There’s no shortage of collaboration in classic rock music. Over the course of decades, icons in the genre have been teaming up for noteworthy duets that are just as integral to classic rock history as the many bands that define it. Below, we look at seven classic rock collaborations that are worth re-watching.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. David Bowie & Queen, “Under Pressure”
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more star-power-packed duet in classic rock than when David Bowie teamed up with Queen in 1981 for “Under Pressure.” From the famous opening bass line to the thoughtful lyrics, Bowie and Queen’s partnership is unforgettable. The humanizing lyrics like, Insanity laughs under pressure we’re cracking/Can’t we give ourselves one more chance/Why can’t we give love one more chance, have helped “Under Pressure” stand the test of time as a classic song.
2. Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”
It’s safe to say that “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” is one of the most beloved collaborations in classic rock history. The two rock icons give an understated performance, with Nicks’ mystifying voice taking the lead. She’s matched by Petty’s voice on the chorus while he simultaneously masters the guitar. “Draggin'” marked a turning point in Nicks’ career, as it served as her debut single as a solo artist, setting the stage for an illustrious career outside of Fleetwood Mac. Peaking a No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the song is the most successful hit for Nicks as a solo artist and for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
3. Bryan Adams & Tina Turner, “It’s Only Love”
Tina Turner’s voice was nothing short of sensational, and she demonstrates this in her collaboration with Bryan Adams on “It’s Only Love.” As much as her voice stands out, so does Adams,’ with his guitar shredding. Their powerhouse voices naturally blend together, making for a duet made in classic rock heaven.
“Working with Tina Turner was amazing,” Adams raved to Songfacts. “I used to go to see her in the clubs when I was in my late teens, early 20s before she hit the big time. It was incredible to watch her. Amazingly when we toured together years later, I never saw Tina walk through a performance, she always put on a great show, and was gracious and grateful to her audience. It was such a privilege to have sung with her, especially since I was only 24 at the time.”
[RELATED: 5 Fiery Live Moments in Honor of Tina Turner]
4. Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne & Steve Winwood, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is what happens when you get a group of rock gods together. Written solely by George Harrison and originally released by the Beatles in 1968, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” had multiple lives over the years, marking the first major collaboration between Harrison and guitarist Eric Clapton.
One of the best renditions took place at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony when Harrison was posthumously inducted as a solo artist. Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Steve Winwood teamed up to perform the song in his honor. Each iconic musician shines in their own right, with Prince as a particular standout with a series of guitar solos.
5. Aerosmith & Run DMC, “Walk This Way”
While on the surface it may seem surprising to see a hip-hop act paired with a rock band, this collaboration between Aerosmith and Run DMC works well. Aerosmith revived its 1975 hit with this reimagination featuring Run DMC that infuses hip-hop with the iconic guitar riff of “Walk This Way.” Run DMC takes lead vocals, with Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler coming in on the chorus with his signature wail. The collaboration proved to be a hit with audiences, as it hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.
[RELATED: Remember When Run DMC Collaborated with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way”]
6. U2 & B.B. King, “When Love Comes to Town”
Rock and blues music royalty met in the middle with U2 and B.B. King’s collaboration, “When Love Comes to Town.” U2 frontman Bono sounds solid on the verses before making way for blues legend King on the chorus who not only lends his voice, but also his electrifying guitar skills. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and No. 10 on the Alternative Airplay chart in 1989.
7. Philip Bailey & Phil Collins, “Easy Lover”
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins already had massively successful careers as members of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Genesis, respectively, before teaming up as solo artists on “Easy Lover.” The song shows off the falsetto tones in both of their voices, making for a natural collaboration. “Easy Lover” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Top Rock Tracks chart.
Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage
