Epic Onstage Collaborations

A fortnight ago, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney teamed up at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, in what was potentially the biggest onstage collaboration of the century so far! That got us thinking about other impromptu duets that simply raised the roof. Here’s the list we came up with:

Florence and Dizzee Rascal – You’ve Got the Dirtee Love, Brit Awards Feb. 2010
A pair of artists who bring extremely different sounds to their collaboration, that could not work better. Dizzee Rascal raps while being supported by 10 harpists. Florence belts out “You’ve got the love” adding a haunting quality to Dizzee’s fast paced rapping. The end result is literally a shower of confetti, and beautiful sound.

Fleetwood Mac and the USC Marching Band – Tusk and Don’t Stop
Bringing in an entire marching band is something not normally seen at a live show. Fleetwood Mac didn’t care, however, partnering with the University of Southern California marching band to record the song Tusk, and then perform together. The effect is big, impressive, and a bit cheeky. The marching band aren’t playing instruments the entire time, but instead dancing to the music.

Muse and The Edge – Where the Streets Have No Name
After U2 had to pull out of Glastonbury in 2010 fans were upset, but this helped ease the pain. Muse brought the rock that night, performing a power-packed set before The Edge took the stage. He strummed his guitar as though he were always meant to perform with Muse, and together they rocked like the streets did have no name.

The Rolling Stones and Jack White – Loving Cup
The country influenced Loving Cup, takes the Rolling Stones normally rocking sound, and tones it down slightly. When you add in Jack White, the result is a twangy, country infused performance that is unparalleled. Mick Jagger and Jack White’s voices both bring the music from country ballad to rock anthem.

Rihanna and Jay-Z – Umbrella
Every time Rihanna and Jay-Z take the stage it is a dynamite performance. Jay-Z’s rap at the beginning of the song, setting it up for Rihanna to come in and sweep the crowd off their feet. She belts out her lyrics, with Jay-Z letting her soak in all the love. When he comes back in for the bridge the crowd erupts, every time. It’s a performance, which happens a lot, but never disappoints.

What’s your dream onstage collaboration? Or have you already seen it!?