5 Amazing Rock Legend Cameos In Music Videos

There’s something undeniably thrilling about spotting a familiar rock icon pop up unexpectedly in a music video. Whether it’s a sly nod to the past or a surprising twist on their public persona, these cameos offer a spark of joy that blends nostalgia with novelty. While some artists might use visual effects or elaborate choreography to grab attention, others rely on the unmistakable presence of a fellow legend to elevate the moment.

These appearances aren’t just for fun—they often carry artistic weight. A rock legend walking onto a video set, even for a fleeting scene, brings with them decades of legacy and character. It adds dimension to the video, even if the cameo doesn’t directly relate to the song’s narrative. In a way, it’s a creative collaboration between eras, genres, or even rival bands, stitched together by the shared language of music.

In this article, we’re spotlighting five standout moments where rock legends made unforgettable cameos in music videos. These appearances didn’t just give fans something to cheer about—they helped define the energy and tone of the videos themselves. With charm, swagger, or sheer coolness, these rockers turned brief appearances into unforgettable highlights.

1. Ringo Starr in Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”

While often mistaken for a Heartbreakers track, “I Won’t Back Down” is technically a Tom Petty solo song—though it might as well be a reunion considering the all-star lineup. Produced by Jeff Lynne, with George Harrison on acoustic guitar and backing vocals from Lynne himself, the video also features a surprise appearance by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. His presence might not be immediately explained by the song credits, but it adds a bit of sparkle to the video.

Ringo brings a light, playful energy to a song built on firm resolve. With a calm smile and expressive eyes, he’s seen holding up a variety of props throughout the video—almost like he’s the visual relief for the otherwise steady and stoic tone. His charm is unforced and gently humorous, providing a contrast to Harrison’s more serious demeanor.

The cameo doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s what makes it memorable. It’s not about making the video more famous—it’s about adding something unexpected, something warm. Ringo’s walk-on moment doesn’t change the song’s meaning, but it does deepen the vibe, reminding fans that sometimes a small gesture can carry a big legacy.

2. Jerry Cantrell in Nickelback’s “Rockstar” 

There’s no denying that Nickelback has become one of the most polarizing bands in modern rock, often serving as a musical punchline. But say what you want about them—when they released “Rockstar,” they managed to pull off a surprisingly self-aware video filled with tongue-in-cheek cameos. The biggest eyebrow-raiser among them? Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains.

Cantrell’s appearance stands out precisely because it’s so unexpected. As a major figure in the grunge movement, his presence in a Nickelback video is like seeing your high school teacher at a punk show—out of place, but kind of perfect. He doesn’t take himself too seriously here, and that choice adds credibility to the video’s playful tone.

While Ted Nugent also makes a quick stop in the same video, it’s Cantrell who feels like the cameo with real subtext. It’s a rock veteran recognizing the genre’s evolution, even if that evolution includes a few bands you’d rather roast than replay. That brief acknowledgment adds a layer of humor, humility, and shared lineage to the mix.

3. Gary Barlow in Paul McCartney’s “Queenie Eye”

Take That’s Gary Barlow might not be everyone’s go-to name when discussing rock royalty, but his cameo in Paul McCartney’s “Queenie Eye” promo is worth a closer look. The video is packed with celebrity appearances—Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep among them—but Barlow’s inclusion carries a more musical significance.

Barlow had recently interviewed McCartney about the craft of songwriting, and his respect for the former Beatle is clear. In the video, he appears not as a pop star seeking spotlight, but as an admirer soaking in the experience of sharing space with a living legend. His cameo feels like a humble nod from one songwriter to another, regardless of genre or era.

What makes this moment matter is Barlow’s reflection on the creative process. He emphasized that success in music isn’t a lightning strike—it’s persistence, trial, and error. His appearance in “Queenie Eye” echoes that sentiment: a quiet appreciation for the grind, wrapped in the glam of a Beatle’s music video.

4. Steve Strange in David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes”

When David Bowie returned to the world of Major Tom in “Ashes to Ashes,” he wasn’t just reflecting on the past—he was reshaping it with bold, surreal visuals. At the center of this reinvention was Steve Strange, frontman of Visage and a key figure in the New Romantic movement, whose presence added a layer of avant-garde elegance to the eerie, dreamlike video.

Strange appears as a sort of spectral guide, drifting through Bowie’s subconscious as he reconciles the weight of his own mythology. The video, one of the most expensive ever produced at the time, was a visual feast of symbolism and style, and Strange’s cameo only added to its mystique. His involvement gave the video credibility in the fashion-forward London scene, marrying music and image in a way only Bowie could.

The connection came full circle when Strange went on to collaborate with music video directors Godley and Creme, helping shape iconic visuals throughout the ’80s. His appearance in “Ashes to Ashes” wasn’t just an aesthetic choice—it was part of a wider cultural conversation, with Bowie placing a new generation of style and sound at the center of his own evolution.

5. John Deacon in Morris Minor and the Majors’ “Stutter Rap (No Sleep Til Bedtime)”

It takes something special to pull the notoriously private John Deacon out of hiding, and oddly enough, “Stutter Rap” managed to do it. The Queen bassist—who rarely appeared in public even at the height of the band’s fame—showed up in full costume for this novelty track’s absurd music video. And what’s more, he mimed a blazing guitar solo while dressed in a wig and oversized glasses.

Deacon’s cameo is the definition of unexpected. Known for his quiet demeanor and dislike for the spotlight, seeing him let loose in a parody video feels like spotting a unicorn at a birthday party. While the track itself may not have aged well, Deacon’s presence remains one of its only redeeming qualities—a hidden gem for Queen fans willing to dig deep.

The irony, of course, is that Deacon was more than capable of performing the actual solo, as he frequently handled guitar work in the studio. His moment in “Stutter Rap” isn’t just funny—it’s a rare glimpse at a rock legend stepping way outside his usual comfort zone. That’s what makes it unforgettable.