If backing singers are 20 toes from stardom, the perfect sidemen in rock are rubbing elbows with it. A charismatic singer and flashy lead guitarist could also be essential to shaping the picture and sound of a band, however the perfect sidemen (or sidewomen) kind its basis. These unsung musicians are rather more than weapons for rent. They’re a band’s North Star, retaining the entire operation afloat whereas permitting the frontman to shine.
Whereas they don’t all the time obtain the fanfare they deserve, listed below are a number of the finest sidemen in rock.
Sid Vicious
Usually overshadowed by tragic occasions surrounding his demise, it’s straightforward to overlook how very important Sid Vicious was to Intercourse Pistols. Whereas a few of his bandmates would debate how necessary he was sonically, stylistically, Sid Vicious embodied the rebellious spirit of the band simply as a lot as co-conspirator Johnny Rotten. When in comparison with Rotten and lead guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Vicious took a backseat, even when he labored onerous at his craft. Stealing the highlight from his extra lauded bandmates, by definition, makes Vicious among the finest sidemen in rock.
James Burton
Having been taking part in because the 50s, James Burton boasts a formidable résumé together with the likes of Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Emmylou Harris, John Denver, Johnny Money, Merle Haggard, and Elvis Costello, amongst numerous others. For his accomplishments (and his unbelievable potential to slot in seamlessly with so many enormous names), Burton was inducted by Keith Richards into the Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame, in 2001. What made him so engaging? Maybe one of many most interesting guitar pickers in historical past, Burton’s trademark licks appeared easy after they have been fairly the other. There have been extra well-known guitarists in nation, rock, and blues, however none may ever grasp the craft as simply as Burton.
James Jamerson
This sideman and legendary session musician operated barely exterior of the rock world however was no much less influential; he stays not solely among the finest sidemen in rock, however among the finest bassists in music historical past. Regardless of lending his musical imprint to over 30 Billboard No.1 hits, James Jamerson (together with the opposite session musicians collectively generally known as The Funk Brothers) weren’t listed on Motown releases till 1971, making him an unsung hero in music historical past. Motown’s home band is chargeable for the label’s largest hits, and Jamerson’s melodic, intricate fashion went together with the drums and altered how the bass was utilized in pop music. After Motown moved west, Jamerson would lend his bass grooves to musicians corresponding to Robert Palmer and Seashore Boy Dennis Wilson, amongst others.
Clarence Clemons
This checklist of the perfect sidemen in rock wouldn’t be full with out The Huge Man. By the facet of bandleader Bruce Springsteen, Clemons is maybe probably the most recognizable sideman in music historical past. A towering, but tender determine, Clemons’ look made him the antithesis to The Boss, as seen on the Born To Run album cowl. As for his taking part in, Clemons’ booming tenor saxophone may signify both an epic change of tempo or a mind-melting solo. Clemons was key to serving to to distinguish The E Avenue Band’s sound as Springsteen was to form it, and had an outsized stage presence all the time on the precipice of upstaging all of them.
Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt has been Bruce Springsteen’s most trusted collaborator and successfully his consigliere since they met within the late 60s. Along with being the right on-stage sideman, Van Zandt helped Springsteen form his sound throughout his childhood – specifically, having a robust studio and writing presence on albums from Born To Run (he formally joined The E Avenue Band formally in 1975) to Born In The USA. The truth is, “Little Steven” has been alleged to be the topic of songs corresponding to “Two Hearts” and “Bobby Jean” from the height Springsteen period. The E Avenue Band wasn’t the identical after his departure, in 1984, and solely after Springsteen and the group reunited, in 1999, did the band really feel like a cohesive complete once more. Like Ronnie Wooden, Van Zandt would embark on his personal solo profession within the 80s, and he would go on to carry out with Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes. Whereas he nonetheless excursions with The E Avenue Band, Van Zandt has lately stepped into the highlight with a brand new solo file, Soulfire.
Waddy Wachtel
Some sidemen are extra session musicians at coronary heart whereas others come alive on stage, however Waddy Wachtel may flip it on in any setting. The legendary guitarist, producer, and sideman bought his begin when Warren Zevon (who was the musical director for The Everly Brothers on the time) booked him for the duo’s backing band; the guitarist went on to play on their 1972 album, Tales We May Inform. He then spent many of the decade taking part in with a who’s who of singer-songwriters (Linda Ronstadt, Randy Newman, James Taylor), giving their music some grit earlier than hooking up with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks for his or her first album and, later, Fleetwood Mac’s landmark self-titled launch. His credit solely go on from there (The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, amongst others), turning the guitar virtuoso right into a family identify – a uncommon feat for a sideman.
Earl Slick
Earl Slick was just about unknown and solely 22 when, in 1974, he turned the guitarist in David Bowie’s band, taking up from Mick Ronson; his work on Station To Station alone earns him his place among the many finest sidemen in rock. An extremely versatile and prolific guitarist, Slick added a type of particular sauce to every thing he performed on, whether or not it was John Lennon’s “I’m Losing You,” Yoko Ono’s “Kiss Kiss Kiss” or Ian Hunter’s “Wild And Free.” A power to be reckoned with, each within the studio and on stage, Sick would return to the Bowie fold within the twenty first Century, showing on Heathen, Actuality and Bowie’s penultimate album, The Subsequent Day. Slick would go on to immortalize his glory days and the remainder of his hard-working fellow sidemen in his documentary, Rock’n’Roll Weapons For Rent: The Story Of The Sideman.
Mike Campbell
On what proved to be his last tour, Tom Petty usually gave credit score, shared tales, and paid tribute to his right-hand man and lead guitarist for The Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell. The duo began taking part in in Mudcrutch as children in Gainesville, Florida, within the 60s, earlier than transferring to Los Angeles, creating Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – and the remaining is historical past. Because the co-writer of most of the band’s largest hits, together with “Refugee,” “Runnin’ Down A Dream” and “You Got Lucky,” Campbell was additionally Petty’s trusted sounding board. Exterior of his work with Petty, Campbell additionally co-penned Don Henley’s “The Boys Of Summer” and was lately tapped to be one in all Lindsay Buckingham’s replacements (together with Neil Finn) in Fleetwood Mac, which needs to be no downside for the veteran participant. Having Petty’s co-sign enabled Campbell to seamlessly match within the background for the likes of Don Henley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Money, George Harrison, and extra. Campbell’s regular hand and constant riffs are simply one of many many causes he’s thrived as an excellent sideman.
Ronnie Wooden
The English rhythm guitarist is the consummate sideman. Having been in bands corresponding to Faces, The Jeff Beck Group, and, in fact, The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Wooden is the final word dependable group participant, whose versatility has allowed him to carve out a profession spanning over 50 years. There’s nobody who has performed Wooden’s place with as a lot ability, suave, and swagger as he has, but, the guitarist has no downside pumping out licks within the background. He additionally boasts quite a few solo ventures, specifically, the aptly titled I’ve Acquired My Personal Album To Do, which featured luminaries corresponding to George Harrison, Ian McLagan, and Stones bandmate Keith Richards, proving that Wooden might be front-and-center each time he wished. As an alternative, he stays among the many finest sidemen in rock historical past – and that’s some honor to have.
Mick Ronson
Similar to the others on this checklist of the perfect sidemen in rock, Mick Ronson has an extended historical past as an completed sideman. Who else can say they performed guitar for the likes of David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter, Van Morrison, Lou Reed, Elton John, and Morrissey? Ronson labored effectively beneath the radar and his versatile fashion made him a favourite each in a recording studio and on stage. There’s little question that, had he not died from most cancers, on the age of 46, Ronson would nonetheless be on stage comfortably taking part in with rock legends immediately. This guitar virtuoso’s story lately made it to the large display screen with the rock documentary Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story.
Observe our Rock Icons playlist for the most important traditional rock anthems from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s.
