Unexpected Classic Rock Team-Ups That Actually Happened

When Rock Legends Crossed Paths

Classic rock is full of surprises, but some collaborations seem almost too unlikely to be real. These musical partnerships brought together artists from very different worlds—creating moments that, while unexpected, still managed to leave their mark. Whether it was pure experimentation or just a twist of fate, these team-ups remind fans that rock and roll has always thrived on breaking the rules.

Cher and Meat Loaf: A Powerhouse Duo That Never Toured Together

In 1981, Meat Loaf released his second studio album, Dead Ringer, which featured a duet with Cher titled “Dead Ringer for Love.” Originally, songwriter Jim Steinman had written the tune as part of the theme for the short-lived sitcom Delta House. When the show ended, Steinman reworked the melody and lyrics into something new—an energetic, playful rock song made for Meat Loaf’s powerhouse voice.

The music video showed Cher and Meat Loaf trading lines in a smoky bar, their chemistry undeniable. Despite how iconic their pairing looked on screen, the two never performed the song live together. Meat Loaf would include it regularly in his concerts, while Cher—who later moved into a more pop-driven career—left it off her setlists. Dead Ringer didn’t reach the same legendary success as Bat Out of Hell, but the collaboration between these two strong personalities remains one of rock’s most unexpected highlights.

Tina Turner and Frank Zappa: Soul Meets Experimental Rock

In 1973, an unlikely pairing came together in a Los Angeles recording studio—Tina Turner and Frank Zappa. Turner, still performing under the strict control of her husband Ike, was fronting The Ikettes at the time. Despite the tension surrounding her personal life, she continued to deliver exceptional performances, including her session work for Zappa’s album Over-Nite Sensation.

Turner and The Ikettes provided backup vocals on several tracks, blending soulful harmonies with Zappa’s offbeat, complex compositions. Zappa later praised Turner’s professionalism and warmth, while also expressing concern over her relationship with Ike. “I don’t know how she managed to stick with that guy for so long,” Zappa once said. “He treated her terribly and she’s a really nice lady.” Their collaboration was brief but memorable—a fascinating mix of funk, soul, and avant-garde rock that few could have imagined working, yet somehow did.

David Bowie and Steeleye Span: Folk Rock Gets a Sax Solo

In 1974, British folk-rock group Steeleye Span released Now We Are Six, their first album with drummer Nigel Pegrum. The addition of Pegrum brought the group’s lineup to six members, inspiring the album’s title. But it was another guest who made this record stand out—David Bowie.

Through producer Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Bowie was invited to contribute to the project. Instead of lending his famous voice, he played alto saxophone on the track “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” a cover of Phil Spector’s 1958 hit originally performed by The Teddy Bears. Bowie’s smooth, melodic playing gave the folk tune a new edge, adding a touch of glam rock cool to the traditional sound of Steeleye Span.

While the collaboration was short-lived, it remains one of Bowie’s most curious and charming side projects—a reminder that even the biggest rock stars sometimes enjoy stepping into someone else’s world, saxophone in hand.