20 side projects by famous musicians that are definitely worth a listen

Albarn made a name for himself with Brit-pop faves Blur, then gained even more success with the Grammy Award-winning Gorillaz, and its conceptual storytelling through alternative, electronica, hip-hop and pop. In addition, Albarn was part of the supergroup  The Good, the Bad & the Queen (with the Clash's Paul Simonon and guitarist Simon Tong from the Verve. I 2008, Albarn teamed with Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Africa drummer Tony Allen to release Rocket Juice & the Moon, the self-titled record from a project that is certainly worth a listen.

Sleater-Kinney vet Carrie Brownstein has shown to be one of the most versatile entertainers around. On the alternative/indie music scene, she's pretty special/]. So, when she and former Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss teamed with guitarist/vocalist Mary Timony (Helium) and keyboardist Rebecca Cole (The Minders), it was a rollicking experience. Wild Flag was only together for a few years at the beginning of the 2010, but the band's lone self-titled 2011 release, highlighted by the stellar "Romance," is pop-alt-punk genius.

The immensely talented Claypool is best known as the iconic leader of Primus. As well as lending his creatively unique and exceptional bass talent to supergroups Oysterhead (featuring Trey Anastasio and Stewart Copeland) and Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains (including Buckethead, Bryan Mantia, and Bernie Worrell). Then there were these two side projects. Fearless Flying Frog Brigade was formed in the early 2000s, lasting a few years before being revived in 2022. The highly eclectic Fancy Band ran from 2005-'08, featuring Claypool also playing the saxophone. Both further showed off why Claypool is among the elite bassists of all time.

The late Chris Cornell created this iconic project with Seattle buddies and current members of Pearl Jam (Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, Matt Cameron) as a tribute to his friend and roommate Andrew Wood, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. Wood fronted Seattle's Mother Love Bone, which included Gossard and Ament. Its self-titled 1991 release, only studio effort from the guys, is hailed as a grunge classic thanks to such gems like "Hunger Strike" — featuring Vedder sharing vocals with Cornell — and "Say Hello to Heaven." 

A side of Blink-182 stalwarts Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, Box Car Racer lasted from 2001-'03. However, the band's lone self-titled studio release from 2002, is a fine piece of post-hardcore, with a hint of emo, that conveyed a sound that reportedly was influencing DeLonge, at the time. He also noted it was a challenge for him to see if he could deliver such a record. Essentially, Box Car Racer was a one-off moment from the start.

In 1983, Duran Duran was one of the biggest bands in the world, and riding the success of its third album Seven and the Ragged Tiger. In the wake of the record's release, Duran Duran planned a hiatus. However, they didn't intend to rest, instead the five members factioned off into two different side projects. Frontman Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes formed Arcadia, which was essentially an extension of the signature Duran Duran sound, and spawned the hit "Election Day" from 1985. However, two of the three Taylor bandmates -- John and Andy -- joined up with the soulful British favorite Robert Palmer and American drummer Tony Thompson to create The Power Station. That group garnered immediate success through its self-titled, rock-fueled 1985 release, which included hits "Some Like It Hot" and a cover of T. Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)." Interestingly, Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor contributed to both projects.

An early-2000s side project of Death Cab for Cutie leader Gibbard, The Postal Service also featured DJ and producer Jimmy Tamborello and child actress-turned-musician Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley). A mix of electronica and indie rock, the band released only one studio album, 2003's "Give Up," which produced three singles, highlighted by "Such Great Heights." Over the years, there has been much clamoring for the band to reunite. That finally happened for a 20th anniversary reunion tour in 2023. 

Again, another band that can fall into the supergroup category. However, Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age pal Josh Homme were busy with their respective bands when this group, which also included legendary Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones formed in 2009. The group never officially released anything beyond a self-titled album from that same year. However, that record highlights each musician's talent perhaps better than any such project has done before or since. The single  "New Fang" won a Grammy Award in 2011. 

The late Foo Fighters' drummer had his hands in many side projects, but one of the more brilliantly underrated of the bunch was this outfit, which released three studio albums -- Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders (2006), Red Light Fever (2010) , and  Get the Money (2019). Deliciously fueled alternative hard rock, the band also featured Christian music hero Gannin Arnold, Chris Chaney, who has toured as AC/DC bassist, and veteran hard rock guitarist Brent Woods. Hawkins wrote most of the tracks and sang vocals, while  Dave Grohl, Ann Wilson, Brian May and Chrissie Hynde were just a few of the legendary musicians who lent their talent to the project.

Ice-T is one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time. However, his musical alter ego, of sorts, continues to come out through this heavy project that formed in 1990, and drew controversy right out of the gate with the track "Cop Killer" from its 1992 self-titled debut. Ice-T, also a successful and popular actor, has put out eight Body Count studio albums, most recently in 2024. In many ways, Body Count has become his musical focus since he hasn't released a solo rap record since 2006.

Keenan is best known for unleashing his vocal talent through Tool, and digging somewhat deeper via A Perfect Circle. It began, essentially, as a musically creative outlet for Keenan, almost a glorified solo project, when it began in early 2003. From 2007-'20, Puscifer, which features collaborating musicians Mat Mitchell and Carina Round, has put out four studio records. The sound is more experimental, almost art rock in nature, compared to Keenan's other more notable groups, but enticingly infectious nonetheless. 

Prince had his hands in many musical projects during his legendary career. The Family, however, might be the most well-known. Formed in 1985 after The Time disbanded as Morris Day went solo and guitarist Jesse Johnson started his own band, lingering members Jellybean Johnson, Jerome Benton, and Paul Peterson worked with Prince, at his own urging, to form this group. Yet, The Family was essentially another musical outlet for Prince, who wrote all the tracks on the group's lone 1985 self-titled album. The record is remembered for including the original version of "Nothing Compares 2 U," with Peterson on vocals. It became a worldwide hit for Sinead O'Connor in 1990.

The epitome of a side project, Hindu Love Gods included R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Bill Barry and Peter Buck (Michael Stipe would join on occasion), and the legendary Warren Zevon and local Athens, Georgia, musician Bryan Cook. The group played mostly covers, including an exceptional version of Prince's "Raspberry Beret" and "Battleship Chains," a hit for the Georgia Satellites, during the 1980s and released a self-titled record in 1990.

The Rolling Stones legend formed this side project with prominent drummer Steve Jordan in 1987, and also featured rock heavyweights in guitarist Waddy Watchel and Ivan Neville on keyboard. The band, featuring Richards on lead vocals, ran until 1993. Its first album, Talk Is Cheap, has long been considered a cult classic amid Richard's legendary career.

Was Mike + The Mechanics a supergroup? Sure, considering Mike Rutherford starred in Genesis and former singer Paul Carrack spent time with Squeeze and Roxy Music. However, it's more of a Grammy Award-nominated side project that managed to keep going thanks to the lasting popularity of hits like "All I Need Is a Miracle" and "The Living Years," and has released nine studio albums. The most recent was in 2019.

Nikki Sixx has always been the driving force behind Mötley Crüe; however, the famed bassist enjoyed a solid run with this alternative rock/metal project that released five studio albums from 2007 to '16. Versatile hard rock musicians, producers, and behind-the-scenes stars James Michael (vocals) and DJ Ashba (guitar) joined Sixx, who has generally kept busy amid the always uncertain nature surrounding the Crüe's status.

One studio record, 1983's Blue Sunshine, was all we got from this brilliant fly-by-night collaboration. Highlighted by the legendary frontman of the Cure, Smith teamed with Siouxsie and the Banshees' bassist Steven Severin, plus various other musicians, to release a dark post-punk, new wave record that was more fantastically depressing and edgy than we could imagine from Smith even amid his worst days with the Cure. Alas, the project was short-lived, as Smith returned his main money-making source, but Blue Sunshine is an excellent remnant of the effort.

The line between the supergroup with both of these Jack White projects is kind of blurry. Had it not been for White losing his voice while playing with The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather might not exist. The latter formed in 2009, with White joining The Kills singer Alison Mosshart, fellow Raconteur Jack Lawrence, and guitarist Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age. When it comes to hook-driven, alternative rock brilliance, one can't go wrong with either group.

Back in the early 1990s, Heart sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson decided to form an acoustic side project. Never intending to be anything long-term, the group's most well-known performance came on a version of the Led Zeppelin classic "The Battle of Evermore." That version appeared on the soundtrack for the 1992 film Singles, written and directed by Cameron Crowe, Nancy's husband at the time.

The Smile is another reason to question Radiohead's existence as an active band. Formed in 2018, two years after Radiohead's most recent studio release A Moon Shaped Pool. Radiohead's leaders, Yorke and Greenwood, worked with drummer Tom Skinner during the COVID-19 lockdown and have released three art-rock fused albums since 2022. For Radiohead fans waiting for new material from the band, this is a viable substitute.