Throughout historical past, many of rock’s largest artists have hit the highway collectively.

In some instances, the alignment of legendary acts was executed on goal. Def Leppard and Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica and Nine Inch Nails with Jane’s Addiction are just a few of the examples of co-headlining treks from well-known bands.

Still, there are lots extra examples of excursions the place one rock icon was already established, whereas the opening act was nonetheless making a reputation for itself. Such was the case when Van Halen took out Alice in Chains in 1991, or when the Who recruited Lynyrd Skynyrd for his or her 1973 trek. Could anybody who noticed Kiss open for ZZ Top in 1974 have predicted each would change into worldwide superstars? Probably not. Then once more, that’s what makes their historical past collectively all the extra enjoyable.

READ MORE: 45 Surprising Opening Act and Headliner Combinations

While many legendary pairings went off and not using a hitch, others proved turbulent. Such was the case in 1978 when Van Halen opened for Journey and proceeded to steal the headliner’s highlight. Meanwhile, Motley Crue’s tenure touring with Ozzy Osbourne is remembered extra for its backstage debauchery than any of the exhibits.

Then there are the pairings which appear stylistically shocking. Rush taking part in with Kiss? Stevie Wonder opening for the Rolling Stones? In hindsight, they might seem to be odd suits, however we nonetheless want we might been in the entrance row.

Below, we’ve highlighted 25 of the Coolest Tour (*25*) in Rock History. For our functions, one-off performances and pageant appearances weren’t counted. Instead, we caught purely to acts who hit the highway collectively for a number of dates.

25 of the Coolest Tour (*25*) in Rock History