Rock music has a rich history of iconic frontmen, but what happens when these vocal titans depart? The spotlight often turns to their replacements, who must navigate both the challenges of stepping into big shoes and the potential for new creative heights. In this exploration of rock’s ever-evolving landscape, we delve into 49 instances of frontman replacements and the fascinating journeys that ensued.
Adam Lambert (Queen) – Replaced: Paul Rodgers
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Adam Lambert stepped into the formidable shoes left by Paul Rodgers in Queen. While Lambert’s flamboyant style differed from Rodgers’, he brought a fresh energy to the band, winning both critics and fans over with his powerhouse vocals.
Arnel Pineda (Journey) – Replaced: Jeff Scott Soto, who briefly filled in for Steve Augeri
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Arnel Pineda’s story is one of Cinderella proportions. Discovered through YouTube, he replaced Jeff Scott Soto, who briefly filled in for Steve Augeri, giving Journey a new lease on success.
Axl Rose (AC/DC) – Replaced: Brian Johnson
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When Brian Johnson faced hearing issues, Axl Rose stepped in for AC/DC’s Rock or Bust tour. Rose’s dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess injected new life into the legendary band.
Benoit David (Yes) – Replaced: Jon Anderson
Benoit David took on the role of lead singer in Yes after Jon Anderson’s departure. His tenure brought a different tone to the band, showcasing the group’s ability to adapt and evolve.
Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden) – Replaced: Bruce Dickinson
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Blaze Bayley replaced the iconic Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden, a challenging task given Dickinson’s legendary status. While the Blaze era has its critics, it represents a unique chapter in the band’s history.
Bon Scott (AC/DC) – Replaced: Dave Evans
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Before Brian Johnson, AC/DC experienced a shift from Dave Evans to Bon Scott. Scott’s gritty vocals defined an era for the band, laying the groundwork for their future success.
Brian Howe (Bad Company) – Replaced: Paul Rodgers
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Brian Howe succeeded Paul Rodgers in Bad Company, contributing to the band’s ’80s sound. Though the change divided fans, it showcased the band’s ability to adapt to evolving musical landscapes.
Brian Johnson (AC/DC) – Replaced: Bon Scott
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Brian Johnson’s thunderous vocals replaced the irreplaceable Bon Scott in AC/DC. The band’s resilience and Johnson’s powerful voice propelled them to even greater heights.
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) – Replaced: Paul Di’Anno
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Bruce Dickinson took the reins from Paul Di’Anno in Iron Maiden, marking the beginning of a legendary era for the band. Dickinson’s operatic style became synonymous with Maiden’s sound.
Chester Bennington (Stone Temple Pilots) – Replaced: Scott Weiland
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Chester Bennington stepped into Stone Temple Pilots after the departure of Scott Weiland. His stint with the band showcased his versatility as a vocalist and added a new dimension to their music.
David Coverdale (Deep Purple) – Replaced: Ian Gillan
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David Coverdale assumed the role of lead vocalist in Deep Purple after Ian Gillan’s departure. This change marked a shift in the band’s sound, with Coverdale’s bluesy and soulful voice adding a new dimension.
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) – Replaced: Syd Barrett
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Pink Floyd underwent a significant change when David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett. Gilmour’s guitar prowess and melodic contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s progressive rock era.
Doug Yule (Velvet Underground) – Replaced: Lou Reed
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Velvet Underground faced a turning point when Doug Yule took over from Lou Reed. Yule brought his own style to the band, contributing to their eclectic sound during this transitional period.
Gary Cherone (Van Halen) – Replaced: Sammy Hagar
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Gary Cherone succeeded Sammy Hagar as Van Halen’s lead vocalist. While his tenure with the band was relatively short-lived, it showcased Van Halen’s willingness to experiment with different vocal styles.
Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) – Replaced: Ronnie James Dio
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Graham Bonnet stepped into the shoes of the iconic Ronnie James Dio in Rainbow. Bonnet’s powerful vocals left a lasting impact, contributing to the band’s diverse musical catalog.
Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) – Replaced: Rod Evans
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Deep Purple underwent yet another change when Ian Gillan replaced Rod Evans. Gillan’s dynamic and theatrical vocals became synonymous with Deep Purple’s hard rock sound.
J.D. Fortune (INXS) – Replaced: Michael Hutchence
J.D. Fortune took on the challenging task of replacing the charismatic Michael Hutchence in INXS. His time with the band marked a period of reinvention as INXS continued to produce hits.
Jason Scheff (Chicago) – Replaced: Peter Cetera
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Jason Scheff joined Chicago, stepping into the shoes of Peter Cetera. Scheff’s smooth vocals contributed to the band’s evolution into a softer rock sound during the late ’80s.
Jeff Gutt (Stone Temple Pilots) – Replaced: Chester Bennington
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Following Chester Bennington’s departure, Jeff Gutt became Stone Temple Pilots’ new vocalist. Gutt’s presence brought a fresh perspective to the band, demonstrating their ability to adapt.
Jimi Jamison (Survivor) – Replaced: Dave Bickler
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Jimi Jamison replaced Dave Bickler as the lead singer of Survivor. Jamison’s powerful voice became a defining element of Survivor’s sound during the ’80s.
Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple) – Replaced: Ian Gillan
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Joe Lynn Turner took over vocal duties in Deep Purple during one of their transitional periods. His tenure showcased the band’s versatility in exploring different vocal styles.
Joey Belladonna (Anthrax) – Replaced: Neil Turbin
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Joey Belladonna stepped in as Anthrax’s lead vocalist, succeeding Neil Turbin. His energetic and versatile vocals played a crucial role in defining Anthrax’s thrash metal sound.
John Corabi (Motley Crue) – Replaced: Vince Neil
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John Corabi replaced Vince Neil in Motley Crue during a period of experimentation. While the self-titled album with Corabi showcased a departure from their glam metal roots, it demonstrated the band’s adaptability.
John Payne (Asia) – Replaced: John Wetton
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John Payne assumed the role of lead vocalist in Asia after John Wetton’s departure. Payne’s contribution marked a shift in the band’s sound, blending progressive rock with a more melodic approach.
Johnny Edwards (Foreigner) – Replaced: Lou Gramm
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Johnny Edwards took over from Lou Gramm in Foreigner. This change marked a period of exploration for the band, as they ventured into a more AOR-oriented sound during Edwards’ tenure.
Johnny Solinger (Skid Row) – Replaced: Sebastian Bach
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Johnny Solinger became Skid Row’s frontman, succeeding the iconic Sebastian Bach. While the change sparked debate among fans, Solinger brought his own style to the band’s later releases.
Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – Replaced: Ronnie Van Zant
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Johnny Van Zant stepped into the formidable shoes of his late brother Ronnie Van Zant in Lynyrd Skynyrd. His leadership played a crucial role in keeping the band’s legacy alive.
Jon Davison (Yes) – Replaced: Benoit David
Jon Davison took over as Yes’s lead vocalist, succeeding Benoit David. His tenure with the band showcased his ability to capture the essence of Yes’s progressive rock sound.
Justin Hayward (Moody Blues) – Replaced: Denny Laine
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Justin Hayward joined the Moody Blues, succeeding Denny Laine. His arrival marked a shift towards a more symphonic and psychedelic sound, contributing to the band’s success in the ’60s and ’70s.
Kelly Hansen (Foreigner) – Replaced: Lou Gramm
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Kelly Hansen succeeded Lou Gramm as the lead vocalist in Foreigner. His powerful vocals added a contemporary edge to the band’s classic rock sound.
Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) – Replaced: Mike Murphy
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Kevin Cronin became the lead vocalist of REO Speedwagon, succeeding Mike Murphy. Cronin’s songwriting and vocals played a pivotal role in the band’s commercial success during the ’80s.
Lawrence Gowan (Styx) – Replaced: Dennis DeYoung
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Lawrence Gowan took on the role of lead vocalist and keyboardist in Styx, succeeding Dennis DeYoung. Gowan’s contributions brought a modern touch to the band’s progressive rock sound.
Mike Patton (Faith No More) – Replaced: Chuck Mosley
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Mike Patton replaced Chuck Mosley as the lead vocalist of Faith No More. Patton’s diverse vocal range and experimental approach contributed to the band’s eclectic sound.
Neil Finn (Fleetwood Mac) – Replaced: Lindsey Buckingham
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Neil Finn stepped in to replace Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac. Finn’s collaboration with the band showcased a different dynamic, emphasizing harmonies and songwriting.
Paul Rodgers (Queen) – Replaced: Freddie Mercury
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Paul Rodgers assumed the challenging role of lead vocalist in Queen after Freddie Mercury’s passing. While not attempting to replace Mercury, Rodgers brought his own style, creating a unique chapter in Queen’s history.
Phil Anselmo (Pantera) – Replaced: Terry Glaze
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Phil Anselmo became Pantera’s lead vocalist, succeeding Terry Glaze. Anselmo’s aggressive vocal style played a pivotal role in shaping Pantera’s iconic groove metal sound.
Phil Collins (Genesis) – Replaced: Peter Gabriel
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Phil Collins took over as lead vocalist in Genesis following Peter Gabriel’s departure. Collins’ distinctive voice and songwriting skills propelled the band into a new era of commercial success.
Ray Wilson (Genesis) – Replaced: Phil Collins
Ray Wilson assumed lead vocals in Genesis after Phil Collins’ departure. Wilson’s tenure marked a period of experimentation for the band, exploring a more alternative rock sound.
Ripper Owens (Judas Priest) – Replaced: Rob Halford
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Tim “Ripper” Owens took on the formidable task of replacing the iconic Rob Halford in Judas Priest. Owens’ powerful vocals contributed to the band’s resilience during a challenging period.
Robert Fleischman (Journey) – Replaced: Gregg Rolie
Robert Fleischman briefly replaced Gregg Rolie as Journey’s lead vocalist. While his stint with the band was short-lived, it marked a transitional period before the arrival of Steve Perry.
Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath) – Replaced: Ozzy Osbourne
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Ronnie James Dio succeeded Ozzy Osbourne as Black Sabbath’s lead vocalist. Dio’s powerful and operatic style brought a new dimension to the band’s sound during the early ’80s.
Sammy Hagar (Van Halen) – Replaced: David Lee Roth
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Sammy Hagar stepped into the frontman role in Van Halen after David Lee Roth’s departure. Hagar’s distinct voice and songwriting contributed to the band’s continued success.
Steve Augeri (Journey) – Replaced: Steve Perry
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Steve Augeri succeeded the iconic Steve Perry as Journey’s lead vocalist. Augeri’s tenure with the band showcased his vocal prowess, contributing to Journey’s continued success.
Steve Hogarth (Marillion) – Replaced: Fish
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Steve Hogarth took over from Fish as Marillion’s lead vocalist. Hogarth’s distinctive voice and progressive songwriting contributed to the band’s evolution during the late ’80s and ’90s.
Steve Perry (Journey) – Replaced: Robert Fleischman
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Steve Perry joined Journey as the lead vocalist, succeeding Robert Fleischman. Perry’s era became synonymous with the band’s greatest commercial success, marked by iconic hits.
Todd La Torre (Queensryche) – Replaced: Geoff Tate
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Todd La Torre stepped in as Queensryche’s lead vocalist, succeeding Geoff Tate. La Torre’s powerful vocals brought a renewed energy to the band’s progressive metal sound.
Tommy DeCarlo (Boston) – Replaced: Brad Delp
Tommy DeCarlo succeeded Brad Delp as Boston’s lead vocalist. His story is unique, as DeCarlo was discovered through his tribute performances of Boston’s songs on the internet.
Trevor Horn (Yes) – Replaced: Jon Anderson
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Trevor Horn temporarily assumed lead vocals in Yes during Jon Anderson’s absence. Horn’s distinctive voice provided a different perspective during this transitional period.
William DuVall (Alice in Chains) – Replaced: Layne Staley
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William DuVall succeeded the late Layne Staley as Alice in Chains’ co-lead vocalist. DuVall’s collaboration with Jerry Cantrell brought a new chapter to the band’s legacy.