Barney Gumble has been Homer's best friend since high school. He is never sober. He likes to drink turpentine, varnish, and Flaming Homers. He is the town's laziest slob. He's never had a job in his life. But I think he's pretty funny. He has a spectacular voice and was a lead singer for the Be-Sharps, a barbershop quartet consisting of Homer, Apu, Principal Skinner, and Chief Wiggum. When the band went pro, however, the executives dumped Wiggum for Barney. Apparently, Wiggum was too "Village People" for the public. At any rate, Barney has a pretty good voice for a drunk.

Back to the Springfield Business District

Back to the neighbors' page