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10 Massive Pop Stars Who Secretly Appeared On Rock and Metal Songs 6
10 Massive Pop Stars Who Secretly Appeared On Rock and Metal Songs 6
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Metal Hammer line break
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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Privacy policy
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Metal Hammer line break
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Here’s how it works.
Features Classic Rock
10 massive pop stars who secretly appeared on rock and metal songs
By Paul Travers( Classic Rock ) published 17 hours ago
Katy Perry, Elton John, Boy George, Billy Joel – they’ve all secretly rocked it up
over the years
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Features Classic Rock
10 massive pop stars who secretly appeared on rock and metal songs
By Paul Travers( Classic Rock ) published 17 hours ago
Katy Perry, Elton John, Boy George, Billy Joel – they’ve all secretly rocked it up
over the years
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
6 mind-bending sci-fi novels every prog metal fan should read
By Amos Williams16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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FEATURES
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Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
that I realized that Gary Newman is one of the forefathers of electronic music and
here he is on our record twenty years later saying that man is obsolete. I was like
‘Wow man, maybe it is partially your fault!’”
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
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own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
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The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
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He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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Privacy policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
that I realized that Gary Newman is one of the forefathers of electronic music and
here he is on our record twenty years later saying that man is obsolete. I was like
‘Wow man, maybe it is partially your fault!’”
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
Every Metallica album ranked from worst to best
By Merlin Alderslade15 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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About Us
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
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every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
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About Us
Contact Future's experts
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Privacy policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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About Us
Contact Future's experts
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
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About Us
Contact Future's experts
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Queen The Works
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
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made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
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By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
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By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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own past
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
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The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
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What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
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The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
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Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
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radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
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Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
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Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
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About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
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By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Metal Hammer line break
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Metal Hammer line break
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
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Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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FEATURES
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Features Classic Rock
10 massive pop stars who secretly appeared on rock and metal songs
By Paul Travers( Classic Rock ) published 17 hours ago
Katy Perry, Elton John, Boy George, Billy Joel – they’ve all secretly rocked it up
over the years
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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Privacy policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Features Classic Rock
10 massive pop stars who secretly appeared on rock and metal songs
By Paul Travers( Classic Rock ) published 17 hours ago
Katy Perry, Elton John, Boy George, Billy Joel – they’ve all secretly rocked it up
over the years
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Ace Frehley interview
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
6 mind-bending sci-fi novels every prog metal fan should read
By Amos Williams16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
that I realized that Gary Newman is one of the forefathers of electronic music and
here he is on our record twenty years later saying that man is obsolete. I was like
‘Wow man, maybe it is partially your fault!’”
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
6 mind-bending sci-fi novels every prog metal fan should read
By Amos Williams16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
STORE
TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
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made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
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He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
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Privacy policy
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
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Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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SUBSCRIBE
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STORE
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
that I realized that Gary Newman is one of the forefathers of electronic music and
here he is on our record twenty years later saying that man is obsolete. I was like
‘Wow man, maybe it is partially your fault!’”
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Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
Every Metallica album ranked from worst to best
By Merlin Alderslade15 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
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TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
FEATURES
REVIEWS
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSLETTER
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TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“I don’t think Joe would’ve been happy retreading any steps he’d made already” Paul
Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear this week
By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
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About Us
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Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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TRENDING
Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
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made the classic Breakfast In America
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wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
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Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
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You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
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Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
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CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Here’s how it works.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
Gary Numan – Fear Factory, Obsolete (1998)
It’s no secret that Gary Numan appeared on Fear Factory’s cover of Cars, which
provided the industrial metallers with a moderate hit as a standalone single and
helped make Obsolete their biggest-selling album. Perhaps less well-known is the
fact that, while they had him, they also got the electronic music pioneer to supply
spoken word dialogue they would use on the sci-fi concept album’s title track. In a
FortuneCity interview, vocalist Burton C. Bell said “It wasn't until after the fact
that I realized that Gary Newman is one of the forefathers of electronic music and
here he is on our record twenty years later saying that man is obsolete. I was like
‘Wow man, maybe it is partially your fault!’”
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own past
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Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
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made the classic Breakfast In America
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The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
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Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
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GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
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Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
“Marc felt this imposition of having to come up with another hit album. And fame
fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
“There have never been fisticuffs in this band… Just tense silences” How Supertramp
made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
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By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
NEWS
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
Tracks Of The Week
Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
own past
“That was it for me, a rock god lead guitarist playing on it” how Metallica’s Kirk
Hammett helped a dance classic to come full circle
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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Simonon on why The Clash never reunited
By Niall Doherty16 March 2024
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fuelled that fire” how Marc Bolan and T. Rex made a glam rock masterpiece with The
Slider
By Chris Roberts16 March 2024
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made the classic Breakfast In America
By Paul Lester16 March 2024
The force that is in this music can never be extinguished Read the letter U2's Bono
wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
Teen Spirit as a song that saved his life
By Paul Brannigan16 March 2024
You're going to Hell for this! That time I sent deathpunks Turbonegro to play Santa
at an old folk's home, and the terrified residents thought World War III had
started
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By Rich Hobson15 March 2024
He was one of the gang Before he won three Oscars and was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II, one world-famous actor was a roadie for Echo & The Bunnymen
By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
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Get Classic Rock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
Audioslave backstage at the Jimmy Kimmel show in 2005
“I don’t think there was a single riff I wrote after 1992 that Zack de la Rocha
even liked” how Audioslave saw Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello escaping his
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Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
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© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
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Ace Frehley interview
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
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made the classic Breakfast In America
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wrote to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter Frances Bean hailing Smells Like
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By Paul Brannigan15 March 2024
About Us
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Careers
GDPR consent
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights
reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.Skip to main
content
CLASSIC ROCK METAL HAMMER PROG ONE LOUDER
The Home Of High Voltage Rock'N'RollSearch
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Queen The Works
Ace Frehley interview
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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Elton John, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Katy Perry and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
(Image credit David M. BenettMichael Ochs ArchivesJohn ShearerPaul NatkinGetty
Images)
The worlds of rock and pop might be diametrically opposed in some ways but there
have always been crossovers, in both directions of travel. From Eddie Van Halen
lending his six-string skills to Michael Jackson’s Beat It to Ozzy Osbourne and
Post Malone’s recent I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine collaborations on Take
What You Want and It’s A Raid, there have been plenty of odd-couple pairings to
raise eyebrows. Sometimes, though, unlikely alliances have flown largely under the
radar. Here are 10 times major pop stars have appeared on rock and metal songs that
you probably don’t know about.
Boy George – Toilet Böys, The Last Breath Of The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Love
Affair (2016)
Boy George has appeared as a featured artist on literally dozens of tracks in the
pop, dance and DJ realms. His sole foray into the world of hard rock came with a
guest appearance on this epically titled 2016 comeback single by neo-sleaze rockers
the Toilet Böys. George had also previously collaborated with Toilet Böys vocalist
Miss Guy, co-writing the fellow club DJ’s somewhat poppier solo track Stay Away
from Pretty Boys.
Donna Summer – Gene Simmons, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel of Love (1978)
The 1970s was one big cultural melting pot, so its no surprise that Kiss bassist
Gene Simmons packed his debut album with friends from all walks of music life.
Everyone from Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen and Bob Seger to Helen Reddy and Gene’s then-
paramour Cher appeared, but the biggest surprise was disco queen Donna Summer, who
sang backing vocals on two songs, Burning Up With Fever and Tunnel Of Love. The
connection Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records (and there’s
every chance they’d spent a night out at fabled New York nightclub Studio 54).
Bonus points future Married With Child Star Katey Sagel also appeared on the album.
LATEST
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