Formed: 2009-

The lineup: Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Joe Satriani, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

The story: Coming out of nowhere, the foursome combined the vocals (Hagar) and driving bass (Anthony) of Van Halen but injected Satriani's guitar showmanship and the funky drumming that Smith had perfected with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

A world tour of their album 'Chickenfoot' followed but the band opted for smaller shows and festivals to test the water. While the album may have disappointed critics, never since The Beatles or Led Zeppelin had a foursome commanded such individually recognisable presences in a rock band.

Album to buy: Chickenfoot