August 26, 2012 10:40

Tom Waits to appear in 'The Simpsons'

Singer will play himself in an intriguing storyline involving Simpson patriarch Homer

Photo: Press

Tom Waits is to make a guest appearance on The Simpsons.

The singer will play himself in an episode about the survivalism movement whereby people make active preparations for potential global disasters. During the episode, Waits introduces Simpson patriarch Homer to a group of committed "preppers".

Executive producer Al Jean described the plot as "Homer becomes a prepper", telling TVLine: "We did a lot of research into the 'prepper' phenomenon, where people are convinced that some horrible catastrophe – like an electromagnetic pulse – is going to occur, and that people will have to survive without the grid.”

Jean also revealed that Waits does not sing in the episode, but said that fans will recognise his distinctive voice "in a second". The episode will air in December (2012) as part of the show's upcoming 24th season.

Last week (August 22), Justin Bieber also revealed that he will cameo during the new season of The Simpsons. Other confirmed guest stars for season 24 include Sherlock actor Beneditch Cumberbatch, Steve Carell from The Office, and Portlandia's Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen.

Waits released his 17th studio album, 'Bad As Me', last October (2011). His next screen appearance will come in Seven Psychopaths, a black comedy film starring Colin Farrell that is scheduled for release this October (2012). He is rumoured to be voicing the character of Gepetto in a new animated movie version of Pinocchio.

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