Under the Influence: Stars Grill Their Idols

Cover Story

By Spin Staff on March 25, 2010 9:35 AM Comment

Photographs by Francesco Carrozzini

Rock stars get all the perks. But sometimes even they don't get the chance to compare notes with their greatest influences without a little help. As part of our 25th Anniversary year, we connected some of today's biggest names with their idols -- here are the results.

FEATURING...

BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG MEETS PAUL WESTERBERG

The frontmen -- longtime pals -- talk about hero worship, staving off "creative suicide," and realizing you've been singing the wrong lyric for 24 years.
BONUS: Watch an exclusive on-set video interview with Billie Joe!
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GERARD WAY MEETS IGGY POP

"I didn't want the girls to want to f--k me, I wanted the straight guys to want to f--k me," Way says. "I got that from Iggy."
BONUS: Watch an exclusive on-set video interview with Gerard!
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BRITT DANIEL MEETS RAY DAVIES

For sound advice on true staying power Spoon's frontman goes face to face (sort of) with the Kinks' well-respected man about town.
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ALISON GOLDFRAPP MEETS DEBBIE HARRY

The electro diva and the face of Blondie trade quips on sex, style, and the death of mystery.
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Check the April 2010 issue of SPIN for more idol grilling, including Kevin Drew & J Mascis, Charlotte Gainsbourg & Kim Gordon, Matt Berninger & Black Francis, Sharon Jones & Mavis Staples, and Ted Leo & Paul Weller.