Plenty of musicians through the years have collaborated with one another, especially in the realm of rock music. However, on much rarer occasions do musicians make cameos in other musicians’ music videos. That’s precisely what happened in the following three iconic MVs, and a couple of these unexpected guest appearances might just surprise you.
Half of The Beatles in “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
“I Won’t Back Down” is probably Tom Petty’s most famous song of all time, and the music video for the tune is similarly iconic. Technically a solo release from Petty, this song features a few different collaborators, nonetheless, such as Jeff Lynne of ELO as the song’s producer. Lynne also contributes harmony vocals.
Videos by American Songwriter
Just as well, George Harrison provided an acoustic guitar track to the song. The two icons made it to the music video, along with Harrison’s former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr. Queen’s Brian May also makes an appearance in the video. Quite a star-studded cast, I have to say.
Steve Strange in “Ashes To Ashes” by David Bowie
Ever heard of Steve Strange? If you’re a fan of British new wave and synth-pop, his name is likely quite familiar. Though, everyone was pretty surprised when the Visage frontman appeared in the music video for “Ashes To Ashes” by David Bowie.
Fun fact about this particular MV: It is one of the most expensive music videos ever made. It allegedly cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to produce, and it was directed by David Mallet. It’s a British pop masterpiece, either way, and Strange’s inclusion just works.
Lemmy in “White Limo” by Foo Fighters
This example of rock star cameos in famous music videos features none other than Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. It’s not super surprising that Lemmy made an appearance in the music video for “White Limo” by Foo Fighters, considering he’s one of the most symbolic icons of rock music. Just as well, the music video itself is a sleazy ode to rock and roll, and few would be better suited to appear in such a video than Lemmy.
Photo of Ringo Starr via YouTube screenshot of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” music video
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More The List
-
John Michael Montgomery, who had a major hit country song in 1995 -
Foreigner (mit Sänger Lou Gramm) on 21.01.1985 in Köln / Cologne. (Photo by Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – 1968: Married country singers Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash perform onstage in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
CHICAGO – MARCH 1973: (L-R) American singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist Gram Parsons (1946-1973) performing with American singer, songwriter, and musician Emmylou Harris during Parson’s “Fallen Angel’s Tour" at The Quiet Knight in Chicago, IL on March 3, 1973. (Photo by Icon and Image/Getty Images) -
The Beatles answer questions for newsmen and journalists in New York after their arrival for their first tour of America. Left to right: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon. 7th February 1964. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 06: Nancy Wilson and Ann Wilson of American rock band Heart perform on stage at Wembley Arena on March 6th, 1988 in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns) -
The Doors L-R Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger pose for a portrait circa 1968 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Edmund Teske/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
American rapper and singer Fred Durst in 2000 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)