Statues of musicians aren’t just erected willy-nilly. Only the legends have been honored with such stately memorials, tributes that will last a lifetime just as their musical contributions will. Their luster will fade and perhaps patina over time, or they may become a pigeon’s target practice, but these sculptures will forever stand as reminders of greatness.
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Here are 10 musicians who have had statues erected in their honor.
1. Tupac Shakur
The world witnessed Tupac Shakur’s untouchable talent and also felt his tragic loss. That is why countries around the globe have honored his life and music with various murals, iconography, and two full-body statues of the late rapper. One was erected in Stone Mountain, Georgia, the other stands solemnly outside of the MARTa museum in Herford, Germany.
2. Bee Gees
There are statues honoring the sibling group, the Bee Gees, in their two homes. Born on the Isle of Man, but later relocated to Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia, the singing trio–Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb–can be seen in both locations cast for eternity in bronze. Watch the unveiling of their statue in Douglas, Isle of Man.
3. Freddie Mercury
Striking his iconic pose, a statue of Freddie Mercury looks out over Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland. His Queen bandmate Brian May gave a stirring speech at the monument’s unveiling, thanking the Swiss city for giving Freddie “a kind of sanctuary in the last few years of his life.”
4. Amy Winehouse
A bronze statue of Winehouse was unveiled on what would have been her 31st birthday in 2014. The memorial stands in the London borough of Camden, a place the singer’s father called “Amy’s playground” during the reveal below.
5. Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s legacy can be spotted around the world. There is a boulevard in Brooklyn named in his honor, a special day of the year dedicated to him, and more than one statue erected in his memory. One stands in his Kingston, Jamaica home. One can also be found in Liverpool, England, and another can be spotted in Serbia.
6. Phil Lynott
A statue was erected in honor of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott. He stands proudly and life-sized on Harry Street in Dublin, Ireland. The unveiling took place around what would have been the rocker’s 56th birthday with his mother and former bandmates present. Take a look at the festivities that ensued below.
7. Selena Quintanilla
A statue of Selena Quintanilla stands near the shoreline of her home in Corpus Christi, Texas. The intricate monument is a Texas-sized tribute to the beloved Tejano star, fashioned with a giant rose, stone walls, and strung lights. The news report below touches on what goes into restoring a memorial of that scale.
8. Janis Joplin
Another of Texas’ late daughters, Janis Joplin has also been honored with a memorial in the Lonestar state. A statue of her can be found in her birthplace of Port Arthur at the Museum Of The Gulf Coast. Alongside a replica of her iconic painted Porsche stands a five-bust sculpture of the star’s many iconic looks.
9. David Bowie
David Bowie is another musician who was honored with a sculpture depicting his many different looks. Located in the English town of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the multi-Bowie statue stands. The town is where the singer first debuted his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona, so that character stands proudly at the front of the memorial.
10. The Beatles
Of course, Liverpool, England would not be complete without a statue honoring their most famous sons, The Beatles. In fact, there are several nods to the Fab Four around Merseyside, like the solo John Lennon statue and the monument to their song, “Eleanor Rigby.” Watch the unveiling of the biggest memorial to the quartet below.
Who would you like to see recognized with such a memorial next? Comment below.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP
