Classic Rockers Before They Were Rich and Confident
Renowned artists and rock legends weren't rich from the start. In their early days, they were insecure young men, and no one could have predicted they would achieve worldwide fame and immense popularity.
In the following images, you can see musicians before they became famous, rehearsing in garages or performing in small, uncrowded venues.
These photos show rockers before stardom, searching for their identity, with different physical builds, and without the confidence they would later display on stage.
These pictures show, among others, a young Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, in his youth in 1965, and Jimmy Page during a soundcheck in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1972.
Success is never immediate or guaranteed, and these images show that persistence and creative passion are essential for achieving recognition.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, 1965, in his early days as the vocalist of The Rolling Stones.
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop in 1979. The leader of The Stooges.
Frank Zappa
A young Frank Zappa.
Peter Criss
Peter Criss in 1967, some years before Kiss.
Keith Moon
17 year old Keith Moon, 1963, drumming with The Beachcombers.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr before becoming part of the Beatles.
George Harrison
George Harrison playing guitar in his youth.
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney young. The singer grew up in Liverpool, long before he became part of The Beatles.
John Lennon
John Lennon was so handsome when he was young.
Lou Reed
Young Lou Reed before fame.
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne at 26 years old, 1974.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton in the 1960s.
Steven Tyler
This is what Steven Tyler of Aerosmith looked like in high school.
Robert Plant
Robert Plant, circa 1966–1967, before Led Zeppelin.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page during a soundcheck in Auckland, New Zealand, 1972.
Brian May
16 years old, Brian May, before becoming the guitarist for Queen.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury in his school in Bombay, circa 1960.
David Bowie
David Bowie started out singing in pubs wearing flashy outfits.
Keith Richards
27 year old Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Villefranche du Mer, 1971.