Rock songs written about another performer.

[Mr. Shadow]

I'll start with one that most are not familiar with... written about David Bowie.



There are tons more--let's have 'em here.

 

[bobbyg29]

Cool idea! A few of my favorites:

Rosebud - Ryan Adams (about Jerry Garcia, or more specifically his guitar)


Cocaine & Ashes - Son Volt (about Keith Richards)


Danko/Manuel - Drive-By Truckers (about Richard Manuel and Rick Danko from The Band)
-performed by Jason Isbell of DBT

 

[Flower]

The Guess Who ~ Clap for the Wolfman (Wolfman Jack)

 

[Flower]

Creeque Alley ~ The Mamas & The Papas mentions their friends John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful), Jim "Roger" McGuinn (former lead singer of the Byrds) and Barry McGuire (Eve of Destruction)

 

[Dave78]

"Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd

* Not exactly "for" as Neil Young, but "referenced".

 

[Dave78]

"Top Jimmy" - Van Halen

Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs

 

[Dave78]

"Johnny B. Goode" - Peter Tosh

 

[Odysseus]

Suite Judy Blue Eyes - CSN. Stephen Still's ode to Judy Collins

 

[That 70s Guy]

 

[bobbyg29]

"Carrie Anne" by The Hollies (about Marianne Faithfull, Graham Nash was too shy to use here real name)