The Last Rockstars are a supergroup made up of legendary rock musicians who came together in the 2010s. The group features Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, and other iconic rockers.
How did The Last Rockstars form?
The idea for The Last Rockstars came about in 2012 when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were discussing future plans for The Rolling Stones. They realized that many of their peers from the 1960s and 1970s rock era were still alive and well in their 60s and 70s. Jagger and Richards thought it would be fun to create a supergroup featuring the biggest names in classic rock who were still actively performing.
Jagger and Richards approached musicians like Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, and others. The idea was met with enthusiasm and The Last Rockstars were born. Though conflicting schedules and other commitments have made it tricky to get everyone together at once, various incarnations of the supergroup have done sporadic live shows and recordings over the last decade.
Who are the members of The Last Rockstars?
The Last Rockstars has featured an ever-rotating and evolving lineup given the busy schedules of the musicians involved. However, some of the most frequent and notable members include:
- Mick Jagger – vocals
- Keith Richards – guitar
- Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
- Jimmy Page – guitar
- Robert Plant – vocals
- Rod Stewart – vocals
- Joe Perry – guitar
- Alice Cooper – vocals
- Roger Daltrey – vocals
- Eric Clapton – guitar
- Jeff Beck – guitar
- Ronnie Wood – guitar
- Ian Anderson – vocals, flute
- Paul McCartney – vocals, bass
- Charlie Watts – drums
- John Paul Jones – bass
- Stewart Copeland – drums
Other classic rockers like David Coverdale, Brian May, Roger Waters, and Steven Tyler have also made guest appearances with The Last Rockstars over the years.
What are some notable performances by The Last Rockstars?
Some of the key live shows and recordings done by various lineups of The Last Rockstars include:
- 2012 – One-off show at London’s O2 Arena featuring Jagger, Richards, Osbourne, Page, Plant, Stewart, Perry, and others.
- 2014 – Brief 5-city US tour with Jagger, Richards, Osbourne, Perry, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, and Eric Clapton.
- 2016 – Appearance at Desert Trip festival in California with Jagger, Richards, Plant, Waters, McCartney, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan.
- 2017 – Live album and DVD chronicling the Desert Trip performances.
- 2018 – Short run of shows in Europe featuring Jagger, Osbourne, Page, Stewart, Beck, Wood, McCartney, and Watts.
- 2019 – Grammys performance featuring Jagger, Osbourne, Perry, Clapton, Beck, and McCartney.
These performances have allowed different combinations of the legends to share the stage and remind audiences why they are considered among the greatest rock stars of all time.
What is a notable or memorable on-stage collaboration by members of The Last Rockstars?
One particularly memorable on-stage collaboration came during The Last Rockstars’ 2014 US tour when Robert Plant and Ozzy Osbourne joined forces to perform the Led Zeppelin classic “Whole Lotta Love.” Plant handled lead vocals while Osbourne sang harmonies and Jimmy Page shredded on guitar. Seeing the two seminal hard rock frontmen share vocal duties on what is arguably Zeppelin’s most iconic song was a historic moment fans won’t soon forget.
Have The Last Rockstars recorded any albums or singles together?
There has never been a full studio album recorded by The Last Rockstars given how challenging it is to coordinate schedules. However, the group has released a few live albums/DVDs showcasing their collaborations like the 2017 Desert Trip concert documentation.
They have also done a handful of singles when able to get members together in the studio. These include:
- “Rock Is Dead?” (2015) – Jagger, Osbourne, and Daltrey sharing vocals
- “Whole Lotta Love” single version (2016) – Plant, Osbourne, and Page
- “Miss You” (2017) – Jagger, Richards, Wood, and McCartney
These sporadic single and live releases give fans a taste of what a full album project from The Last Rockstars could sound like. There is still hope they may one day find time to record a complete studio project, but given their packed schedules, it remains uncertain.
How has The Last Rockstars impacted or influenced other musicians?
As living legends who pioneered and shaped the sound of classic rock in the 1960s, 70s, and beyond, any chance to see members of The Last Rockstars share a stage inspires fellow musicians and proves rock isn’t going anywhere. The supergroup shows vintage rockers can still perform at a high level and exposes their music to younger generations.
Seeing Jagger still swaggering across a stage alongside Osbourne still wailing away at 70+ years old makes clear you don’t have to fade away with age. Their collective body of work and longevity has influenced everyone from Foo Fighters and The Black Keys to bands just starting out. The Last Rockstars show that fiery rock music still resonates and unites people, no matter their age.
How have The Last Rockstars impacted and influenced rock music fans over the years?
For longtime rock fans who grew up listening to bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Black Sabbath, getting to see Last Rockstars members from those groups perform together is a dream come true. It allows fans to relive the glory days of classic rock and experience a modern update mixing beloved musicians.
The supergroup also introduces these legendary rockers to younger fans born decades after their original heyday. Teens and 20-somethings who may not be familiar with a band like The Who get exposed to Roger Daltrey’s voice and talent through The Last Rockstars. It reemphasizes how special and timeless their music remains today.
Even casual music fans are drawn in by the Rock Hall of Fame caliber roster The Last Rockstars boasts. The opportunity to see a collection of music icons together on one stage is unforgettable. Their collective body of hits provides the ultimate rock playlist soundtrack for multiple generations.
What lasting impact or legacy has The Last Rockstars created?
The overarching legacy of The Last Rockstars is proving that rock music remains culturally relevant and rock legends still have much to offer. Their collaborations reinforce rock did not die when MTV stopped airing music videos or Napster took off. There remains a loyal, enthusiastic audience ready to see iconic rockers keep performing and creating.
On a more granular level, The Last Rockstars has generated a series of memorable concert moments fans and fellow musicians will never forget. From Ozzy and Robert Plant teaming up to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards playing alongside Paul McCartney, the supergroup has created living rock history before our eyes.
These aging rockers could easily retire and rest on their laurels at this point in their lives. But the lasting takeaway from The Last Rockstars is that passion for vibrant rock music never goes away, no matter your age. That energy and creative spirit lives on in The Last Rockstars and the artists they continue to inspire each time they take the stage.
Conclusion
The Last Rockstars represent an unprecedented gathering of supremely talented rock icons who refuse to fade away gently. Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant, and the other legends that make up the ever-evolving supergroup prove age is just a number when it comes to delivering powerful music. Their live shows and sporadic recordings over the past decade stand out as unforgettable moments in rock history. Even with busy schedules and miles on the odometer, The Last Rockstars show vintage rockers can still captivate audiences and collaborate with fellow greats to create magical musical moments. Their lasting legacy is affirming that rock music remains embedded in our culture and true rock stars never die.