What is referred to by 'artichoke aka the sunchoke'?

What is referred to by 'and the gang'? What is referred to by 'and the pips'? What is referred to by 'and the sunshine band'? What is referred to by 'and the wailers'? Based on the clue 'as a bug in a rug', what is the answer? What is referred to by 'as a mule'? What is referred to by 'as a statue'? What is referred to by 'as a tack'?