I respect John Deacons decision. I wouldn't have wanted Queen to continue without Freddy.

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.

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.

- Jason Newsted (Metallica) - The Greenwood brothers (Radiohead) - Adam Jones (Tool) - Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins) - Mark Hollis (Talk Talk)

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.

Peter Hammill He's a very kind, gentle and private person. Amazing that he made such deep and sometimes frightening music

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.

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.

Frank Marino comes to mind

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.

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)

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.

The ones that spring up in my mind are Michael Stipe, Scott Walker, Joni Mitchell, Terry Hall, Brian Wilson, Kate Bush.

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!

Love Queen, but John didn’t kill Queen: the quiet man called time after Freddie died. Wise, clever man, and a great bassist.

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 😢.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder come to mind

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.

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 KZfaq video about him making Tubular Bells , and you can see clearly that rock stardom wasn't his thing . Thanks !

Eddie Van Halen, Neil Peart, Brian Wilson, John Deacon, Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, Ian Curtis, and Buck Dharma

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.

John Deacon

totally agree with Izzy…he was the key writer in GNR

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.

“He’s like a Syd Barrett but without the damage from the acid thing” was brilliant

Robert Smith springs to mind. Great list guys! That was so on point.

David Sylvian springs immediately to mind.

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

but yeah zappa might be the best example without doubt!!! 🤩😍😜

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.

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 😎

Ritchie Blackmore for sure. Especially post Rainbow

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)

Neither of you mentioned Chris Cornell. You want to talk about a "Rock Star", he had the looks and the talent to back everything up. Tremendous vocalist who could've fit any era of Rock N' Roll or Heavy Metal. A talented songwriter as well, across all his projects. But he was clearly not comfortable being in the spotlight. RIP

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.

A suggestion I’d throw out is Andy Partridge of XTC. He developed severe stage fright early on so the band stopped touring and retreated into the more insular pursuits of crafting idiosyncratic songs and home recording. He’s also a classic English eccentric with his love of model trains and toy soldiers.

Love Chris rea.

I like how Neil Pert transportation mode was his bike to the next show/town if time was cohesive.

Chris DeGarmo of Queensryche. Even with the great success of the band, he wanted no part of the dysfunction of the band. Mick Mars of Motley Crue seems to be another reluctant star

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

Eno springs to mind, I sense he realised if he remained in a pop band he'd struggle to be taken seriously as a musician, or human being.

Based on the preamble, Neil Young comes to mind. There is the famous post-"Heart of Gold" quote where he says its success put him in the middle of the road, so he re-dedicated himself to heading toward the ditch. He is a huge star, but he almost always rebels against or complicates the dynamics of pop stardom; recall, for instance, when David Geffen unsuccessfully sued him in the 1980s for producing quote-unquote uncharacteristic music on albums such as Trans and Everybody's Rockin'. While other rock stars dedicate their autobiographies to sex, drugs, and related hedonism or name-dropping, Neil publishes a 300-page argument against poor sound quality in the streaming era, lol. Van Morrison also springs to mind because his music suggests a free-flowing, fiery-spirited, deep-feeling, sensual, charismatic Celtic shaman, but then his real-world presence is so curmudgeonly and restrained, as well as prone to litigiousness. One would never watch or read an interview with him and say, "This is obviously the man whose soul unleashed 'Madame George' and 'Listen to the Lion.'"

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.

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.

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

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.

I agree with the choice of Jeff Lynne. Probably his greatest influence was Brian Wilson. I don't think it's possible to not have Brian be NUMBER ONE on this list of reluctant rock stars. And somebody below also mentioned Justin Hayward. What a brilliant musicians/guitarist/vocalist/songwriter. How 100% of rock fans aren't aware of his talent is probably due in large part to his quiet demeanor.

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.

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

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.

That’s a great show ! Thanks to both of you!

Watching this some hours after you guys recorded the choices are amazing.

Fantastic show guys as always

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.

I really enjoyed this. Great content. Helps me get my work done. lol. You guys rule.

Wonderful show today gents, definitely a great way to start the weekend!

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

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.

John Deacon.

Good topic. I see a part two on the horizon.

Some great points Pete re Zappa. It's good that these guys knew who they wanted to play with them.

Rory Gallagher. Van Morrison.

Excellent!

Great show as always

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.

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.

Guy Speranza of Riot. He gave up after Fire Down Under to become an exterminator.

Seth Quorthron from Bathory never wanted any exposure. Most of the time he never even wanted his picture to appear on his albums. He refused to play live. Bathory was never huge, but were really big for an underground band. They had an incredible impact on the Black Metal scene which arguably was almost became a part of mainstream Pop culture a few years back . Once Upon a time Black Metal was everywhere, all the major Record Stores used to keep well stocked with Black Metal Albums and shirts

Good discussion gentlemen.

Ian Anderson came to mind as soon as the show started. I could tell from your fantastic interview a few months back.

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.

🤠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.

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.

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! 🤘🤘

There is no one bigger and more low profile than John Williams(Star Wars, Superman, etc...). I know it's classical music or film scores but in my book, he is a "Rock Star".

That Steve Gorman book, the ex drummer of the Black Crow’s mention here is an excellent book.

Pete had you mentioned Buck Dharma. I expected Martin to mention him. Great show!

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

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

Martin Yes book arrived yesterday thank you 😊

I hoped you enjoyed the race last week Martin ! Can you believe how loud the cars get

Robin Trower comes to mind. Never hear much about him during his career outside the music and seems somewhat shy around people until he got on stage. Prince seems to fall into the same category

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.

John Sykes coming up with this topic makes sense. Interesting that he could have been in Winery Dogs. What's the deal man?

In no particular order. He's not really a rock star but Mike Oldfield comes to mind, he hates doing interviews and for a long time really didn't like performing live. Mark knopfler , lives a pretty quiet life outside of music Bill whyman and Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones) John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) Pretty much the whole of Iron Maiden , they live pretty clean lives and you don't really hear of them outside of Maiden Pat Smear (foo fighters / nirvana) I know hes Dave's mate but why is he in the Foo's, he seems like a very quiet guy too(nothing wrong with that) Peter green , saw him in 2000 he never spoke all night, the other guitar player did all the talking, he sang a few tunes and played some great guitar but he looked a little uncomfortable, he'd been away for so long it took him a few years to get his confidence back. Robby Krieger (The Doors) Very quiet guy , always seemed shy on stage. John deacon (Queen) Noel Reading (Jimi Hendrix Experience) Lived a pretty quiet life in Ireland for many years

Alan Parsons would be another great choice as well.

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!

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!

I could listen to Pardo/Popoff shoot the shit about weather for a whole show.....😄🖖

Great topic! My personal top 5. Neil Peart Malcolm Young John Paul Jones Jeff Beck George Harrison