Not every rock star thrives off attention. There are some musicians that are purely in it for the music and are ready to shy away the minute their work is done. The four elusive (perhaps even reclusive) musicians below operate in this way.
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John Deacon
In contrast to Freddie Mercury’s larger-than-life personality, Queen bassist John Deacon was markedly subdued. If you saw Deacon on the street–even in his heyday–you’d be forgiven for not thinking he was a rock star. He hardly fits the mold. It is this lack of assimilation to the rock star lifestyle that has made him the first elusive musician on our list.
Deacon only played with Queen a handful of times post-Mercury’s death. It’s an unexpected decision, given how his other two bandmates have stayed so relevant. The rock star life isn’t for everyone. Good on Deacon for knowing when to step away.
Steve Perry
Though Journey is still rocking their way around the world, they are doing so without the frontman that helped garner their fame: Steve Perry. Perry’s vocals are nearly impossible to describe. He unarguably has one of the best voices of any rock great. Sadly for all of us, he left the band several decades ago. Moreover, he has become an elusive musician.
Save a solo project and special announcements here and there, Perry stays out of the limelight. With how famous he was in the ’80s, we can hardly blame him for searching for some semblance of normalcy now.
Cat Stevens
Towards the end of the ’70s, Cat Stevens took a hiatus from his music career. He became an elusive musician, devoutly studying Islam, and taking a new name inspired by the religion. It wasn’t until the early ’00s that he decided to make music again. This comes as a shock, given how renowned he is in the music industry.
Bob Dylan
Though Bob Dylan has enjoyed a robust and renowned career, he has garnered a reputation as an elusive musician. Dylan has spent stints of his career away from the public eye. Moreover, what glimpses we do get of Dylan don’t provide much context for fans. He’s a confounding figure, which is made all the more baffling because of the lack of knowledge surrounding who Dylan is and why is approaches life the way he does.
Though Dylan may not be a recluse to those closest to him, he’s one of the least accessible musicians–especially by modern standards. But, that’s all part of Dylan’s strange, yet alluring charm.
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