10 Side Projects by Classic Rock Musicians You Shouldn’t Miss

Sometimes, artists step away from their usual bands to explore new ideas, collaborate with other musicians, and create something unique. When famous rock stars branch out for side projects, the results can be unexpected and thrilling. Here are ten side projects by classic rock musicians that brought fresh sounds to our ears and proved that creativity knows no bounds.

Them Crooked Vultures

Imagine rock legends from bands like Led Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone Age, and Nirvana coming together. That’s Them Crooked Vultures for you. Their music feels familiar yet distinctly new, blending hard rock with experimental sounds. The supergroup’s self-titled debut album was a hit, proving that these musicians still had plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Their collaboration was like a rock ‘n’ roll experiment that succeeded beyond expectations.

Temple of the Dog

Born from a desire to pay tribute to their friend Andrew Wood, the lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog is a unique collaboration between members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Their sole album is a beautiful homage that blends grunge and hard rock, resonating strongly with fans and critics alike. It’s an emotional journey through grief and remembrance, showcasing the depth and versatility of these musicians.

Derek and the Dominos

Eric Clapton’s venture with Derek and the Dominos gave us “Layla,” a song that’s often hailed as one of the greatest rock tracks of all time. The project allowed Clapton to explore his blues roots and create music that was both personal and powerful. The story of unrequited love and longing in “Layla” still touches listeners, making this short-lived band’s work timeless.

Audioslave

Combining the vocal prowess of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden with the instrumental mastery of Rage Against the Machine members, Audioslave bridged the gap between 90s grunge and early 2000s hard rock. Their songs are charged with emotion and energy, creating a sound that’s both aggressive and melodic. Audioslave shows what happens when artists from different backgrounds come together to create something truly special.

The Highwaymen

Country music’s supergroup, The Highwaymen, brought together Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Their music is a blend of each member’s unique style, creating a sound that’s deeply rooted in American folklore and country traditions. Listening to The Highwaymen feels like sitting around a campfire with legends, sharing stories through song.

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris

When Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris joined voices, it was like a meeting of angels. Their collaboration showcases the incredible harmony and chemistry between these talented women. Each brought her own flavor to the mix, resulting in beautiful renditions of traditional and contemporary folk songs. Their albums are a testament to the power of female collaborations in music.

Mike + The Mechanics

Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford’s side project, Mike + The Mechanics, allowed him to explore a more pop-oriented sound. The band scored several hits, showcasing Rutherford’s knack for catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Their music, while different from Genesis, keeps that sense of grandeur and emotional depth that fans have come to love.

The Firm

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Paul Rodgers of Bad Company brought their talents together in The Firm. This supergroup leaned more towards radio-friendly rock but didn’t shy away from showing off some serious blues chops. Their music captures a moment when two rock legends were just enjoying playing together, free from the weight of their legacies.

Chickenfoot

Consisting of members from Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and solo artist Sammy Hagar, Chickenfoot is rock ‘n’ roll fun at its finest. The band doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is refreshing. Their music is a hard-hitting mix of humor, talent, and pure rock energy, proving these rock veterans can still kick it with the best of them.

Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys are perhaps the most endearing of all rock ‘n’ roll collaborations. With icons like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, it’s a marvel this group even happened. Their music is laid-back, loaded with wit, and radiates a warmth that only comes when good friends make music for the sheer joy of it. It’s a collaboration that represents the best aspects of rock—creativity, friendship, and timeless tunes.