When people think of rock and roll bands, so often ideas of guitar solos, lead singers belting poetic lyrics and even drummers bashing the kit come to mind. But what about those often forgotten-about members of the group—the keyboard players?
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We haven’t forgotten about the keyboard players, the musicians who likely grew up with piano lessons but later decided it was all about rock music. Below we’ve compiled a list of five dynamic, enduring keyboard solos from epic rock songs.
1. “Jump,” Van Halen
Released in 1983, “Jump” was later featured on Van Halen’s album, 1984. This song has a lively chorus accentuated by its very ’80s synth rhythm. The solo comes in around the 2:30 mark in the song and it’s face-melting. Known for guitar prowess, Eddie Van Halen shows he knows a thing or two about the keys.
2. “Bennie and the Jets,” Elton John
Perhaps the No. 1 thought when considering piano-plus-rock ‘n’ roll, Sir Elton showcases both how to write a song on the keys and to take over on a lead solo with this timeless wonder from 1973. Just the simple descending piano line alone—it’s brilliant. And when the solo kicks in around 2:40, enjoy the skills of a person at the top of his craft.
3. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen
This memorable riff comes at the very end of the song, in the denouement. But truly, the keys are a central figure in the entire 1975 track here. Played by the iconic frontman Freddie Mercury, this song is a demonstration of how piano can be used in rock and roll.
4. “Light My Fire,” the Doors
Everyone thinks of frontman Jim Morrison when they consider the Doors. But the band’s most potent weapon was likely its keyboard player, Ray Manzarek. Morrison had the psychedelic poetry but Manzarek set the mood. For evidence, see the 1:30 mark in this song.
5. “Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
The provocative piano solo kicks in here at the end, too, around the 4:10 mark when Billy Powell takes over and wows with some good ol’ rag time-rock. This country ode song is timeless thanks, in part, to his playing.
Photo by Samir Hussein/Wire Image
At IROCKU we have over 100k enthusiastic rock piano fans throughout the world who have voted for their favorite rock piano songs. Here are the top songs and keyboardists according to our ongoing poll. All the obvious rock piano songs appear on the list, “Great Balls of Fire”, “Jessica”, “Piano Man”, etc, but there are also many hidden gems like,”Edward and the Mad Shirt Grinder”,”Alladin Sane” and more. Here’s a link to the list: https://www.irocku.com/rock-piano-songs-list/