Categories: Arts

Top 10 lead singers who ditched their bands

Steven Tyler says he’s staying with Aerosmith—maybe cause it didn’t turned out that well for other frontmen

by Tom Henheffer on Monday, November 9, 2009 11:21pm - 14 Comments

: Steven Tyler leaves without saying goodbye

: Turning a new Page

: Gabriel and Genesis: Better apart

: Roger Waters leaves, tries to keep name

: Well, the band wasn’t named after him

: Sinatra says, ‘So long, Dorsey’

: Stefani had doubts about her solo career

: Steve Perry—replaced by guy from YouTube

: Bye bye Beyonce

: The man who outshone the band

More by Tom Henheffer

music fan

Sting…outshone the band? Stick to politics and university rankings MacLames.
http://intensedebate.com/people/SeanStok SeanStok

As I understood it from the short piece I read, Tyler has struggled with his addiction lately, to the extent that the band was unable to get insurance for touring. I don't think it's as simple as Tyler striking out for greener pastures.

A few other suggestions for the top ten: Lennon and McCartney, Lionel Richie, Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Van Morrison, Lou Reed.

http://intensedebate.com/people/craigola craigola

Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Janis Joplin, Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake, Paul Hyde (smirk)…

http://intensedebate.com/people/SeanStok SeanStok

Rock and Hyde. Best combination of surnames. Ever.

Also, Paul Simon is worthy of note on this list too. Garfunkel never wanted out.

canada101

Love Van Morrison!!!

John Geddes

I’d say the quintessential case of a singer quitting a band and going on to greater things would have to be Neil Young abandoning Buffalo Springfield in 1967.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Inkless Inkless

Stick to politics and universities, John GetMeOuttaHere.
http://intensedebate.com/people/SeanStok SeanStok

I thought Buffalo Springfield disintegrated in many directions.

John Geddes

SeanStok: You're probably right. However, Rolling Stone's Neil bio says of Buffalo Springfield's end: "But friction developed: Young quit the band, only to rejoin and quit again, and in May 1968, after recording three albums, the band split-up." Inkless: As Neil sings: "Yes I am/Speakin' out."

http://intensedebate.com/people/SeanStok SeanStok

"Young quit the band, only to rejoin and quit again"

That's our Shakey. Never much of a joiner.

http://intensedebate.com/people/craigola craigola

Young…Neil Young…nope, never heard of him.

fuddle duddle

also robert plant..led zeppelin

http://intensedebate.com/people/SeanStok SeanStok

I thought that was a mutual group decision, after Bonham died.

Jojo

annie lennox….hello….

PreviousThe declutterer's very short visit

NextReady for your -110° spa treatment?

From Macleans

Maclean's is Canada's only national weekly current affairs magazine. Maclean's enlightens, engages, and entertains 2.4 million readers with strong investigative reporting and exclusive stories from leading journalists in the fields of international affairs, social issues, national politics, business and culture.