Unveiled: 9 iconic secret guest appearances in rock music
ating vegetables
Toon the Beach Boys’ ‘Vege-Tables’. McCartney even brought along a bag of carrots, celery, and onions for the occasion. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the collaboration was eventually shelved due to creative differences. However, the surviving recording captures the joyful, experimental spirit of the ’60s.
3. David Bowie on ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen and David Bowie (1981)
Soda Stereo members at the studio in Boca Juniors, Buenos Aires – 1999 – Sergio Rubin/LatinContena/Getty Images
By late 1980, Queen and David Bowie were at career crossroads. Bowie was laying new tracks at Mountain Studios in Montreux while Queen were looking for a spark for their upcoming album.
When Bowie visited the studio, the two parties began jamming, which eventually culminated in the creation of ‘Under Pressure’, an iconic song that merged Bowie’s fierce, abstract lyricism with Queen’s anthemic hooks. The track went on to top the charts across the globe and remains a symbol of collaboration between musical giants.
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan on ‘Let’s Dance’ by David Bowie (1983)
Stevie Ray Vaughan on stage – 1986 – Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images
In early 1983, David Bowie needed a fresh sound for his upcoming album, ‘Let’s Dance’. He wanted a Texan blues guitarist, which led him to Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Vaughan’s fiery guitar work on the title track and throughout the album added a gritty edge to Bowie’s pop sound, resulting in an unexpected but successful collaboration. The album was a commercial success, thanks in part to Vaughan’s distinct guitar style that resonated with audiences worldwide.
1. Keith Richards on ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ by Bob Dylan (1965)
Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards at a party at Jagger’s flat, London – 1960s – Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
When Bob Dylan recorded ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ in June 1965, he felt it needed a rock edge to truly capture the essence of the song.
Keith Richards, known for his raw guitar playing in The Rolling Stones, was brought in to add the necessary grit to the track. His riff gave the song the rebellious energy it needed, becoming one of the most iconic songs in rock history. By bringing in Richards as a guest, Dylan elevated the impact of the song and set a new standard for rock music.