

Black Sabbath, “Iron Man” – ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Would it be possible to make a film called ‘Iron Man’ without including Black Sabbath’s iconic song of the same name? Maybe, but we don’t want to live in a world where that’s okay. Thankfully, filmmakers felt the same way and used the Sabbath classic to punctuate the movie’s ending, with the song’s familiar guitar drone striking immediately after Tony Stark announces to the world “I am Iron Man.” Ironically, the song wasn’t inspired in any way by the Marvel superhero. Originally called “Iron Bloke,” the track tells the story of a man who travels into the future and sees the apocalypse.

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AC/DC, ‘Iron Man 2’ Soundtrack (2010)

In the lead-up to ‘Iron Man 2’’s release, AC/DC unveiled their compilation album of the same name. Director Jon Favreau had long been a fan of the band, already having used some of its work in the first Iron Man movie. The album featured 15 tracks from 10 different albums, ranging from 1975 to 2008. Only two songs — “Shoot to Thrill” and “Highway to Hell” — were used in the film, while “Thunderstruck”, “War Machine” and “The Razors Edge” were used in trailers.

AC/DC, “Shoot to Thrill” – ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

In the sequel, Iron Man’s first appearance is soundtracked by the AC/DC’s song “Shoot to Thrill.” The hero jumps out of a plane, speeds through the sky, then lands onstage at the Stark Expo in front of a massive crowd of adoring fans. Director Jon Favreau said the idea for this spectacle of an entrance came from an AC/DC show. “He’s Iron Man, he’s Tony Stark, he’s going to go a million miles an hour,” the director explained to the ‘Los Angeles Times.’ “When I was watching AC/DC with my wife and my son and they were playing ‘Shoot to Thrill’ at the Forum, I thought, ‘You know this is how he should show up, right in the middle of this and take the armour off. That’s the Tony Stark version of doing things.”

The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “The Magnificent Seven” – ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

Two classic songs by the Clash make appearances in ‘Iron Man 2.’ As Tony Stark tinkers in his robotics laboratory, watching YouTube clips of himself and working to find a cure for the condition that is poisoning him, the iconic track “Should I Stay or Should I Go” plays in the background. Later, the band’s 1981 single “The Magnificent Seven” plays while Tony Stark boxes with his sparring partner, and personal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. The two become distracted when young assistant Natalie Rushman, later revealed as Black Widow, enters the ring.

Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust” – ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

When playboy-billionaire-turned-superhero Tony Stark believes he’s celebrating his last birthday, he decides to go all out. Loud music, beautiful women and, of course, the Iron Man suit is all part of the festivities. Stark’s best friend, James Rhodes, breaks up the party and scolds the superhero for being so reckless with his power. An inebriated Stark turns to the party’s DJ and asks for a “fat beat for me to beat my buddy’s ass to.” The DJ responds by playing the classic Queen track “Another One Bites the Dust,” much to Iron Man’s approval. The song plays as the two men do battle, donned in their Iron Man and War Machine armour.

Beastie Boys, “Groove Holmes” – ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

Where does a superhero go to deal with his supersized headache? Randy’s Donuts. The Los Angeles-area landmark has appeared in many films, including ‘Get Shorty,’ ‘Entourage’ and ‘Mars Attacks!.’ In ‘Iron Man 2,’ Tony Stark visits Randy’s to recover from the lingering effects of his birthday party. As he munches on some donuts and coffee, the Beastie Boys song “Groove Holmes” plays in the background. The track was featured on the group’s Grammy Award-winning 2007 instrumental album ‘The Mix-Up.’

Average White Band, “Picking Up the Pieces” – ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

A rival arms dealer to Tony Stark, Justin Hammer goes to obsessive lengths to best his adversary. To that end, he breaks Ivan Vanko (also known as Whiplash) out of prison and enlists the madman to help create droids and suits of armour more powerful than Iron Man. At the Stark Expo, a cocky Hammer takes the stage to unveil these powerful weapons of war. Average White Band’s classic track “Picking Up the Pieces” plays over the loudspeaker as Hammer dances his way toward the podium.

Foo Fighters, “Walk” – ‘Thor’ (2011)

When the God of Thunder is stripped of his powers and stranded on Earth, he does what most humans do when they’re feeling down: heads to the local bar. While Thor drowns his sorrows in a New Mexico watering hole, the Foo Fighters song “Walk” can be heard. It’s inclusion in the movie was a late addition, according to Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige. “It was literally one of those things that came together in a matter of weeks,” the executive told the ‘Los Angeles Times.’ Director Kenneth Branagh “in particular just loved it with these lyrics about learning to walk again and the way that fit the themes of the movie about redemption, learning to be a hero.” The song plays once more over the film’s closing credits.

Soundgarden, “Live to Rise” – ‘The Avengers’ (2012)

Soundgarden recorded the song “Live to Rise” exclusively for the first Avengers movie. At the time, it was the first new material from the band in 15 years. The song was featured on ‘Avengers Assemble (Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture),’ a compilation album released separately from the film’s soundtrack. Other contributors included Shinedown, Rise Against, Papa Roach, Scott Weiland, Bush and Evanescence. Of all the songs on the album, “Live to Rise” was the only track to actually appear in the movie.

AC/DC ,”Shoot to Thrill” – ‘The Avengers’ (2012)

In a callback to its use in ‘Iron Man 2,’ AC/DC’s “Shoot to Thrill” is again used for an epic Iron Man entrance. In this case, Loki, brother of Thor, is attempting to subjugate Earth. After commanding a crowd of hostages to kneel before him, he is confronted by Captain America. The two battle, with Loki at one point gaining the upper hand. That is until Iron Man swoops in to help, with “Shoot to Thrill” announcing the hero’s arrival.

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Black Sabbath T-shirt – ‘The Avengers’ (2012)

In what some would call a “meta” moment, Tony Stark is seen wearing a Black Sabbath T-shirt in ‘The Avengers.’ As mentioned earlier, Sabbath scored a major commercial and critical hit with the song “Iron Man,” released in 1970. The shirt worn by Stark features an image from the band’s 1978 tour, their final trek with singer Ozzy Osbourne until a reunion in 1997.

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David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream” – Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, was abducted by aliens just after his mother’s death in 1988. Before her passing, his mother gave him a mixtape featuring many hits from the ‘70s. Even in his adulthood, Quill listens to the tape as a way to stay connected with his home planet. Many of these songs not only appear in the film but also on the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1’ soundtrack released in conjunction with the movie. Director Peter Gunn was keenly conscious of the songs being used, telling ‘Rolling Stone’ that “The Walkman and the compilation tape inside of it is the heart of the film.” One of Gunn’s favourite artists was David Bowie, and he used the Thin White Duke’s song “Moonage Daydream” to highlight a key moment in the film when Quill and his team approach the space station known as Knowhere. Gunn later revealed he’d hoped to cast Bowie for a cameo in the second ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movie, but the singer died in January 2016, a month before shooting was set to start.

Runaways, “Cherry Bomb” – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Another track featured in the film and its accompanying ‘Awesome Mix’ soundtrack was the Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb.” The song plays as Quill explains his plan to take down Ronan and secure the Infinity Stone (okay, it’s more like 12 per cent of a plan). The 1976 punk hit is one of the Runaways’ most popular songs and has been featured in many other films and TV shows, including ‘Dazed and Confused’ and ‘The Simpsons.’

Rob Zombie cameo – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

If you watch ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ on mute, you’d miss Rob Zombie’s cameo. That’s because the White Zombie frontman appeared only in audio form, lending his voice to the Ravager Navigator. Zombie has appeared in every single Gunn film, something the director takes pride in. “Rob’s a friend, and he appeared in my first movie, ‘Slither,’ so now it’s become my signature,” Gunn told Fast Company. Zombie again lent his voice to the second Guardians film, credited in the role of Unseen Ravager.

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Adam and the Ants, “Ant Music” – ‘Ant-Man’ (2015)

Long before ‘Ant-Man’ won over movie fans, Adam and the Ants were making the insect cool. The group, fronted by Adam Ant, was a mainstay of the early ‘80s New Wave scene. Among their hits was quirky, thumping “Ant Music.” In the movie, the track plays in the background as Scott Lang, portrayed by Paul Rudd, works at a Baskin-Robbins.

The Cure, “Plainsong” – ‘Ant-Man’ (2015)

In the climactic fight of the film, Ant-Man faces off against his adversary, Yellowjacket. Both are shrunken down to their insect size when they battle inside of a briefcase (which happens to also get dropped out of a helicopter). “I’m going to disintegrate you!” Ant-Man yells at one point as he pushes off a cellphone that was also inside the case. A Siri-like voice responds, “Playing ‘Disintegration’ by the Cure” before launching into the album’s first track, “Plainsong.” It’s a clever moment that may have been lost on some of the movie’s younger viewers, but those familiar with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ 1989 album likely enjoyed a chuckle.

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alt-J, “Left Hand Free” – ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2014)

Indie-rock band alt-J has quickly become one of England’s most popular exports. Their debut album, ‘An Awesome Wave,’ won the prestigious British Mercury Prize, while their follow-up LP, “This Is All Yours,” scored the group its first Grammy nomination. In the same way that this young band has quickly established itself as an important cog in rock music, teenager Peter Parker, better known as Spider-Man, is recruited by Tony Stark to become the youngest member of the Avengers. Perhaps that’s why the alt-J song “Left Hand Free” was used to soundtrack Spider-Man’s first appearance in ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ The song can also be heard playing over the movie’s end credits.

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Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shining Star” – ‘Dr. Strange’ (2016)

As Doctor Strange prepares to perform surgery, the 1975 funk hit “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind and Fire is playing on the radio. Apparently, the doctor isn’t a fan — he quickly asks for the music to be changed, with the song “Feels So Good” by trumpeter Chuck Mangione getting put on in its place.

Pink Floyd, “Interstellar Overdrive” – ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)

“Interstellar Overdrive” is an experimental instrumental track that first appeared on Pink Floyd’s debut album, ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.’ At nearly 10 minutes in length, the song is regarded as one of the first psychedelic instrumental improvisations recorded by a rock band. It’s used to score one of ‘Doctor Strange’’s early montages, a series of shots showing the doctor’s lavish New York apartment, his many awards and his impressive sports car.

ELO, “Mr Blue Sky” – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

Like in the first movie, music plays a key role in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.’ In the opening sequence, the Guardians battle an interdimensional monster in an effort to protect some valuable batteries. As the giant, slug-like creature attacks the group, baby Groot plugs in some speakers and plays ELO’s 1977 classic “Mr. Blue Sky.” The happiness of the tune, coupled with baby Groot’s dancing, strikes a startling contrast to the chaos of the fight. There are explosions, bodies flying through the air, yet the song keeps the tone upbeat. “I’ve always said that if the Guardians had a house band, it would be ELO,” director James Gunn remarked to ‘Rolling Stone.’ “‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is one of my favourite songs by them.”

Fleetwood Mac, “The Chain” – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” highlights two of the film’s poignant and most pivotal moments. Its first appearance comes as the Guardians are fighting among each other, their bonds seemingly beginning to deteriorate. The song’s second moment comes at the film’s climax, as Star-Lord fights back against Ego, saving his team and millions of lives in the process. “The first time we heard it is sort of about the chain seeming to break,” Gunn said in bonus material accompanying the movie’s Blu-ray release. “But the last time we hear it is one of the most intense parts of the movie and its about how it’s not going to break.” Every band member reportedly watched the film and gave approval prior to the song’s use.

George Harrison, “My Sweet Lord” – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

George Harrison’s classic song “My Sweet Lord” plays as Ego, played by Kurt Russell, introduces the Guardians to his too-perfect-to-be-true home planet. Gunn knew early in development that he wanted the song to accentuate the scene. “It was one of the first songs that I picked out to try to use in the movie, and it has to do a little bit with the origin of Ego,” the director admitted. “And there’s this big creation myth about how he came about and it was kind of lined up with that. I’ve always been into Hindu creation myths and there are some similarities there.”

Cheap Trick, “Surrender” – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

Cheap Trick’s 1978 hit “Surrender” highlights the closing credits of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.’ Besides the usual title cards, the credits feature several short vignettes showcasing some of the movie’s auxiliary characters and teasing fans with clues about the franchise’s upcoming third film. There’s also a history between Cheap Trick and James Gunn: The director used the band’s song “If You Want My Love” in his 2011 black comedy ‘Super.’

Miley Cyrus cameo – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

You may not have seen Miley Cyrus in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,’ but you definitely heard her. The pop-star made a brief voice cameo in one of the scenes played during the end credits. In the vignette, Stakar, played by Sylvester Stallone, reassembles his old team of Guardians. Among them is an AI unit named Mainframe, with Cyrus supplying the voice. Director James Gunn has hinted that Cyrus may have a role in ‘Vol. 3’ of the franchise, though details of whether it’s another cameo or something larger have not been revealed.

Rolling Stones, “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” – ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

The antagonist in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ is a blue-collar-worker-turned-supervillain. Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture, was heading up a salvage team when the government terminated his contract and left him unemployed. Wanting a shot at the good life, he steals alien technology and uses it to become an arms trafficker and criminal. The character is portrayed by Michael Keaton in the film and, as he chooses his new life of crime, the Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” highlights the first onscreen appearance of Vulture in his robotic wingsuit.

Spoon, “The Underdog” – ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

As a teenage kid who is awkward in daily life, while also struggling to harness the full potential of his superhuman gifts, Peter Parker is the consummate underdog. It’s only fitting then that this 2007 song from indie-rock band Spoon accentuates a scene in which Peter rides the subway to school.

The Ramones, “Blitzkrieg Bop” – ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

As Peter Parker embraces his Spider-Man persona, he tests out his web-slinging skills by cruising the city looking for petty crooks. Only problem? Just because something looks like a crime, doesn’t mean it actually is one — a lesson Spider-Man learns when he confronts a man who appeared to be a car thief, but only happened to lock his keys in his car. The lighthearted montage is set to the Ramones’ 1976 classic “Blitzkrieg Bop.”

A Flock of Seagulls, “Space Age Love Song” – ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

For most teenagers, the homecoming dance is a time of excitement, nerves and maybe a little coming-of-age. For Peter Parker, it became a life-or-death experience. On the car ride to the dance, he discovers that his nemesis Vulture is Adrian Toomes, his date’s father (and the man driving them to the dance). Toomes also realizes his adversary’s identity and threatens to kill Peter if he dares meddle in Vulture’s plans. The interaction leaves the teenager shaken. As he exits the car and steps into the school dance, “Space Age Love Song” by A Flock of Seagulls plays.

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Led Zeppelin, “Immigrant Song” – ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017)

Long before his Marvel embodiment, Thor was the mythological Norse god of thunder. Similarly, Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” has Nordic roots. The band penned its 1970 classic during a tour of Iceland. In ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ the tune is used to empower the film’s penultimate fight scene, as Thor battles a legion of warriors summoned by Hela, the goddess of death.

Smashing Pumpkins and Bush posters – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

When Carol Danvers crashes to Earth, landing in, of all places, a Blockbuster Video, she searches for a way to call her home planet. The future Captain Marvel heads to a nearby payphone booth located in the strip mall. It’s adorned with a multitude of ‘90s-era posters, including those for the bands Smashing Pumpkins and Bush, along with MTV’s ‘Rock the Vote’ campaign. Bush was also involved in the real-life promotion for ‘Captain Marvel,’ performing at the film’s world premiere event.

Garbage, ‘Only Happy When It Rains’ – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

‘Only Happy When It Rains’ was the breakthrough 1995 hit for Garbage, transforming the band from Butch Vig side project into radio stars. Frontwoman Shirley Manson became one of rock’s most powerful leading ladies, exuding her own brand of strength and charisma. So it only made sense that ‘Only Happy When it Rains’ was featured in ‘Captain Marvel,’ highlighting a scene in which Carol steals a motorcycle from a sexist biker who told her to smile.

Nine Inch Nails T-shirt – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

A black and green Kree super suit doesn’t blend in with the style of 1995 Los Angeles. Carol realizes this shortly after crash-landing on Earth and decides she needs new clothes in order to remain inconspicuous. She steals a grunge-style outfit off a store mannequin, with the white Nine Inch Nails T-shirt being the highlight of the look. Costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays admitted she considered several band’s logos for the tee, but there was something “sweet and subtle” that drew her toward the classic NIN look. The band collaborated with Marvel on a limited-edition release of the T-shirt in honour of the movie.

No Doubt, “Just a Girl” – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

“Just a Girl” was one of the first songs written by Gwen Stefani. Its inspiration stemmed from an argument with her father, who had reprimanded the future rock star after she drove home too late one night. Its defiant, angsty lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it the first of many successful singles from No Doubt’s 1998 album ‘Tragic Kingdom.’ Still, there’s no way Stefani could have ever predicted that her rebellious rock song would end up accentuating a battle between interplanetary powers. That’s exactly what happened in ‘Captain Marvel,’ as No Doubt’s timeless girl-power jam soundtracks the film’s climactic fight scene between Carol and the Kree.

Nirvana, “Come as You Are” – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

The iconic bass line of “Come as You Are” was unavoidable for most of the ‘90s, receiving heavy rotation on both radio and MTV. Even Carol Danvers couldn’t escape the track. When the Kree capture her, they hook her up to the Supreme Intelligence in an effort to restrain her superpowers. Inside the hero’s mind, Supreme Intelligence (played Annette Bening) is listening to the classic Nirvana track.

R.E.M., “Man on the Moon” – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

After Carol hurtles through space while battling the Kree, she returns to Earth and regroups with her allies Nick Fury, Maria Rambeau and Talos. As the group has dinner, R.E.M.’s 1992 hit “Man on the Moon” plays in the background.

Hole, “Celebrity Skin” – ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)

You’ve just wrapped an action-packed adventure, set in the ‘90s and featuring an ass-kicking female lead. What song do you want echoing throughout movie theatres while the credits begin to roll? For ‘Captain Marvel’ filmmakers, the answer was Hole’s 1998 single “Celebrity Skin.” Its powerful guitar riffs and aggressive lyrics perfectly reflect the determination of the movie’s heroine. Also, we’re pretty sure Courtney Love is the only frontwoman bold enough to pick a fight with Carol Danvers.

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