The 5 Most Famous Pets of Rock & Roll

By: Ivan Munoz

Here at Victor we’re all too familiar with pets; not only are we all animal lovers, but the story of Victor and His Master’s Voice starts with Gramophone and a pet. You know that dog you see in all of our logos? Well that’s Nipper, the first canine rock star, before Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Scooby Doo, the queen’s corgis, and yes, even Air Duke…

I’m sure a lot of you long time Victor His Master’s Voice readers are familiar with Nipper, but if you’re not, click below to learn more!

As is recounted time and again, the story of man and beast is one of the oldest stories ever told, and it never quite gets old, our love for animals, does it? Well in the spirit of notion, in no specific order, here are 5 of the most famous pets of Rock & Roll!

1. Martha The English Sheepdog - Paul McCartney

In 1966, Beatle Paul McCartney drove his British racing green Aston Martin DB6 to dog breeder Ann Davis to get a new puppy. Paul originally wanted to be name her Knickers, but Jane Asher was not having any of that, so eventually the dog became Martha. And with that, the course of their 1968 self titled white album would be changed. It is for this specific pup, that the song Martha My Dear was written. Another english sheepdog of Paul’s would be featured on his 1993 live album Paul Is Live, who is in fact, Martha’s child, named Arrow.

2. Moose The Black Lab - John Mayer

Any Mayer fan knows of his beloved black Labrador Retriever, Moose. He’ll often make an appearance on Mayer’s Instagram Live series Current Mood. He lives with John on his Montana Ranch. Shown in a photo above from the same photoshoot, Moose is featured on the album art of the singer-songwriter’s 6th studio album Paradise Valley (named after the ranch itself). Moose has also been in a music video or two and it’s safe to say the term “man’s best friend” applies to John’s relationship with his pet.

3. Bubbles The Chimp - Micheal Jackson

Micheal Jackson, ever the eccentric, had quite the menagerie of animals including parrots, ostriches, some rabbits, at least one tiger, tarantulas, a llama or two, snakes, frogs, giraffes, and so much more. However the most notable of Michael’s pets was his beloved chimpanzee (one of many), Bubbles. Bubbles’ most notable appearance comes in Jackson's late 80s surrealist Magritte-esque music video for Leave Me Alone in which he addresses the tabloid critics’ caricaturization of him.

4. The Many Cats of Freddie Mercury

It appears as though this Queen frontman was the king of cats. Over his life time he had well over a dozen cats, in fact one might go so far as to say he was obsessed. Throughout the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, cats we’re a huge part of his life. Towards the end of his career, in the music video for Theses Are The Days Of Our Lives, Freddie can be seen wearing a custom vest that features his own cats, a purr-fect piece of attire for the video. Some of his cats names were, to name a few, Tiffany, Tom, Jerry, Delilah, Goliath, Lily, Miko, Oscar, Romeo. One of his favorites was a tortoiseshell cat named Delilah, after which the 1991 Innuendo track Delilah is named. She was very therapeutic for Freddie in the final chapter of his life, he would spend many hours petting her and trying to paint her intricate coat and fur pattern. According to Jim Hutton, a boyfriend of Freddie’s, Freddie “treated the cats like his own children”. Being the incredibly kind and sweet man Freddie was, he certainly loved them all most dearly. In fact, in his will he directed that everything be left to his long time friend and lover Mary Austin and his cats, saying: “I’m leaving it all to Mary and the cats”.

5. Meredith Grey The Scottish Fold - Taylor Swift

Named after the protagonist doctor of popular medical television drama Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith is probably the most famous pet there is at the current moment. A grey and white tabby Scottish Fold cat, the breed gets it’s name from it’s signature folded ears that are just so damn adorable. Born in 2011, she has been Taylors faithful companion ever since, even making an appearance in the music video for her song ME! alongside Taylors other Scottish Fold Olivia. By no means is she a crazy cat lady, but based on interviews and posts on social media, she’s certainly crazy about her cats; and who can really blame her!

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About The Author

Ivan Munoz is a musician, bassist, singer, musicians advocate, and member of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Along with this Ivan can be found devoting his time to various musical projects, compositions, and working on musical instruments. Click the photo for more!