Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Sometimes, change is good.
Sometimes, change is good.
Nobody likes change
Well, that’s not true, but the saying has been around for what seems like forever.
But even though, nobody likes change (allegedly …), change is inevitable, and sometimes it can turn something into something better.
Band dynamics
Whether it’s because a singer wants to pursue a solo career, fighting between the band members, “creative disagreements” or something else, a number of bands have changed singers of the years.
And here we take a look at some of those, that gained huge succes after doing so!
1. AC/DC
- Original singer: Bon Scott (died in 1980)
- Replacement: Brian Johnson
- Success after change: Their first album with Johnson, Back in Black (1980), became one of the best-selling albums of all time (estimated 50+ million copies). It solidified AC/DC as global rock legends.
2. Genesis
- Original singer: Peter Gabriel
- Replacement: Phil Collins
- Success after change: While Gabriel-era Genesis had critical acclaim, the band achieved massive commercial success in the late 70s and 80s with Collins at the mic, producing hits like Invisible Touch and Land of Confusion.
3. Van Halen
- Original singer: David Lee Roth
- Replacement: Sammy Hagar
- Success after change: With Hagar, Van Halen scored four consecutive No. 1 albums and maintained a strong arena rock presence, arguably expanding their audience with a more polished sound.
4. Pink Floyd
- Original singer (and frontman): Syd Barrett
- Replacement: David Gilmour (joined in 1967, eventually took over lead vocals)
- Success after change: After Barrett’s mental health decline, Gilmour’s leadership (alongside Roger Waters) led to iconic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, propelling Pink Floyd to legendary status.
5. Fleetwood Mac
- Original singer: Peter Green (plus other early vocalists)
- Replacement: Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks (joined in 1975)
- Success after change: The new lineup shifted the band’s sound dramatically. Their 1977 album Rumours became one of the most successful albums in history with over 40 million copies sold.
6. Maroon 5 (formerly Kara’s Flowers)
- Original singer: Adam Levine was always involved, but the band’s rebranding and shift in sound essentially made Levine the lead after Kara’s Flowers disbanded.
- Success after change: With the name change and new direction, they released Songs About Jane in 2002, launching them to mainstream pop-rock stardom.
7. Iron Maiden
- Original singer: Paul Di’Anno
- Replacement: Bruce Dickinson (joined 1981)
- Success after change: Dickinson’s debut on The Number of the Beast (1982) marked a turning point. The band became a global force in heavy metal, with Dickinson’s operatic voice helping define Iron Maiden’s iconic sound and stage presence.
