Every once in a while, a group of musicians who are perhaps a little bored with their ventures at the time- will come together and make some music amongst themselves. This phenomenon is known as the ‘Supergroup’ and over the years there have been many cases, some however much more memorable than others. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable Supergroups who have formed to date-
10. A Perfect Circle
Formed in 1999 when Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan was approached by a friend/guitar tech who wanted him to sing on some demos he had been working on- A Perfect Circle have released 3 studio albums since, despite taking a break between 2004 and 2008. The project is often credited to have been started by Keenan, mostly due to its obvious musical similarities, however it was all aforementioned friend Billy Howerdel’s doing. Also featuring James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins fame as well as bass player Jeordie White (Twiggy Ramirez), who previously played with Marilyn Mason- it’s a bit of an obscure collection- but it works.
9. Them Crooked Vultures
In 2009 rock music was caught extremely off guard when 3 of its most high profile disciples formed a power blues rock trio the likes of which had not been seen since Cream. The men were Josh Homme, the notorious sex icon/Queens of the Stone Age frontman, Dave Grohl- who I’m sure needs no introduction (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) and an aged yet still flawless bass player named John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). Releasing a self-titled album that year, as well completing several acclaimed tours and festival appearances- the project has died down a little bit since. However it is likely there will be activity from them soon, and I for one intend to get involved this time.
8. Traveling Wilburys
The late 1980’s must have presented themselves as very strange and foreign years for the star crooners of the 60’s and 50’s- with the music that was being thrown around by this point it’s no surprise some of them decided to work together in order to find a way through it. In early 1988- George Harrison, having release a string of decent solo albums in the years immediately previous- announced his plans with regards to a new group he was putting together called Traveling Wilburys. In the months that followed the group had grown from initial members Harrison and ELO’s Jeff Lynne to include Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and drummer Jim Keltner- a pretty amazing line-up I’d say. They released a couple of albums and went on to do quite well despite the death of Rob Orbison soon after their formation.
7. The Highwaymen
A country music Supergroup of epic proportions, The Highwaymen were active for 10 years between 1985 and 1995. The band was made up of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Chris Kristofferson- musicians who, at the time of this groups formation, were already very respected and even celebrated in their fields. During their decade together they released three albums, the first of which was self-titled (although the band didn’t have an official name at the time of its release) and reached the number one spot in both the US and Canada.
6. Down
Those familiar with the early 1990’s American heavy metal scene should know all about these guys, formed in 1991 by then Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo- Down have been active ever since- frequently touring and releasing 3 acclaimed albums despite all members still being active elsewhere. As well as featuring Anselmo on his trademark brutal vocal duties, the bands impactful and riff heavy sound is helped along by guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar).
5. Temple of the Dog
Temple of the Dog formed in Seattle in 1990 as a result of the death of one of the Cities most hotly tipped up and coming musicians, Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone. Woods roommate, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, decided to begin planning a tribute album for the overdose victim- with a view to include Woods former band-mates (who had at the time just gone on to form the first incarnations of Pearl Jam) as well as his own, in the project. The group stuck together loosely for a couple of years, releasing the album (which is a bit of a masterpiece) in 1991 and playing several live shows.
4. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Formed as a result of some of the 1960’s most celebrated song writers getting annoyed with their respective bands’ variously worsening situations- CSNY still carry a lot of weight amongst fans of both rock music and folk. David Crosby of The Byrds, Steven Nash of The Hollies and Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield came together initially in 1968, releasing a debut entitled simply ‘Crosby, Stills & Nash’ in 1969. Over the course of the next year Neil Young got involved with the group and they released classic album ‘Déjà vu’ in 1970. The band have been on and off ever since, releasing a string of albums- some with Neil Young, some without.
3. Velvet Revolver
After officially quitting the ill-fated original Guns N’ Roses line-up of yesteryear in the mid-1990’s, bass player Duff McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum and guitarist Slash, whilst up to their own various schemes, never really settled back into their groove as mega super rock-stars until they formed Velvet Revolver in 2002. A classic (and expected) sleazy hard rock outfit, Velvet Revolver also featured Stone Temple Pilots’ Scott Weiland on vocals and jack of all bands guitar player Dave Kushner. Releasing 2 very good albums in 2004 and 2007, drug problems unfortunately got in the way- forcing the departure of Weiland in 2008. Not a note since.
2. Audioslave
Formed from 2 of the most prominent hard rock groups of the late 1980’s/90’s, Audioslave were active for 6 years from 2001. The band comprises of Soundgarden wailer Chris Cornell as well as the instrumentalists from revolutionary outfit Rage Against the Machine, a combination which, quite surprisingly, sounds amazing. During their time together the band was very industrious, releasing 3 highly praised albums and embarking on tour stints all over the globe, even becoming the first American rock band to play an open-air concert in Cuba. They split in 2007 citing ‘irresolvable issues/musical differences’.
1. Cream
One of the earliest Supergroups, Cream was formed by several of London’s youngest and most promising musicians in 1966. Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were previously working as the rhythm section for jazz/RnB group ‘The Graham Bond Organisation’ when discovering that former Yardbird/Bluesbreaker Eric Clapton was in a rut and wanted to start something new. UK Top 10 debut album ‘Fresh Cream’ arrived shortly after the groups formation- as well as 3 more LP’s which came in 67’, 68’ and 69’. The group had disbanded by the end of the 60’s; however still reunite every now and then to perform their legendary back catalogue, which has been immortalised on several live albums over the years.