Notable bands or artists who never toured or played any shows

Earlier some friends and I were trying to think of any successful artists who never toured or played any shows, however we were unable to come up with anything.

Are there any cases of this actually happening, and is it even possible to be a successful band without ever playing a single show? It seems that this kind of situation would be more possible these days using the internet as a promotional tool, but I can't really think of any applicable artists.

Lets not count bands that stopped touring, including bands that may have stopped touring in 1966.

 

Enya maybe?,not sure

 

The only act with any profile I can think of offhand who haven't even played one single solitary show is nortorious black metal act Burzum. The fact that the guy behind the name is an arsonist and murderer certainly gave the "band" profile, but nevertheless the music has been influential despite minimal direct promotion and no gigs.

 

The Archies?

Actually looking forward to the successful touring band that never record a single album thread.

 

Traveling Wilburys

 

does performing at Beatlefests count?

 

Dali's Car (Peter Murphy and Mick Karn of Bauhaus/Japan). One song live on a TV studio appearance and that was it.

 

I don't think 90's R&B artist Aaliyah ever did a headlining show. TV appearances and maybe 30 minute sets at radio festivals.

 

Scott Walker has never done a show as a solo artist in 40+ years. Two TV one-shots in 95 and a a Walker Brothers Euro tour in late 70's.

Kate Bush only did one short Euro tour her entire career.

 

Temple of the Dog

 

They did shows, or piggy backed some cameos onto PJ or Soundgarden gigs.

 

Did Dusty Springfield tour after the early 70's beyond one taped at Royal Albert Hall and a one-off NYC club show show circa 1980?

 

Charles Manson?

 

Did Nick Drake ever do a headlining show.

I think he opened a tiny number of Fairport Convention shows and that was it.

 

I think he did the one Fairport show early on, and the odd appearances at folk clubs.

There are stories from the odd fan who saw him play later in pubs/clubs (in the wake of Bryter Layter) that he was OK, if largely silent between songs (and extensive retuning). But most reports suggest he was disastrous, largely because the audience was indifferent, uninterested or more concerned with drinking.

 

I remember when Steely Dan said they'd never do anything live. Then they did. I was disappointed they didn't keep their word.

 

Brian Eno? I know he toured with Roxy Music but I can't seem to recall ever hearing about him playing live solo, only the occasional performance with someone else (801, Nico, etc.).

-Simon (bluej's son)

 

I don't know of Bathory playing any live shows.

 

I don't remember Boston ever touring.

 

Boston has toured each of their five albums.

Steely Dan toured the first two albums and the entire reunion period and beyond.

 

this describes Brandy, as well...and probably Paula Abdul

 

Actually it was the first three albums. The live version of "Bodhisattva" that includes the drunken MC (Jerome) came from the Pretzel Logic tour in 1974.