The outrageous and unsung characters that gave rock’s greatest songs their vital spark.

Some of the most iconic musical moments in rock’n’roll history weren’t created by those whose faces were on the record sleeves.
Watch Rock 'n' Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
Watch Rock 'n' Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen on BBC Select
Sidemen – and women – were guns for hire who dropped in filthy beats, mesmerizing solos or funky hooks that elevated tracks from boring B-sides to undeniable bangers. Earl Slick shines a light on the geniuses that made the likes of Prince, Bowie and the Stones look good.
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