8 Classic Rock Stars with Embarrassing Side Projects

Rock stars are known for their larger-than-life stage personas and timeless music, but not all their ventures have been met with applause. Sometimes, even the most admired rock legends have stepped outside their comfort zones to explore creative outlets that didn’t quite resonate with fans. Below, we explore eight classic rock stars who experimented with side projects that were, frankly, more cringe-worthy than cool.

1. Paul McCartney and the Frog Chorus

After the monumental success of The Beatles and Wings, McCartney aimed to surprise his audience with something entirely different. He collaborated with a group of animated frogs on the song “We All Stand Together,” part of the soundtrack for the animated film “Rupert and the Frog Song.” The song, complete with frog-like croaking and whimsical lyrics, intended to attract a younger audience, but ended up confusing many of his devoted followers who were used to his rock roots.

2. Mick Jagger Goes Solo

Mick Jagger is a name synonymous with rock and roll swagger and The Rolling Stones. However, his solo career in the 1980s didn’t quite hit the mark. Albums like “She’s the Boss” received a lukewarm reception, proving that the magic of Jagger was most potent when combined with his band mates. His attempt to make a splash on his own showed that even rock icons can miss the mark when they step out on their own.

3. David Bowie’s Tin Machine

David Bowie was a musical chameleon, known for his ability to reinvent himself. However, not all changes are for the better. In 1989, Bowie formed Tin Machine, a band that was a far cry from his solo hits. The group was meant to return Bowie to his rock roots, but instead it received mixed reviews, lacking the distinctive charm and innovation that fans expected.

4. Kiss Goes Disco

In an attempt to stay relevant during the disco era, Kiss released “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” in 1979. This track was a stark contrast to their usual hard rock sound, featuring disco beats that left many fans scratching their heads. While the song did achieve commercial success, it’s often looked back on with a sense of disbelief by hardcore Kiss fans.

5. Chris Cornell’s Timbaland Experiment

Chris Cornell, famed for his powerful vocals with Soundgarden and Audioslave, decided to collaborate with hip-hop producer Timbaland on the album “Scream.” This project fused rock with electronic and hip-hop elements, a combination that bewildered fans. Though Cornell was praised for his willingness to experiment, many felt that the album lacked the raw edge that defined his earlier work.

6. Dee Snider’s Broadway Album

Dee Snider, best known as the frontman of Twisted Sister, took a surprising turn by releasing a Broadway covers album titled “Dee Does Broadway.” This album featured Snider’s takes on classic Broadway tunes, a stark contrast to his heavy metal roots. While his theatrical voice was well-suited to the genre, the album left fans puzzled and divided.

7. Lou Reed and Metallica Collaboration

In 2011, rock legend Lou Reed teamed up with heavy metal icons Metallica to create “Lulu.” The album combined Reed’s spoken-word style with Metallica’s heavy instrumentation. The result was polarizing: while some appreciated the experimental nature of the album, many critics and fans dismissed it as incoherent.

8. Bob Dylan’s “Christmas in the Heart”

Bob Dylan, whose voice and songs have become American institutions, released a Christmas album in 2009 that featured his gravelly voice singing holiday classics. The project was meant to be fun, but the incongruity of Dylan’s raspy vocals paired with festive lyrics made it more of a novelty than a musical success.