If they'd lived

IAN CURTIS never kills himself, but Joy Division disintegrate after a couple of mediocre albums. Curtis himself is involved in an increasing number of unexciting new projects with the likes of John Lydon and, later, Morrissey, before going into self-imposed exile. The remaining members of Joy Division do not form New Order and instead fade into obscurity, Stuart Pearce is not momentarily confused and distracted by the thought of John Barnes rapping at a crucial moment, scores his penalty and England win the World Cup in 1990.

JANIS JOPLIN marries into old money and becomes a sensation on the world's tango dancing circuit. In 1974, however, she becomes embroiled in an assault/rape case involving Carly Simon and Freddy Mercury. She eventually turns states evidence for the prosecution, Simon fries, and Joplin buys a "retro" trailor park in the American SW where she lives til this day.

BOB MARLEY survives his battle with throat cancer. Convinced that Jah has forsaken him, he, during a ganja-fueled obsession with Sammy Davis Jr., converts to Judaism. He goes off the radar for many years, only to reemerge and form a dynamic duo with fellow recluse, Cat Stevens. Combined, the two blow more middle-aged white minds than previously thought possible (from the research performed at the Caucasian Institute).
Then, in 1996, he switches up his style on y'all bitches, uniting forces w/Masta P. Their musical partnership bears such sweet fruit as the classics "3 O'Clock Road Ungh!", "Punany Conqueror", and "May I Please Have Some Carrots."

COBAIN takes boats across the Atlantic.

JOHN LENNON: Would have gone on to do everything George Harrison did, effectively killing Harrison's entire career. He also would have made more appearances on Saturday Night Live than any other performer. Furthermore, Anthologies most likely would never have happened, though reunion might have.