10 music supergroup moments you need to hear
By Wade Wainio
When music legends come together, the result can be spectacular, and some of these supergroup moments were pretty well known, especially when they occurred. However, not every collaboration gets the recognition it deserves, and it pays to look back and remember, "Oh yeah, that happened!" So, here’s a list of 10 (sometimes overlooked or forgotten) supergroup moments that deserve your attention.
1. Revolting Cocks – "Dead End Streets"
This industrial rock powerhouse features an extraordinary lineup: Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, semi-politician), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top). Their song "Dead End Streets" merges punk rock, southern rock, metal, and industrial elements for an explosive experience.
Some wouldn't expect this collaboration, and it almost seems too crazy to work. Still, for some, it is the right type of crazy. Jello's voice is at its best here, and even people who normally
don't appreciate his unique vocals might admit they absolutely work here. The lyrical sentiments are great, and those slide guitar solos by Nielsen and Gibbons are like an extra-special sauce. If there is only one underrated selection in this list, this could be it.
Layne Staley's other band
2. Mad Season – "River of Deceit"
Mad Season brought together Layne Staley (Alice in Chains), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees), and John Baker Saunders. Their album Above, especially the track "River of Deceit," encapsulates the 90s grunge era’s raw beauty and introspection. (For another supergroup moment, potentially for a future list: Heart's Anne Wilson collaborated with Alice in Chains on their Sap EP.)
3. The Power Station – "Some Like It Hot"
Fans may unironically enjoy this one or find it a tantalizing slice of 1980s cheese. Either way, this track exhibits quintessential '80s pop flair. A mix of Robert Palmer, John Taylor, and Andy Taylor (Duran Duran), and Tony Thompson (Chic), The Power Station infused rock with funk on tracks like "Some Like It Hot." Their infectious sound blended the members’ unique styles into a genre-bending success.
Plus, yes, there is the T&A in the music video that seems to be Robert Palmer's trademark. Remember: Back in the 1980s, newly pubescent boys either looked in their daddy's sock drawer or watched MTV music videos to learn more about girls, and Robert Palmer seemed happy to be of service in that regard. Wherever Robert Palmer goes, social degradation follows in his wake! But we're not here to judge...
Them Crooked Vultures had some swagger
4. Them Crooked Vultures – "New Fang"
Consisting of Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Them Crooked Vultures’ debut single "New Fang" showcases their distinct yet complementary approaches to hard rock.
5. Electronic – "Getting Away with It"
Bernard Sumner (New Order) and Johnny Marr (The Smiths) joined forces with Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) for Electronic. Their synth-pop hit "Getting Away with It" is a brilliant amalgamation of each artist’s signature sound. Granted, it does sou d a bit like "Love My Way" by the Psychedelic Furs, and I actually prefer that song. Nevertheless, this is still a smooth '80s jam.
3 RATM members + Chris Cornell = supergroup magic
6. Audioslave – "Cochise"
This 2000s supergroup combined the powerful vocals of Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) with the instrumental might of Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine). "Cochise" served as a thunderous introduction to their self-titled debut album. Obviously, this band was reasonably big at the time, and there is no denying that. However, it still seems like people are neglecting some of this band's standout moments as time goes by.
7. The Highwaymen – "Highwayman"
This one isn't entirely overlooked, but deserves a bit of a spotlight anyway. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson formed The Highwaymen, a country supergroup that redefined the genre. Their song "Highwayman" is a timeless tale of death and rebirth through legend, and resilience through legacy. Even if you're not a huge country fan, this song may carry some charm, and it is absolutely a supergroup moment to remember.
Blur, The Clash, The Verve, and an afro-beat legend
8. The Good, The Bad & The Queen – "Herculean"
Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) led this project with Paul Simonon (The Clash), Simon Tong (The Verve), and Tony Allen (Fela Kuti). The track "Herculean" stands out for its moody, introspective vibe and eclectic instrumentation.
9. Chickenfoot – "Soap on a Rope"
Featuring Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), shred guitarist guru Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony (Van Halen), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chickenfoot delivered high-energy rock on "Soap on a Rope." Their combined talent led to a formidable debut...well, to those who were into it anyway. Obviously, this won't be everyone's cup of tea. But you know what? A list like this can't cater to everyone.
10. SuperHeavy – "Miracle Worker"
Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Damian Marley, and A. R. Rahman created SuperHeavy, an unlikely fusion of rock, reggae, and world music. "Miracle Worker" showcases their genre-crossing experimentation. Does it all work together? That depends on who you ask. Still, it's worth checking out for those with an open mind.
These collaborations remind us that sometimes the most unexpected musical alliances create something truly special. Revisit these tracks and discover gems that may have slipped under your radar. And hey, even if you don't care for some of these picks, you can still say you gave them a try!