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Ned Flanders-themed metal band Okilly Dokilly see 3000% rise in fans, plan debut record

Stupid sexy Flanders

Christopher Hooton
Tuesday 18 August 2015 21:44 BST
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(Okilly Dokilly)

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Last week, we introduced you to Phoenix-based, entirely Ned Flanders-themed metal band Okilly Dokilly, and it’s far to see there was a pretty strong reaction, with the story being shared over 237,000 times.

It brought the polo shirt and sweater-wearing five-piece overnight fame, but now they’ve got to live up to it. Their Facebook following has grown from 850 at the time of discovery to more than 26,000, and fans are calling for them to play Colorado, Iowa, Mexico and even Belgium.

“You are all the greatest neighborinos anyone could ask for,” the band wrote following the tide of coverage, later adding: “We're hard at work right now, making plenty of Nedal things for all your Nedal needs. This little independent band is very thankful for all of your support.”

You are all the greatest neighborinos anyone could ask for.

Posted by Okilly Dokilly on Thursday, August 13, 2015

They only have a handful of demos right now, but are busy writing ahead of their first gig in their Phoenix hometown on 5 September.

“We have some in the works,” frontman Head Ned told NME of their new material.

”‘All That Is Left’ is an ode to the Leftorium. Most of our songs are direct quotes of his, but it’s not a strict formula. We also use quotes from related characters or scenes. We’ve got upcoming songs that pull from the Hurricane Neddy episode, too.”

“We’re gonna give them a straightforward Okilly Dokilly show,. We’ll be in full attire, playing our songs with all the energy we have. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Choosing a Simpsons character that loves to wear layers comes at a price though, when you hail from Arizona.

“Part of the band attire is a sweater and Phoenix just hit a record high of 117 degrees [47 celsius],” he added. “So the biggest challenge we’ve faced is not bursting into flames, as metal as that would be.”

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