Summary of Western Songs That Inspired the JoJo Series
Since its serialization began in 1986, Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series has been beloved across generations as both a manga and an anime.
A pioneering work in so-called “supernatural power battles,” it continues to captivate many fans with its edge-of-your-seat storytelling and strikingly unique characters.
One of JoJo’s distinctive features is that the names of characters and abilities often draw inspiration from real-life artists, bands, and song titles.
With that in mind, this article rounds up Western songs related to the JoJo series!
Take a peek into the world of JoJo from a musical perspective!
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Western songs that inspired the JoJo series (Parts 11–20)
The PretenderFoo Fighters
Foo Fighters is a band formed around Dave Grohl, the former drummer of Nirvana.
They’re extremely popular in Japan as well.
Their song “The Pretender” is known as one of their signature works.
It’s also known as the namesake inspiration for the character Foo Fighters who appears in Part 6.
The character left a strong impression, and the original song likewise features a memorable, lingering riff and a loud, powerful sound.
King NothingMetallica
Metallica is a heavy metal band with worldwide popularity, and they have an enormous fan base in Japan as well.
Their classic song “King Nothing” has a deep connection with JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
It’s known as the inspiration for the Stand “King Nothing,” used by the character Norisuke Higashikata in Part 8, JoJolion.
The chugging guitar riffs are particularly striking, so whether you love heavy metal or JoJo, be sure to check it out.
Brown SugarThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a rock band hugely popular in Japan as well.
They’ve left behind so many great classics that they’re still loved by rock-loving younger generations.
Naturally, their songs have been thoroughly sampled by Mr.
Araki, who’s a fan of rock.
Their “Brown Sugar” is famous as the original inspiration for the Stand of the popular Part 5 character, Bucciarati.
While its content and melody are somewhat removed from Bucciarati’s personality, the song itself is highly appealing, so if you watched Part 5, definitely give it a listen.
Jumpin’ Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones
From their true start in 1962, for over 60 years without ever disbanding, The Rolling Stones have continued to perform as an active band at the pinnacle of rock.
Fresh in our memory is their 2023 original album “Hackney Diamonds” winning Best Rock Album at the 67th Grammy Awards.
One of their signature songs, the classic “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” released in 1968, is also referenced in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 6: Stone Ocean as the name of the Stand used by Lang Rangler.
It’s a straightforward rock track with a cool, lively riff—definitely give it a listen!
Knockin’ on Heaven’s DoorBob Dylan
Bob Dylan is a world-renowned artist who has worked across a variety of genres, including rock, folk, and blues.
In Japan, he’s so famous that almost everyone from certain generations knows his name.
Among his many songs, one I especially recommend is Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.
This track is known as the inspiration for the Stand “Heaven’s Door” used by the hugely popular character Rohan Kishibe.
While Dylan has many breezy, refreshing songs, this one has a somewhat gritty, earthy tone.
Many listeners might feel that this rough-edged quality matches Rohan Kishibe’s character quite well.
DriveThe Cars
The Cars are known as a rock band representing the new wave.
They’re famous as the band that inspired Kars, the final boss who appears in Part 2 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, “Battle Tendency.” The classic album Heartbeat City, which includes Drive, is known for having many tracks that match Kars’s vibe.
If you’ve read all of Part 2, be sure to check out the full album in addition to this song.
Personally, I think the track Magic especially fits Kars’s atmosphere, so don’t miss that one either!
Western songs that inspired the JoJo series (21–30)
Killer QueenQueen
Queen is a band you can’t avoid when talking about the UK rock scene.
Thanks to the hit film Bohemian Rhapsody, even younger generations are likely familiar with Queen.
Their classic song Killer Queen is known as the inspiration for Yoshikage Kira—more precisely, for the Stand he wields—who remains immensely popular as a memorable villain.
The melody of the song, which shifts between minor and major keys, matches well with the psychopathic personality of Yoshikage Kira, doesn’t it?