The idea of Johnny pretending to be dead is a real economic assertion argued by economists R. B. EkelundJr., Rand W. ResslerJohn Keith Watson, see their journal article The ''Death-Effect'' in Art Prices: A Demand-Side Exploration.
Musicians or bands mentioned include: Phil Chevron of the Pogues, Les Harvey of Stone the Crows, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Buckley, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Oasis, Biggie aka The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac aka Tupac Shakur, Richie Sambora, Joan Jett, Jon Bon Jovi, Jeff Daniels, Greg Dulli.