Pete and Martin are the closest that we’ll ever get to having Siskel and Ebert back. Whether it’s movies or music, there has never been a better duo that had an insane amount of knowledge and chemistry.
David Gilmour jumps to mind for me. Brilliant legend who has always worked at his own pace. Morrissey is another very reluctant rock star. Wonderful singer.
The very first guy I thought of when this episode started was Mark Knopfler. Unquestioned leader of a band that went on to have a HOF career, yet he was not even there to accept the award.
Charlie Watts. I love the story about how the Stones were at the Playboy Mansion doing what rock stars do there- all of them except Charlie. Charlie spent the entire time in the game room playing pool because he was loyal to his wife.
Loyal to his wife? Or loyal to his happiness. He could have fucked a few groupies, but then lost his wife. So, doing the maths, is it worth it? For him, maybe not.
Oh my. Again Kerry Livgren is overlooked. A brilliant philosophical thinker & voracious reader - as reflected in his lyrics. The roadies complained because Kerry always took an additional, huge suitcase full of nothing but books on tour. They called it "the library." No drugs or groupies, yet he had a Plant body (although he dressed conservatively) & that beautiful, long, swinging white-blonde hair. Happily married once (& still loves his wife & kids deeply). A Sunday school teacher, a farmer, a pilot, a tech head who converted a barn on his farm into a state of the art recording studio. An incredible composer, orchestrator, lyricist, & multi-instrumentalist, highly respected by other musicians. Has written 2 autobiographies. Always yielded the spotlight to Steve Walsh & Robbie Steinhardt. Started 2 bands after Kansas - AD & Proto-Kaw (4 albums each), and did about 10 solo albums, 2 of which were completely instrumental. His latest release was a classical cantata (almost entirely vocal through 5 movements). All of his music is wonderful and varied. Not given to self-serving interviews. Utterly humble, crediting his bandmates over himself. How in the world was he not on either of your lists? I have not yet watched your 1st 2 shows, but I can't imagine Kerry fitting into either category.
Great video Pete and Martin here are my top ten reluctant rock stars: 1. George Harrison ---- Beatles and Solo era 2. Neil Peart ---- Rush 3. John Sykes ----- Whitesnake/ Blue Murder 4. Bill Wyman ----- Rolling Stones 5. Tom Sholtz ----- Boston 6. Ulrich John Roth ----- Scorpions 7. Maynard James Keenan ----- Tool 8. "Lonesome" Dave Peverette ------ Foghat 9. Nancy Wilson ----- Heart 10. Devin Townsend ----- Strapping Young Lad / Solo artist
@@gergonikk Agreed. Would say overshadowed by Hetfield & Ulrich is more accurate. Newsted loved the attention. He truly connected with the audience. I think you could argue that Hemmit is more reluctant.
The first name in think of is Leif Edling from Candlemass. He never wanted to be in the spotlight. When he was sick he didnt have any problems that the band had another Bassplayer on tour. And he is a genius!
John Deacon was probably the perfect pick for this topic Martin, a great bass player (watch some of his isolated bass tracks on youtube) and a fantastic songwriter who rightfully retired when Freddie died, however Queen did make a final official studio album called The Cosmos Rocks with Paul rogers and they successfully toured with him for a few years.
Some very interesting choices . One guy who fits this category perfectly is Mike Oldfield . Another musical genius that was quite shy , and had no interest in being in the spotlight . There is a great RUclips video about him making Tubular Bells , and you can see clearly that rock stardom wasn't his thing . Thanks !
Great show as always. Very different topic. I'd have to go with Dave Murray. The phenomenal, underrated guitar player that's been with the mighty Maiden since day one. He doesn't write much, doesn't seek out the spotlight and does very few interviews. He basically just wants to get on stage and play. He doesn't showboat, always smiles and rips out some of the most legendary solos in heavy metal.
Before you start to name yours, I will name mine and hope that you include him somewhere near the top. Peter Green. Now I will return to the scheduled programme. Some great choices already and more to go, but I had to stop and chuckle, when Pete said of John Deacon, "Great choice, I forgot all about him." That sums up the theme in one sentence.
I met Neil Peart and Geddy at a local radio 📻 station here in Manchester A Farewell To Kings Tour. I won a competition. What a charming man sadly missed 😢.
Peter Green (above all others!) John Deacon (Queen) - an epitome of a quiet star Michael Schenker (he only lives for music) JJ Cale (the legend that few casual fans know) Izzy Stradlin (spot on, Martin!) Andy Parker (UFO drummer, people!) Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy drummer, people!) Rich Robinson (the young brother in the Black Crowes)
Great episode. I would completely agree about Donald Fagan but would also say Walter Becker. Both needed to get away from the record- tour, record-tour-record-tour, . But also both never wanted, or dreamed ,or cared for being a "rock star " or "pop star " or even successful. Thank heavens they were
Great choices!! Here are some names I would add: 1) Brian Wilson 2) Pete Townshend 3) Bill Wyman 4) Peter Gabriel 5) Robert Lamm 6) Agnetha Faltskog 7) Fish
Hi Guys. Love the show to death. Mine are ultimate reluctant rock stars as they all dropped out of music at their peak and never came back to the music industry: 1) Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish) 2) Andy Partridge (XTC) 3) Jon Deacon (Queen) 4) John Woloschuk (Klaatu) 5) Cat Stevens
Buckethead...so shy he can't perform unless he is masked. It's not a gimmick, he is actually super shy about doing music unmasked. But once he puts the mask on he is a totally different person. He has barely done any interviews or public appearances.
I recall ONE interview (on youtube) where BH is not "in character". He comes across as very shy, introspective, & decent. He does miss his parents very much. I wonder how he travels thru airports?
@@jazzpunk He has no problem going out in public because literally no-one knows what he looks like under the mask. I have seen a couple old photos of him but they are not good enough or recent enough to ID him now.
Thank you for a very interestering discussion and picks. On my list will be: (among others) Peter Green Brian Wilson Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy) Charlie Watts Mike Oldfield Donald Fagen Rory Gallagher Mark & David Knopfler Ritchie Blackmore Ry Cooder
I immediately thought of Grace Slick when I saw this topic. She would routinely make disparaging comments about being in the rock business and said that it looked stupid when rock stars continued with the business after age 50. She stuck to her word and did her last show with a reformed Jefferson Airplane weeks before her 50th in '89. I think she may have made a few cameos since then but retired to take up painting. She's an interesting, quirky personality. I would also say Billy Joel. He kind of fits in the same mold with his thinking as Grace. I think Billy enjoys touring though because he likes playing for his crowd, but in a lot of ways seems reluctant to be in the business.
Hello from the UK 🇬🇧. Good subject this. The first name that came to me was Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. I've meet him a few times while fishing on my club lake a couple of years back. Had a few chats about music and fishing. Such a genuinely nice down to earth bloke.
Besides those mentioned in the show (including the honorable ones): Paul Westerberg, Alex Chilton, Joe Strummer, Bill Berry (REM), Tommy Ramone. What the heck, even Robert Smith has been reluctant in the last 15 years.
Kate Bush! My favorite female performer. Could play piano, sing & dance beautifully. A terrific songwriter & lyricist. It's a great thing that David Gilmour discovered her as a teenager. I wish you would do a show on her, but I'm not sure she fits into the musical formats you cover on SoT. In fact, I probably couldn't say what format her music falls into.
Pete, Reluctancy probably began and ended with JJ Cale, one of the greatest songwriters who was also very influential with his guitar playing and contributed to the Tulsa Sound. If not for Eric Clapton (a true Rock Star) "discovering ?" him, he would still be relatively unknown to most and is still criminally underrated. He played in smaller venues occasionally and lived in a trailer for much of his life. After he inadvertently helped to reinvent Clapton's career he gained some fame and financial rewards and an appreciation from many Rock Stars like Mark Knopfler, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Willie Nelson.
The noted British journalist David Hepworth tells a great story about J.J. Cale. He went to see him on his U.K. debut at Hammersmith Odeon in the mid ‘70s. The band took to the stage in a very low key manner. Hepworth’s girlfriend whispered to him, “Which one’s J.J. Cale?”, to which he replied authoritatively, “Oh, he’s not on stage yet.” Then this guy steps forward to the mike and sings “They call me the breeze…”
Another great show. Thanks. I would have Jerry Garcia right up there as he was in it for the music and nothing else. He could not hide, however, and the pressure was too great in the end. And then there is Charlie Watts.
Thank you, Pete and Martin for your picks. All the damn time. * Some of my,’Reluctant’ Picks: * 1. Howard Leese,from the band, Heart ❤️. * 2. Meg White /The White Stripes * 3. George Harrison / Beatles * 4. John Deacon / Queen * 5. Steven Tyler / Aerosmith * 6. Grace Slick / Jefferson Airplane - Starship & Starship * 7. Neil Peart / Rush * 8. John Paul Jones / Led Zeppelin * 9. Frank Zappa * 10. John Sykes / Tygers of Pang Tang and many more!! 🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁 Life is better with music.
George Harrison has always been called ‘the quiet Beatle’ but this is something of a misnomer. He was saddled with that sobriquet following their arrival in the U.S. when he’d been suffering from flu or suchlike. The reality was that he could be very gregarious. He absolutely loved women and by all accounts was an absolute shag monster. He loved money too - there’s a famous story from the late ‘60s which George Martin told about George lecturing him about spiritualism and the curse of materialism and then he looked out of the window and saw the gleaming new sports car Harrison had just bought. He even wrote ‘Taxman’ about how they weren’t left with much money (which was probably kind of true, they didn’t get mega rich until much later on). Buying enormous stately home Friar Park wasn’t exactly the work of a man with no ego. I think the truth with George Harrison was he was a complex character who did have a quiet, meditative side but also had his chase crumpet (look it up, non-British readers) rock n’ roll side.
Harrison had a very dry sardonic sense of humour that is very British. He loved Monty Python and financed their films Holy Grail and Life of Brian. He also appeared on The Rutles spoof and he was a friend of Eric Idle. I find him very amusing in some interviews but it might not be appreciated by non-British people. Some of the negative comments about him on this thread- I want to add that when he was in The Beatles he was very young. When they split up he was still only 26 years old! Also his main passions were simply guitars, cars and Indian mysticism.
@@jimmycampbell78 26 years old, it beggars belief. He’d lived three lifetimes worth of experiences by the time most young blokes are starting to think there’s more to life than 6 pints in the pub and chasing crumpet.
One dvd I have that I think is so cool is Clapton and Harrison going to Japan.When George started playing his songs Clapton was in the background.It was like I'm just a guitar player just playing for this Beatle who's on another level than me.
I have to watch these Friday shows on Saturday because Martin and Pete send me scurrying off every few minutes (Bill Ward solo albums? Really? Wow!) and then back for more and it takes me about three hours to watch a one hour video.
Great show Glad you mentioned George Harrison as he was my first thought and would very much agree with Neil Peart. Others I think of that were not mentioned or mentioned in HM's: Mark Knopfler - Left Dire Straights behind almost at the height of their success to make very good low key singer songwriter music Jeff Beck - A true guitar god who does not release a ton of albums but is very content in his own life Kurt Cobain - Never wanted to be a rock star Bill Berry - Drummer in REM leaves it all to be a farmer. Not really a rock star himself, but REM were arguably one of the biggest bands in the world at the time Bill Bruford - For being one of the most recognizable drummers ever, he seemed to me to stay out of the spotlight T-Bone Burnette - I really like his work but now is primarily a well regarded producer.
Great conversation. I recently went through Fleetwood Macs discography as I've always been a fan of Rumours/The Hits but didn't know their earlier records. Danny Kirwan was a very talented songwriter and very young at the time I believe. I really like his albums, especially Bare Trees. Mick Fleetwood sure was lucky to go from Peter Green to Danny Kirwan and then Lindsay Buckingham/Stevie Nicks. Anyone who enjoys a band with a lot of history from album to album etc check out Fleetwood Mac's discography......Chad , 35 years old.
Great topic, great show. My list would be : 1. JJ Cale (I cheated, I read a great comment about him, otherwise I would have forgotten him, he was so talented but so discreet) 2. Ry Cooder (not very different from JJ Cale, as far as star-system is concerned) 3. Andy Partridge (the fact that he stopped touring, for instance) 4. Donald Fagen 5. Kate Bush (she could have been huge, she should have been, "The dreaming" is such a masterpiece) 6. Todd Rungren 7. Tom Verlaine 8. Joni Mitchell 9. Leon Redbone 10. Gene Clark (maybe the best instance : the fact that he left the Byrds, a discreet but magnificent solo career). 10 bis : Colin Blunstone.
My top 5 pick: Eddie Vedder (PEARL JAM) Steve Perry (JOURNEY) John Arch (ex-FATES WARNING, ARCH/MATHEOS) John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER) Ian Anderson (JETHRO TULL) - spot on description, guys!... honourable mention: František Štorm (MASTERS HAMMER)
Keith Richards lovingly refers to George Harrison as “George the Farmer.” In his later years, George’s chief passion was gardening. Perfect example of this topic.
The look on Pete's face when Martin said Bill Ward's solo albums were better than Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules was priceless. It was like a robot going into 'does not compute' mode. But as usual he was the professional host always giving his guests a welcoming place to share their opinions. Good job, Pete. You are a better man than me...so to speak. :-D
Reckon I described Kurt Cobain as a "reluctant rockstar" during those previous episodes...Kind of hoping there's a prize. I await Mr Popoff's autographed manuscript. 🤠
In common with yours: Ian Anderson Jeff Lynne Frank Zappa George Harrison Robert Fripp Jeff Beck Buck Dharma Others to be mentioned: Dennis DeYoung Eric Clapton Phil Lynott Neil Young Tom Petty Kansas (as a band)
This is brilliant Pete, am just a quartet of the way throug, love the choices so far by you & Martin, Hey I great idea just came to mind as am watching (on pause lol) for next one What about calling it, "Fallin Rock Stars", basically based on brilliantly talented singers /musicians who were incredibly active & highly regarded in the day, but now have gone or went into obscurity, hardly make music now, never seen, Such as John Sykes, Vito Bratto , Steve Marriot, Sid Barrit, thought you both might like this idea, Keep up the good work, love Sea of Tranquility, my favourite show, Greetings from Liverpool, England
Great picks! Really enjoyed this show and I learned some interesting stuff about a lot of these people. A couple others that came to mind for me are Neil Young and Layne Staley (Jerry Cantrell too for that matter). Thanks Pete & Martin! 🤘🤘
Great show... My first thoughts were Neil & Charlie. Another one, a reluctant guitar player in a reluctant rock band, Martin Barre. He spent a Winter or two skiing in Fernie BC, just another Brit hanging around the mountain. Every now and then he would wander into town and sit in at the local bar.
Izzy Stradlin was the first person I thought of Martin, great choice! Brian Wilson is another one, Vito Bratta from White Lion, Joey Ramone, Steve Vai, still only half way through the vid, but great so far guys!
Nice one again, great episode. Always appreciate it when these episodes last more than an hour, even if that's not always possible, of course. 01. Brian Johnson 02. Rory Gallagher 03. Ritchie Blackmore 04. Ronnie James Dio 05. Bruce Dickinson 06. Steve Harris 07. Geoff Tate 08. Bruce Kulick 09. Matthias Jabs 10. Johnny Ramone
Some great choices guys and some excellent ones in the comments that made for interesting reading. I would suggest Dan Reed from the Dan Reed Network. Perhaps somewhat disillusioned by the Network's lack of commercial success and the superficial nature of the music industry, Dan had some hard times before coming back with a broader musical and spiritual vision. His music now, both solo and with the reformed Dan Reed Network is still superb.
Great topic, fun show. A few not mentioned: Vito Bratta: guitar master, MIA no one missed him more than MIke Tramp Chris DeGarmo: flying planes I guess. Queensryche never was the same Peter Green: Came back, a shell of his former self Jim Martin: nah, I'd rather grow pumpkins Dan Spitz: nah, I'd rather make watches
Kate Bush. Was pretty big in the late 70's to mid-80's. Never heard much about her after that. Gary Numan. Heard he left music entirely after first couple of years or so. Bo Hansson. Had a semi-succeful psychedelic outfit called Hansson & Karlsson. jammed with Jimi. Made music inspired by Tolkien. Got picked up by Charisma in UK. Became pretty big but faded into obscurity after a few albums. Died a few years ago, Saw an documentary back then and from my memory his life was reclusive.
Two come to mind... Anthony Phillips, although I always understood that to be an issue with stagefright (like Andy Partridge). And Bill Nelson, guitarist, vocalist and the creative force behind Be Bop Deluxe - who would rather be working on his own from his home studio. David Sylvian is another, but perhaps not well aligned to SOT.
Oh, yes David Sylvian! I'd like to add Scott Walker (already mentioned in this thread by Gary Robinson) because he and David S. not only were reluctant stars but were also dissatisfied with popular music's aesthetic limitations and consequently made astonishingly uncompromising records.
An "aside" comment about Popoff talking about the band Rush regarding "Limelight". "Being in the limelight" refers to the stage/theater previous to electricity where spotlight canisters were filled with the powder, lime, set on fire, which would create light and the canister would direct the light toward the stage so that the actors/singers/musicians/performers would be spotlighted. Standing in the Lime Light.
Love the picks guys…but I don’t think you can have this category without including Jerry Garcia: He famously shunned the role of “leader”, going so far as relegating himself to an equal vote in any band related decisions with the other members of the band and crew, and shunning the spotlight as much as possible…Even though he no doubt was the creative genius of their music and live shows. Ironically, he became a messiah to their legion of fans and of the counter culture in general - a role he never seemed to seek or want - and which ultimately made him a prisoner of the fame and accolades he never really was comfortable with.
3 others that spring to mind are Brian Johnson - one of the biggest bands in the world, biggest selling rock album of all time but I don’t suppose anyone would recognise him walking down the street. Noddy Holder - Slade were riding high with their 80s come back & Noddy just decided he’d been there, done that & wanted to do something else. Over 30 years later & a few lucrative offers to reform, he hasn’t been tempted back. Robin Zander - the voice of Cheap Trick, but definitely not the front man. Seems happy to leave that to Rick.
Peter Green is the obvious number one here, no one else comes close. Can't believe he didn't even get a mention. A severe oversight. Dave Brock, leader of the band main song writer, lead guitarist, but so anonymous, lives in the middle of nowhere and on stage he tries to blend in with the curtains. Plus Neil Young, Richard Wright, Mick Taylor.
Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren(Kansas, although that could be said of the whole band, save maybe Rich Williams) Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson( Supertramp, although that could be said of the whole band) Neil Peart( Rush, as mentioned, RIP) Mark Knopfler(Dire Straits, solo, although in later years, he opened up/accepted being a "rock star") Walter Becker/Donald Fagen(Steely Dan, as mentioned). Although it could be argued that they were putting on an act, especially in the 70s. Gerry Rafferty(RIP) Dan Fogelberg(RIP) Tom Scholz(Boston, as mentioned) Al Stewart(he gives off an air of " how did I end up being here ", perhaps I'm mistaking surprise and humility for reluctance)
Think John had some anxiety issues. Also, besides No Freddie, no Queen, he was trying to overcome some alcohol issues, as he talked about leaving before Freddie got sick. Also had 6 children( maybe 5 at time), he wanted to spend time with. Think him & Freddie shared love of same kind of music, where Brian & Roger were all rock. Probably has a lot of grand kids now!!
Queen was a band of 4 amazing songwriters and one front man. Of all bands, Queen had to keep touring because they all were responsible for their success, not just Freddie. Of course, Freddie is irreplaceable so the chances of success were always slim. I think John was the most affected by Mercury's death he just couldn't go on.
🤠I reckon I described Kurt Cobain as a "reluctant Rockstar" during those previous episodes...Kind of hoping there's a prize. I await Mr Popoff's autographed manuscript.
George and Ringo both were low profile and along with occasional hits either on their own or touring George with the Wilburys and Ringo with his All Starr Bands featuring guest Performers from other groups and such, My favorite George Harrison song is from that album "Crackerbox Palace" and I like weird video he did for it and with Ringo "It Don't Come Easy".
Id say half of Aerosmith. One of the biggest, most famous bands, yet not many people know who Tom Hamilton or Joey Kramer are. Or Brad Whitford. And they all seem content to play backing roles. That band could have springboarded big solo careers for all of them. Whitford especially. Id say John Paul Jones as well.
The one I have in mind is Emppu Vuorinen (nightwish guitarist) he is not an interview guy at all, he's got something here and there for specific reasons but he just wants to play and that's it.
I thought of a possible topic, apologies if done before but I don’t believe so. Great albums that were made while a band was in turmoil/major fights between key members at the time of making it etc.
Rundgren is from Philly, not NY, so he wasn’t really a New Yorker, just lived there for a time until re-locating to Woodstock to work at Albert Grossman’s Bearsville studio, he’s been living in Hawaii for years now.
Pete and Martin are the closest that we’ll ever get to having Siskel and Ebert back. Whether it’s movies or music, there has never been a better duo that had an insane amount of knowledge and chemistry.
Those guys in the muppets
There is no one bigger and more low profile than Ozzy Osbourne and Santana.
I respect John Deacons decision. I wouldn't have wanted Queen to continue without Freddy.
David Gilmour jumps to mind for me. Brilliant legend who has always worked at his own pace. Morrissey is another very reluctant rock star. Wonderful singer.
Morrisey talks A lot Tho. He loves the attention
Peter Hammill
He's a very kind, gentle and private person. Amazing that he made such deep and sometimes frightening music
The very first guy I thought of when this episode started was Mark Knopfler. Unquestioned leader of a band that went on to have a HOF career, yet he was not even there to accept the award.
Forgot all about him, which just proves your point. Great choice.
Not sure if Mark is interesting enough to be considered reluctant.
first person i was thinking of.
Charlie Watts. I love the story about how the Stones were at the Playboy Mansion doing what rock stars do there- all of them except Charlie. Charlie spent the entire time in the game room playing pool because he was loyal to his wife.
I think he was happiest in his jazz club playing to a small crowd rather than tens of thousands with the Stones.
Charlie Watts was a great drummer and a good man. He loved his wife Shirley and it really was death do us part with him. May he RIP.
Loyal to his wife? Or loyal to his happiness. He could have fucked a few groupies, but then lost his wife. So, doing the maths, is it worth it? For him, maybe not.
There is no one bigger and more low profile than Ozzy Osbourne and Santana.
Oh my. Again Kerry Livgren is overlooked. A brilliant philosophical thinker & voracious reader - as reflected in his lyrics. The roadies complained because Kerry always took an additional, huge suitcase full of nothing but books on tour. They called it "the library." No drugs or groupies, yet he had a Plant body (although he dressed conservatively) & that beautiful, long, swinging white-blonde hair. Happily married once (& still loves his wife & kids deeply). A Sunday school teacher, a farmer, a pilot, a tech head who converted a barn on his farm into a state of the art recording studio. An incredible composer, orchestrator, lyricist, & multi-instrumentalist, highly respected by other musicians. Has written 2 autobiographies. Always yielded the spotlight to Steve Walsh & Robbie Steinhardt. Started 2 bands after Kansas - AD & Proto-Kaw (4 albums each), and did about 10 solo albums, 2 of which were completely instrumental. His latest release was a classical cantata (almost entirely vocal through 5 movements). All of his music is wonderful and varied. Not given to self-serving interviews. Utterly humble, crediting his bandmates over himself.
How in the world was he not on either of your lists? I have not yet watched your 1st 2 shows, but I can't imagine Kerry fitting into either category.
but yeah zappa might be the best example without doubt!!! 🤩😍😜
Great video Pete and Martin here are my top ten reluctant rock stars:
1. George Harrison ---- Beatles and Solo era
2. Neil Peart ---- Rush
3. John Sykes ----- Whitesnake/ Blue Murder
4. Bill Wyman ----- Rolling Stones
5. Tom Sholtz ----- Boston
6. Ulrich John Roth ----- Scorpions
7. Maynard James Keenan ----- Tool
8. "Lonesome" Dave Peverette ------ Foghat
9. Nancy Wilson ----- Heart
10. Devin Townsend ----- Strapping Young Lad / Solo artist
I like how Neil Pert transportation mode was his bike to the next show/town if time was cohesive.
- Jason Newsted (Metallica)
- The Greenwood brothers (Radiohead)
- Adam Jones (Tool)
- Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins)
- Mark Hollis (Talk Talk)
yeah Talk Talk was such an amazing band. they were my favorite in the 80's. They were big but should have been bigger
I wouldn't say Newsted is reluctant. He's just hard working and very grounded.
@@gergonikk Agreed. Would say overshadowed by Hetfield & Ulrich is more accurate. Newsted loved the attention. He truly connected with the audience. I think you could argue that Hemmit is more reluctant.
God. Martin says some things about music, and words it in such ways that just hit me. I definitely have grown to think Martin is something awesome 😎
The first name in think of is Leif Edling from Candlemass. He never wanted to be in the spotlight. When he was sick he didnt have any problems that the band had another Bassplayer on tour.
And he is a genius!
Robert Smith springs to mind. Great list guys! That was so on point.
John Deacon was probably the perfect pick for this topic Martin, a great bass player (watch some of his isolated bass tracks on youtube) and a fantastic songwriter who rightfully retired when Freddie died, however Queen did make a final official studio album called The Cosmos Rocks with Paul rogers and they successfully toured with him for a few years.
Some very interesting choices .
One guy who fits this category perfectly is Mike Oldfield .
Another musical genius that was quite shy , and had no interest in being in the spotlight .
There is a great RUclips video about him making Tubular Bells , and you can see clearly that rock stardom wasn't his thing .
Thanks !
Great show as always. Very different topic. I'd have to go with Dave Murray. The phenomenal, underrated guitar player that's been with the mighty Maiden since day one. He doesn't write much, doesn't seek out the spotlight and does very few interviews. He basically just wants to get on stage and play. He doesn't showboat, always smiles and rips out some of the most legendary solos in heavy metal.
Before you start to name yours, I will name mine and hope that you include him somewhere near the top. Peter Green. Now I will return to the scheduled programme. Some great choices already and more to go, but I had to stop and chuckle, when Pete said of John Deacon, "Great choice, I forgot all about him." That sums up the theme in one sentence.
THE obvious choice! (Peter Green)
@@joeking5310 Seconded!
There is no one bigger and more low profile than Ozzy Osbourne and Santana.
I met Neil Peart and Geddy at a local radio 📻 station here in Manchester A Farewell To Kings Tour.
I won a competition.
What a charming man sadly missed 😢.
Peter Green (above all others!)
John Deacon (Queen) - an epitome of a quiet star
Michael Schenker (he only lives for music)
JJ Cale (the legend that few casual fans know)
Izzy Stradlin (spot on, Martin!)
Andy Parker (UFO drummer, people!)
Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy drummer, people!)
Rich Robinson (the young brother in the Black Crowes)
There is no one bigger and more low profile than Ozzy Osbourne and Santana.
Ozzy aint low profile. Dude had a reality tv show. Everyone knows ozzy
Great episode. I would completely agree about Donald Fagan but would also say Walter Becker. Both needed to get away from the record- tour, record-tour-record-tour, . But also both never wanted, or dreamed ,or cared for being a "rock star " or "pop star " or even successful. Thank heavens they were
Great choices!! Here are some names I would add:
1) Brian Wilson
2) Pete Townshend
3) Bill Wyman
4) Peter Gabriel
5) Robert Lamm
6) Agnetha Faltskog
7) Fish
Hi Guys. Love the show to death.
Mine are ultimate reluctant rock stars as they all dropped out of music at their peak and never came back to the music industry:
1) Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish)
2) Andy Partridge (XTC)
3) Jon Deacon (Queen)
4) John Woloschuk (Klaatu)
5) Cat Stevens
6) Anthony Phillips (Genesis)
Buckethead...so shy he can't perform unless he is masked. It's not a gimmick, he is actually super shy about doing music unmasked. But once he puts the mask on he is a totally different person. He has barely done any interviews or public appearances.
I recall ONE interview (on youtube) where BH is not "in character". He comes across as very shy, introspective, & decent. He does miss his parents very much.
I wonder how he travels thru airports?
@@jazzpunk He has no problem going out in public because literally no-one knows what he looks like under the mask. I have seen a couple old photos of him but they are not good enough or recent enough to ID him now.
@@tedwatson1743 rock n roll Batman
“He’s like a Syd Barrett but without the damage from the acid thing” was brilliant
Thank you for a very interestering discussion and picks. On my list will be: (among others)
Peter Green
Brian Wilson
Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy)
Charlie Watts
Mike Oldfield
Donald Fagen
Rory Gallagher
Mark & David Knopfler
Ritchie Blackmore
Ry Cooder
Glad to see Fagen and Cooder. Great list
I immediately thought of Grace Slick when I saw this topic. She would routinely make disparaging comments about being in the rock business and said that it looked stupid when rock stars continued with the business after age 50. She stuck to her word and did her last show with a reformed Jefferson Airplane weeks before her 50th in '89. I think she may have made a few cameos since then but retired to take up painting. She's an interesting, quirky personality. I would also say Billy Joel. He kind of fits in the same mold with his thinking as Grace. I think Billy enjoys touring though because he likes playing for his crowd, but in a lot of ways seems reluctant to be in the business.
Hello from the UK 🇬🇧. Good subject this. The first name that came to me was Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. I've meet him a few times while fishing on my club lake a couple of years back. Had a few chats about music and fishing. Such a genuinely nice down to earth bloke.
Besides those mentioned in the show (including the honorable ones): Paul Westerberg, Alex Chilton, Joe Strummer, Bill Berry (REM), Tommy Ramone. What the heck, even Robert Smith has been reluctant in the last 15 years.
The ones that spring up in my mind are Michael Stipe, Scott Walker, Joni Mitchell, Terry Hall, Brian Wilson, Kate Bush.
Kate Bush! My favorite female performer. Could play piano, sing & dance beautifully. A terrific songwriter & lyricist. It's a great thing that David Gilmour discovered her as a teenager. I wish you would do a show on her, but I'm not sure she fits into the musical formats you cover on SoT. In fact, I probably couldn't say what format her music falls into.
@@katesjanice Great list. Totally agree about Kate Bush (and my god, I should have thought about Scott Walker)
Ian Anderson came to mind as soon as the show started.
I could tell from your fantastic interview a few months back.
Pete, Reluctancy probably began and ended with JJ Cale, one of the greatest songwriters who was also very influential with his guitar playing and contributed to the Tulsa Sound. If not for Eric Clapton (a true Rock Star) "discovering ?" him, he would still be relatively unknown to most and is still criminally underrated. He played in smaller venues occasionally and lived in a trailer for much of his life. After he inadvertently helped to reinvent Clapton's career he gained some fame and financial rewards and an appreciation from many Rock Stars like Mark Knopfler, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Willie Nelson.
The noted British journalist David Hepworth tells a great story about J.J. Cale. He went to see him on his U.K. debut at Hammersmith Odeon in the mid ‘70s. The band took to the stage in a very low key manner. Hepworth’s girlfriend whispered to him, “Which one’s J.J. Cale?”, to which he replied authoritatively, “Oh, he’s not on stage yet.” Then this guy steps forward to the mike and sings “They call me the breeze…”
Yep, good call. JJ was pretty much a recluse.
Another great show. Thanks. I would have Jerry Garcia right up there as he was in it for the music and nothing else. He could not hide, however, and the pressure was too great in the end. And then there is Charlie Watts.
Thank you, Pete and Martin for your picks.
All the damn time.
* Some of my,’Reluctant’ Picks:
* 1. Howard Leese,from the band, Heart ❤️.
* 2. Meg White /The White Stripes
* 3. George Harrison / Beatles
* 4. John Deacon / Queen
* 5. Steven Tyler / Aerosmith
* 6. Grace Slick / Jefferson Airplane - Starship & Starship
* 7. Neil Peart / Rush
* 8. John Paul Jones / Led Zeppelin
* 9. Frank Zappa
* 10. John Sykes / Tygers of Pang Tang and many more!!
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
Life is better with music.
Steven Tyler?!
George Harrison has always been called ‘the quiet Beatle’ but this is something of a misnomer. He was saddled with that sobriquet following their arrival in the U.S. when he’d been suffering from flu or suchlike. The reality was that he could be very gregarious. He absolutely loved women and by all accounts was an absolute shag monster. He loved money too - there’s a famous story from the late ‘60s which George Martin told about George lecturing him about spiritualism and the curse of materialism and then he looked out of the window and saw the gleaming new sports car Harrison had just bought. He even wrote ‘Taxman’ about how they weren’t left with much money (which was probably kind of true, they didn’t get mega rich until much later on). Buying enormous stately home Friar Park wasn’t exactly the work of a man with no ego.
I think the truth with George Harrison was he was a complex character who did have a quiet, meditative side but also had his chase crumpet (look it up, non-British readers) rock n’ roll side.
they also called him the funny one ,which is weird, because i think he's easily the least funny Beatle imo.
The most spiritual people are usually the most deceiving and materialistic of all.
@@cleftturnip7774 After Paul & Ringo obviously.
Harrison had a very dry sardonic sense of humour that is very British. He loved Monty Python and financed their films Holy Grail and Life of Brian. He also appeared on The Rutles spoof and he was a friend of Eric Idle. I find him very amusing in some interviews but it might not be appreciated by non-British people.
Some of the negative comments about him on this thread- I want to add that when he was in The Beatles he was very young. When they split up he was still only 26 years old! Also his main passions were simply guitars, cars and Indian mysticism.
@@jimmycampbell78 26 years old, it beggars belief. He’d lived three lifetimes worth of experiences by the time most young blokes are starting to think there’s more to life than 6 pints in the pub and chasing crumpet.
That’s a great show ! Thanks to both of you!
One dvd I have that I think is so cool is Clapton and Harrison going to Japan.When George started playing his songs Clapton was in the background.It was like I'm just a guitar player just playing for this Beatle who's on another level than me.
I have to watch these Friday shows on Saturday because Martin and Pete send me scurrying off every few minutes (Bill Ward solo albums? Really? Wow!) and then back for more and it takes me about three hours to watch a one hour video.
That Steve Gorman book, the ex drummer of the Black Crow’s mention here is an excellent book.
Great show as always
Great show
Glad you mentioned George Harrison as he was my first thought and would very much agree with Neil Peart. Others I think of that were not mentioned or mentioned in HM's:
Mark Knopfler - Left Dire Straights behind almost at the height of their success to make very good low key singer songwriter music
Jeff Beck - A true guitar god who does not release a ton of albums but is very content in his own life
Kurt Cobain - Never wanted to be a rock star
Bill Berry - Drummer in REM leaves it all to be a farmer. Not really a rock star himself, but REM were arguably one of the biggest bands in the world at the time
Bill Bruford - For being one of the most recognizable drummers ever, he seemed to me to stay out of the spotlight
T-Bone Burnette - I really like his work but now is primarily a well regarded producer.
Great conversation. I recently went through Fleetwood Macs discography as I've always been a fan of Rumours/The Hits but didn't know their earlier records. Danny Kirwan was a very talented songwriter and very young at the time I believe. I really like his albums, especially Bare Trees. Mick Fleetwood sure was lucky to go from Peter Green to Danny Kirwan and then Lindsay Buckingham/Stevie Nicks. Anyone who enjoys a band with a lot of history from album to album etc check out Fleetwood Mac's discography......Chad , 35 years old.
Great episode!
Great topic, great show. My list would be :
1. JJ Cale (I cheated, I read a great comment about him, otherwise I would have forgotten him, he was so talented but so discreet)
2. Ry Cooder (not very different from JJ Cale, as far as star-system is concerned)
3. Andy Partridge (the fact that he stopped touring, for instance)
4. Donald Fagen
5. Kate Bush (she could have been huge, she should have been, "The dreaming" is such a masterpiece)
6. Todd Rungren
7. Tom Verlaine
8. Joni Mitchell
9. Leon Redbone
10. Gene Clark (maybe the best instance : the fact that he left the Byrds, a discreet but magnificent solo career).
10 bis : Colin Blunstone.
1)Brian Wilson
2)Syd Barrett
3)Cat Stevens
4)Kurt Cobain
5)Anthony Phillips
6)Paul Weller
7)John Entwistle
8)Syd Vicious
9)John Lennon (between 1975-1979)
10)Brian Jones
Some great points Pete re Zappa.
It's good that these guys knew who they wanted to play with them.
My top 5 pick:
Eddie Vedder (PEARL JAM)
Steve Perry (JOURNEY)
John Arch (ex-FATES WARNING, ARCH/MATHEOS)
John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER)
Ian Anderson (JETHRO TULL) - spot on description, guys!...
honourable mention: František Štorm (MASTERS HAMMER)
Keith Richards lovingly refers to George Harrison as “George the Farmer.” In his later years, George’s chief passion was gardening. Perfect example of this topic.
The look on Pete's face when Martin said Bill Ward's solo albums were better than Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules was priceless. It was like a robot going into 'does not compute' mode. But as usual he was the professional host always giving his guests a welcoming place to share their opinions. Good job, Pete. You are a better man than me...so to speak. :-D
Reckon I described Kurt Cobain as a "reluctant rockstar" during those previous episodes...Kind of hoping there's a prize. I await Mr Popoff's autographed manuscript. 🤠
Great topic! My personal top 5.
Neil Peart
Malcolm Young
John Paul Jones
Jeff Beck
George Harrison
Great show thank you wonderful idea! Some others have chimed in here but Jerry Garcia fits this bill to a tee, and I’d also throw in Warren Zevon.
Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder come to mind
Good topic. I see a part two on the horizon.
In common with yours:
Ian Anderson
Jeff Lynne
Frank Zappa
George Harrison
Robert Fripp
Jeff Beck
Buck Dharma
Others to be mentioned:
Dennis DeYoung
Eric Clapton
Phil Lynott
Neil Young
Tom Petty
Kansas (as a band)
Great episode! Very interesting topic
Good discussion gentlemen.
Wonderful show today gents, definitely a great way to start the weekend!
totally agree with Izzy…he was the key writer in GNR
This is brilliant Pete, am just a quartet of the way throug, love the choices so far by you & Martin, Hey I great idea just came to mind as am watching (on pause lol) for next one What about calling it, "Fallin Rock Stars", basically based on brilliantly talented singers /musicians who were incredibly active & highly regarded in the day, but now have gone or went into obscurity, hardly make music now, never seen, Such as John Sykes, Vito Bratto , Steve Marriot, Sid Barrit, thought you both might like this idea, Keep up the good work, love Sea of Tranquility, my favourite show, Greetings from Liverpool, England
Great picks! Really enjoyed this show and I learned some interesting stuff about a lot of these people. A couple others that came to mind for me are Neil Young and Layne Staley (Jerry Cantrell too for that matter).
Thanks Pete & Martin! 🤘🤘
Love Chris rea.
Great show... My first thoughts were Neil & Charlie. Another one, a reluctant guitar player in a reluctant rock band, Martin Barre. He spent a Winter or two skiing in Fernie BC, just another Brit hanging around the mountain. Every now and then he would wander into town and sit in at the local bar.
Izzy Stradlin was the first person I thought of Martin, great choice! Brian Wilson is another one, Vito Bratta from White Lion, Joey Ramone, Steve Vai, still only half way through the vid, but great so far guys!
Ritchie Blackmore for sure. Especially post Rainbow
David Sylvian springs immediately to mind.
Nice one again, great episode. Always appreciate it when these episodes last more than an hour, even if that's not always possible, of course.
01. Brian Johnson
02. Rory Gallagher
03. Ritchie Blackmore
04. Ronnie James Dio
05. Bruce Dickinson
06. Steve Harris
07. Geoff Tate
08. Bruce Kulick
09. Matthias Jabs
10. Johnny Ramone
Bruce...? 🤔
Some great choices guys and some excellent ones in the comments that made for interesting reading.
I would suggest Dan Reed from the Dan Reed Network. Perhaps somewhat disillusioned by the Network's lack of commercial success and the superficial nature of the music industry, Dan had some hard times before coming back with a broader musical and spiritual vision. His music now, both solo and with the reformed Dan Reed Network is still superb.
Excellent!
Great topic, fun show.
A few not mentioned:
Vito Bratta: guitar master, MIA no one missed him more than MIke Tramp
Chris DeGarmo: flying planes I guess. Queensryche never was the same
Peter Green: Came back, a shell of his former self
Jim Martin: nah, I'd rather grow pumpkins
Dan Spitz: nah, I'd rather make watches
Buckethead!!!
Watching this some hours after you guys recorded the choices are amazing.
Kate Bush. Was pretty big in the late 70's to mid-80's. Never heard much about her after that.
Gary Numan. Heard he left music entirely after first couple of years or so.
Bo Hansson. Had a semi-succeful psychedelic outfit called Hansson & Karlsson. jammed with Jimi. Made music inspired by Tolkien. Got picked up by Charisma in UK. Became pretty big but faded into obscurity after a few albums. Died a few years ago, Saw an documentary back then and from my memory his life was reclusive.
Kurt Cobain was my first thought. Great show as always!
These guys are cool
Two come to mind... Anthony Phillips, although I always understood that to be an issue with stagefright (like Andy Partridge). And Bill Nelson, guitarist, vocalist and the creative force behind Be Bop Deluxe - who would rather be working on his own from his home studio. David Sylvian is another, but perhaps not well aligned to SOT.
Oh, yes David Sylvian! I'd like to add Scott Walker (already mentioned in this thread by Gary Robinson) because he and David S. not only were reluctant stars but were also dissatisfied with popular music's aesthetic limitations and consequently made astonishingly uncompromising records.
Martin has mentioned David Sylvian a couple of times but def not Pete’s oeuvre, which is unfortunate as would love ranking his album show.
Martin Yes book arrived yesterday thank you 😊
Yay, good to hear, except for the 41 degrees!
An "aside" comment about Popoff talking about the band Rush regarding "Limelight". "Being in the limelight" refers to the stage/theater previous to electricity where spotlight canisters were filled with the powder, lime, set on fire, which would create light and the canister would direct the light toward the stage so that the actors/singers/musicians/performers would be spotlighted. Standing in the Lime Light.
Friday eve here...been sweltering here in the uk..40 degrees +
Love the picks guys…but I don’t think you can have this category without including Jerry Garcia: He famously shunned the role of “leader”, going so far as relegating himself to an equal vote in any band related decisions with the other members of the band and crew, and shunning the spotlight as much as possible…Even though he no doubt was the creative genius of their music and live shows. Ironically, he became a messiah to their legion of fans and of the counter culture in general - a role he never seemed to seek or want - and which ultimately made him a prisoner of the fame and accolades he never really was comfortable with.
3 others that spring to mind are
Brian Johnson - one of the biggest bands in the world, biggest selling rock album of all time but I don’t suppose anyone would recognise him walking down the street.
Noddy Holder - Slade were riding high with their 80s come back & Noddy just decided he’d been there, done that & wanted to do something else. Over 30 years later & a few lucrative offers to reform, he hasn’t been tempted back.
Robin Zander - the voice of Cheap Trick, but definitely not the front man. Seems happy to leave that to Rick.
Peter Green is the obvious number one here, no one else comes close. Can't believe he didn't even get a mention. A severe oversight. Dave Brock, leader of the band main song writer, lead guitarist, but so anonymous, lives in the middle of nowhere and on stage he tries to blend in with the curtains. Plus Neil Young, Richard Wright, Mick Taylor.
Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren(Kansas, although that could be said of the whole band, save maybe Rich Williams)
Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson( Supertramp, although that could be said of the whole band)
Neil Peart( Rush, as mentioned, RIP)
Mark Knopfler(Dire Straits, solo, although in later years, he opened up/accepted being a "rock star")
Walter Becker/Donald Fagen(Steely Dan, as mentioned). Although it could be argued that they were putting on an act, especially in the 70s.
Gerry Rafferty(RIP)
Dan Fogelberg(RIP)
Tom Scholz(Boston, as mentioned)
Al Stewart(he gives off an air of " how did I end up being here ", perhaps I'm mistaking surprise and humility for reluctance)
Livgren of Kansas, most definitely.
Love Queen, but John didn’t kill Queen: the quiet man called time after Freddie died. Wise, clever man, and a great bassist.
Think John had some anxiety issues. Also, besides No Freddie, no Queen, he was trying to overcome some alcohol issues, as he talked about leaving before Freddie got sick. Also had 6 children( maybe 5 at time), he wanted to spend time with. Think him & Freddie shared love of same kind of music, where Brian & Roger were all rock. Probably has a lot of grand kids now!!
Queen was a band of 4 amazing songwriters and one front man.
Of all bands, Queen had to keep touring because they all were responsible for their success, not just Freddie.
Of course, Freddie is irreplaceable so the chances of success were always slim.
I think John was the most affected by Mercury's death he just couldn't go on.
@@rael2099 Success? Queen are a well known pap muzak band who made banal cock rock.
🤠I reckon I described Kurt Cobain as a "reluctant Rockstar" during those previous episodes...Kind of hoping there's a prize. I await Mr Popoff's autographed manuscript.
Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner, and Don Felder come to mind!
Pete had you mentioned Buck Dharma. I expected Martin to mention him. Great show!
Fantastic show guys as always
I hoped you enjoyed the race last week Martin ! Can you believe how loud the cars get
Yeah, all day it was, I don't need ear plugs. And then somewhere along 85 laps of it...
Eddie Van Halen, Neil Peart, Brian Wilson, John Deacon, Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, Ian Curtis, and Buck Dharma
I could listen to Pardo/Popoff shoot the shit about weather for a whole show.....😄🖖
Jeff Beck came to mind for me as well. Also Roger Hodgson of Supertramp seemed more about the music and could take or leave superstardom.
Yes, Hodgson also came to mind for me. Rick Davies seemed more about being in the limelight, although both are musicians first.
George and Ringo both were low profile and along with occasional hits either on their own
or touring George with the Wilburys and Ringo with his All Starr Bands featuring guest Performers
from other groups and such, My favorite George Harrison song is from that album "Crackerbox
Palace" and I like weird video he did for it and with Ringo "It Don't Come Easy".
At 82 now, Ringo is the oldest of the Beatles yet to me somehow always seemed like the youngest.
I really enjoyed this. Great content. Helps me get my work done. lol. You guys rule.
John Sykes coming up with this topic makes sense. Interesting that he could have been in Winery Dogs. What's the deal man?
Id say half of Aerosmith. One of the biggest, most famous bands, yet not many people know who Tom Hamilton or Joey Kramer are. Or Brad Whitford. And they all seem content to play backing roles. That band could have springboarded big solo careers for all of them. Whitford especially.
Id say John Paul Jones as well.
The one I have in mind is Emppu Vuorinen (nightwish guitarist) he is not an interview guy at all, he's got something here and there for specific reasons but he just wants to play and that's it.
I thought of a possible topic, apologies if done before but I don’t believe so. Great albums that were made while a band was in turmoil/major fights between key members at the time of making it etc.
Definitely my favorite of the 3 rock star shows. How about Tommy Aldridge?
Quiet in a loud way🥁
Rundgren is from Philly, not NY, so he wasn’t really a New Yorker, just lived there for a time until re-locating to Woodstock to work at Albert Grossman’s Bearsville studio, he’s been living in Hawaii for years now.
Steve Rothery from Marillion, Rick Wright from the Floyd and Zeppelin's John Paul Jones