6 Classic Rock Bands with Incredible Unreleased Songs

Many classic rock bands recorded songs that never saw an official release. Some had entire albums left unfinished, while others recorded alternate versions that remained locked away. Whether due to creative disputes, record label decisions, or changing trends, these lost tracks continue to intrigue fans. Some have surfaced on box sets or special editions, but many remain unheard. Here are six classic rock bands with well-known vaults of unreleased material.

The Beach Boys

“Smile” was planned as a follow-up to their successful album “Pet Sounds,” but creative differences and internal struggles led to its shelving. The album was nearly complete when Brian Wilson abandoned it in 1967. Some of its songs, like “Good Vibrations,” made it to other albums, but the full record remained unreleased for decades.

Later, parts of “Smile” appeared in bootlegs and compilations before an official version was released in 2011. However, many alternate versions and outtakes remain unheard. The band also recorded numerous unreleased tracks throughout their career, some of which have surfaced on various box sets.

The Beatles

The Beatles have many unreleased songs, but “Carnival of Light” is one of the most mysterious. Recorded in 1967, it was an experimental piece featuring distorted sounds, organ music, and shouted phrases. The track was never released, reportedly because the band felt it was too abstract.

Other unreleased Beatles material includes alternate takes and songs left off albums. The “White Album” sessions produced many extra recordings, some of which were later included in anthology releases. Despite their vast discography, there are still recordings that remain in the vault.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin recorded numerous unreleased songs throughout their career. While they never had a fully abandoned album, they left behind unfinished tracks and alternate takes. Jimmy Page has occasionally released some of these in reissues, but many remain unheard.

One of the most notable is “Swan Song,” a track from the mid-1970s that never made it onto an album. Other unreleased material includes early versions of well-known songs and extended jams. Despite their extensive catalog, there is still unreleased Led Zeppelin music stored away.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Household Objects” was an experimental project in the early 1970s where they tried to create music using everyday items. The album was abandoned before completion, though fragments of the recordings exist. Some pieces were later repurposed for other songs.

Beyond that, many Pink Floyd tracks were recorded but never released. Songs from “The Wall” sessions, outtakes from “Animals,” and other unfinished ideas remain locked away. Some have surfaced in anniversary reissues, but a significant portion of their unreleased work remains unavailable.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones have recorded hundreds of songs, and many never made it onto albums. “Could You Walk on Water” was planned as an album title in 1966, but it was scrapped before release. Some of its tracks were later used in “Aftermath.”

Over the years, various outtakes and demos have surfaced, but many remain in the vault. Alternate versions of classic songs and unreleased material from different eras still exist. Occasionally, songs appear in special collections, but much of their unreleased music remains unheard.

The Who

“Lifehouse” was meant to be a rock opera by Pete Townshend, intended as the follow-up to “Tommy.” The ambitious project was never fully completed, though parts of it evolved into “Who’s Next.” Songs like “Baba O’Riley” and “Behind Blue Eyes” originated from this concept.

Despite the project being abandoned, Townshend kept working on parts of it for years. Some of the unreleased tracks from “Lifehouse” have appeared on box sets and reissues, but much of it remains locked away. The Who’s archives also contain many live recordings and alternate takes that fans have yet to hear.