The Rock Legends You Didn’t Know Became US Citizens

You can become an American citizen either by birthright or through a meticulous process of paperwork and ceremonies for those born outside the United States. Here, we delve into the journeys of 16 Foreign-Born Rock Stars Who Became U.S. Citizens. Each went through a transformative journey, from applying to taking the solemn oath, showing their strong ties to America.

Flea
“I’m Hollywoodian,” remarked Flea, reflecting on his upbringing in Australia to the U.S., where he eventually became a citizen despite his ties to both nations.

Gene Simmons
Born Chaim Witz in Israel, Simmons moved to New York City as a child, later becoming a U.S. citizen. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s always, ‘Please don’t throw me out of your country.”

Peter Frampton
After living in America since 1975, Frampton decided to become a citizen post-9/11, stating, “I need to vote,” emphasizing his deepening political awareness and commitment to his adopted homeland.

Alanis Morissette
Morissette, a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., described her citizenship ceremony as a turning point, saying, “I felt connected to this country in a way that I didn’t quite expect.”

Slash
Reflecting on his mixed heritage and musical career, Slash, born in England, became a U.S. citizen in 1996, musing, “As a musician, I’ve always been amused that I’m both British and Black.”

Alex and Eddie Van Halen
Arriving in the U.S. as children, the Van Halen brothers, originally from the Netherlands, embraced their new home, where they developed a deep bond and eventually became citizens.

Neil Young
Despite initial challenges, Neil Young became a citizen after years of residing in the U.S., noting, “I’m proud to be a Canarican,” humorously blending his Canadian roots with his newfound American identity.

Lita Ford
Moving from London to California at a young age, Ford’s integration into the SoCal rock scene led her to declare, “Even though I wasn’t born here, I definitely still consider myself a California girl.”

David Coverdale
Inspired by Barack Obama, Coverdale sought citizenship to participate more actively in U.S. politics, recalling, “I actually took American citizenship… to work and vote for him.”

David Byrne
After decades in the U.S., Byrne, born in Scotland, became a citizen in 2012, driven by a desire to engage more deeply in American civic life, saying, “I became an American citizen so that I could vote.”

Neil Peart
A longtime resident of Canada, Peart moved to California later in life and embraced U.S. citizenship, reflecting, “For a person of my sensibility, you’re only left with the Democratic party.”

Carlos Santana
Santana, born in Mexico, moved to San Francisco as a teenager, where he thrived musically and later became a citizen, expressing gratitude for the opportunities America offered him.

Billy Idol
Idol, who spent much of his career in the U.S., became a citizen in 2018, reflecting on the day he said, “Today it feels fantastic to now be part of the democratic process.”

John Lydon
Despite criticism, Lydon, known as Johnny Rotten, embraced U.S. citizenship, explaining, “I love the people here… It’s a new country, and there’s the possibility of changing everything for the better.”

Dave Matthews
Matthews, born in South Africa, moved to the U.S. in his teens and became a citizen, emphasizing, “I was so happy because I love America.”