Mainstream pop music embraces heavy guitar tunes with Kesha being the latest artist to sport a Jackson Rhoads guitar model
In a surprising turn of events, several pop stars have been seen playing metal-style guitars, often models typically associated with heavy metal genres. This trend showcases how metal guitars have become mainstream in pop music.
Kesha, known for her catchy pop hits, has notably played a Jackson Pro Series Rhoads RRT-3 during her performances. This choice highlights the growing acceptance of metal guitars in pop music. Kesha, who previously used Gibson Explorers, Les Pauls, and a sparkly purple Fender Starcaster, adopted the Jackson Rhoads coinciding with her 2025 album release.
Phoebe Bridgers was seen playing a B.C. Rich Warbeast guitar during her Saturday Night Live performance. The Warbeast is a distinctive model often associated with metal and hard rock styles.
Willow Smith played a Jackson King V while covering music by the metal-influenced band Deftones, showcasing the crossover between pop and metal instrument choices.
At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, Olivia Rodrigo’s co-guitarist Ariana Powell used Jackson and Charvel guitars, both brands known for metal and hard rock models.
Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale was spotted with a B.C. Rich Mockingbird, another iconic metal guitar model, at the same festival.
These examples illustrate a trend where pop musicians are increasingly leveraging the aesthetic and playability of metal-oriented guitars such as Jackson Rhoads, B.C. Rich Warbeast and Mockingbird, Jackson King V, and Charvel models to diversify their sound and stage presence.
Separately, heavy metal band members from the metal realm, like Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson of Bad Omens, use brands such as ESP/LTD Deluxe Phoenix-1000, ESP E-II Eclipse, and LTD Deluxe EC-1000 EverTune—all respected metal guitar models—but these are specific to metal artists rather than pop.
Kesha's Jackson Rhoads Performance
Kesha opted for a bold Jackson Rhoads for the release of her sixth album, .. The song performed was "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." Kesha's sixth album, ., is described as "the first album I've made where I felt truly free."
The guitar unveiled by Jackson Guitars and British metalcore stalwarts Malevolence at Download Festival was not related to any specific artist's performance. The details about the World of Warcraft-inspired guitar's specific features are not provided.
Other Notable Performances
- Kesha released the album under her own label.
- Kesha has been embroiled in a nearly 10-year legal battle with her former producer, Dr. Luke.
- Phoebe Bridgers wielded a B.C. Rich Warbeast on SNL.
- Olivia Rodrigo's co-guitarist Ariana Powell opted for Jacksons and Charvels at Glastonbury.
These choices emphasize that prominent metal guitar models have gained traction among pop acts in recent years.
- In addition to her Gibson Explorers, Les Pauls, and Fender Starcaster, Kesha has also incorporated a Jackson Pro Series Rhoads RRT-3 into her performances, indicating a broadening acceptance of metal guitars in pop music.
- Phoebe Bridgers' use of a B.C. Rich Warbeast guitar during her Saturday Night Live performance showcases the increasing crossover between metal and pop music.
- Willow Smith played a Jackson King V while covering music by the metal-influenced band Deftones, demonstrating the convergence of popular music and metal instrument choices.
- At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, Olivia Rodrigo’s co-guitarist Ariana Powell used Jackson and Charvel guitars, brands popular for metal and hard rock models, highlighting the incorporation of metal-oriented guitars into pop music.
- Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale was spotted with a B.C. Rich Mockingbird, another iconic metal guitar model, which further illustrates the trend of pop musicians leveraging the aesthetic and playability of metal guitars.
