10 Most WTF Collaborations in Classic Rock History

Rock music is full of unexpected partnerships. While some collaborations result in timeless classics, others make you wonder what the artists were thinking. Here are 10 of the weirdest and most head-scratching collaborations in classic rock history.

1. Ozzy Osbourne & Miss Piggy – “Born To Be Wild” (1994)

Ozzy Osbourne has made some strange choices over his career, but teaming up with Miss Piggy for a cover of Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” might be the oddest. In 1994, the Prince of Darkness joined forces with the beloved Muppet for a Muppets compilation album. This duet combines Ozzy’s heavy metal style with Miss Piggy’s distinctive voice, resulting in a truly bizarre version of the rock anthem.

While it might have seemed like a fun idea at the time, the collaboration left many fans scratching their heads. The combination of Ozzy’s intense performance style and the playful nature of Miss Piggy created a rendition that neither fully embraced rock nor comedy. It remains one of those moments in Ozzy’s career that fans remember for its sheer weirdness.

2. Bruce Dickinson & Mr. Bean – “Elected” (1992)

Bruce Dickinson, the powerful voice of Iron Maiden, paired with Rowan Atkinson’s comic character Mr. Bean for a cover of Alice Cooper’s “Elected” in 1992. This odd duet was done to raise funds for Comic Relief, a charitable cause in the UK. During the song, Mr. Bean lays out his comical yet nonsensical political manifesto while Dickinson provides the soaring vocals.

The contrast between Mr. Bean’s comedic antics and Dickinson’s intense singing makes the whole project feel out of place. While the collaboration was intended to be humorous, it didn’t quite land with all audiences. Shortly after, Dickinson left Iron Maiden, and some fans jokingly point to this bizarre team-up as a sign of things going awry.

3. Lemmy & The Nolans – “Don’t Do That” (1981)

In 1981, the tough and gritty Lemmy Kilmister teamed up with The Nolans, a group known for their gentle pop ballads. This unlikely pairing came together for a one-off project led by Whitesnake’s Micky Moody and Status Quo’s Bob Young. Lemmy played bass and provided backing vocals along with the Nolan sisters on the track “Don’t Do That.”

In interviews, Lemmy later expressed his genuine admiration for the Nolan sisters, despite the unexpected nature of their collaboration. The contrast between Lemmy’s rugged persona and the Nolans’ polished image made this team-up one for the ages. Fans still look back and wonder how these two musical worlds collided in this fashion.

4. The Sex Pistols & Ronnie Biggs – “No One Is Innocent” (1978)

After Johnny Rotten left the Sex Pistols in 1978, guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook found a new frontman in Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. Biggs was living in Brazil at the time, hiding from the law, which only added to the collaboration’s notoriety. The song “No One Is Innocent” features Biggs attempting a punk snarl, bringing a wild twist to the band’s legacy.

This collaboration was part of the soundtrack to the film “The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle.” Biggs’ involvement gave the song and the film a sense of rebellion and defiance, aligning with the Sex Pistols’ image. However, for many fans, this collaboration pushed the boundaries of their acceptance, making it one of the most puzzling moments in rock.

5. Ann & Nancy Wilson & Lisa Simpson – “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves” (1998)

In 1998, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson teamed up with Lisa Simpson for a cover of “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves” for The Simpsons’ “The Yellow Album.” The original, a collaboration between the Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin, celebrated female empowerment. This new version, however, failed to capture the same spirit.

Despite the good intentions, the result was underwhelming. The combination of rock icons and a fictional cartoon character created a musical piece that felt more awkward than empowering. Fans of both Heart and The Simpsons were left cringing at this awkward attempt at blending two very different worlds.

6. Judas Priest & Stock Aitken & Waterman – “You Are Everything”

In 1989, pop producers Stock Aitken & Waterman, known for catchy pop hits from artists like Rick Astley, collaborated with the heavy metal band Judas Priest. The result was two original songs and a cover of The Stylistics’ “You Are Everything.” Despite the experiment, the tracks never saw a proper release and remain largely forgotten.

Judas Priest’s lead singer Rob Halford later called the effort an “experiment,” suggesting that the band was exploring different musical styles. The stark difference between SAW’s pop-oriented production and Judas Priest’s heavy metal roots left fans wondering about the artistic direction behind this union. The tracks still exist as a curious footnote in the band’s history.

7. Marc Bolan & Cilla Black – “Life’s A Gas” (1973)

In 1973, Marc Bolan of T. Rex fame performed a televised duet with Cilla Black on “Life’s A Gas.” The song, originally a T. Rex hit, was given a new, quirky twist by Black’s vocal style. This performance highlighted how two very different artists came together for an unusual musical moment.

While Bolan’s glam rock presence clashed with Black’s pop sensibilities, the collaboration is remembered for its sheer oddity. Both artists were popular in their own right, but this duet did not necessarily play to their strengths. The performance left a lasting impression, albeit not for the reasons the artists might have hoped.

8. Lindisfarne & Paul Gascoigne – “Fog On The Tyne” (1990)

Footballer Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne teamed up with folk-rock band Lindisfarne for a new version of their hit “Fog On The Tyne” in 1990. Known more for his sports prowess than his musical talent, Gascoigne’s participation added a curious element to the track. His cheerful yet awkward singing brought a different energy to the band’s classic song.

The collaboration became a novelty hit, but not without its critics. Many fans of Lindisfarne found the new version lacking the charm of the original. Gazza’s involvement brought new attention to the song, but also led to mixed reactions regarding its artistic merit.

9. Hawkwind & Samantha Fox – “Gimme Shelter” (1993)

In a surprising pairing, British space rock band Hawkwind joined forces with former glamour model and pop singer Samantha Fox. They covered The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” for a compilation album in 1993. This unusual combination brought together Fox’s pop sensibilities with Hawkwind’s psychedelic sound.

Fans of both artists were puzzled by the collaboration. Fox later performed with Hawkwind at a Brixton gig in 2000, but it was their earlier studio work that remains a head-scratcher. The blending of vastly different musical styles made this one of the most bizarre collaborations in rock history.

10. REM & The Cast of Sesame Street – “Shiny Happy People” (1999)

In 1999, R.E.M. joined the cast of Sesame Street to perform a reworked version of their hit “Shiny Happy People,” titled “Furry Happy Monsters.” The original song already had a playful tone, which fit well with the children’s television show. Michael Stipe and his bandmates performed alongside the colorful Muppets, creating a whimsical yet strange rendition.

While this collaboration might have delighted younger fans, it left some of R.E.M.’s hardcore followers baffled. The song’s transformation into a children’s tune was entertaining but felt out of character for the band known for its alternative rock hits. Nonetheless, it stands out as a memorable and odd musical moment.