Throughout the history of classic rock, certain bands that had to replace a lead singer went on to achieve greater success. Of course, making a decision like this in the U2 have all been fortunate enough to maintain one constant face as the centerpiece of their group, but this isn't everyone's fate.
The reasons for a change in the lead singer's position vary by case. Sometimes it is amicable, and other times the split is less than mutual. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that it puts a band in a position where they must hope a new voice catches on. Not all fans enjoy change, especially when it's at the expense of their favorite musicians. However, there are times when everything aligns perfectly, with success growing as if nothing had happened.
1 Survivor
Dave Bickler - Jimi Jamison
The departure of a lead singer can occur due to unfortunate circumstances. For Survivor, this is exactly what they experienced when lead singer Dave Bickler had to leave the band after their 1983 album, Caught in the Game, because of vocal surgery. With Bickler, they had four studio releases and reached incredible heights as their song "Eye of the Tiger" was used as one of the main themes for the third installment of the Rocky franchise.
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After becoming the premier face of early '80s athletics, it was hard to picture the band achieving a similar status, but with Jimi Jamison, they did just that. His first album with the band, Vital Signs, reached the 16th spot on the Billboard 200 and had four songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100. They also had another song that ended up in Rocky IV, "Burning Heart." Ultimately, Jamison helped them attain just as much success, becoming the voice of the band in many fans' eyes.
2 Steely Dan
David Palmer - Donald Fagen
When Steely Dan burst onto the scene with their 1972 debut studio album, Can't Buy a Thrill, it was a major hit, finishing the year as the 16th best on the Billboard 200. On this record, it was David Palmer who was the lead vocalist on a variety of songs, due to founding member Donald Fagen's reluctance to sing live. Palmer's biggest hit as the lead on their first album was "Dirty Work," which became a radio success.
After the first album, Fagen was convinced to finally take over as the main lead vocalist. This decision led to Palmer quietly leaving the band, as they felt there was no place for him now. Ultimately, this was a move the band considered necessary. It did not hurt them since Fagen was a co-founder and would subsequently always be one of the faces of the band. For Palmer, he would eventually reemerge, suing the band for royalties (via Billboard).
3 Doobie brothers
Tom Johnston - Michael McDonald
Throughout the early 1970s, the Doobie Brothers were building a legacy as one of the most entertaining rock bands capable of adapting to many genres. Three of their first five albums became platinum-certified. While it seemed nothing could slow them down, they faced a sudden change when health issues forced lead singer Tom Johnston out of the band for a time.
With McDonald, they produced their biggest album to date with the 3x platinum 1978 release, Minute by Minute.
With Johnston gone, Michael McDonald was enlisted to take over his role. The band didn't miss a beat and continued to produce successful albums. In fact, with McDonald, they produced their biggest album to date with the 3x platinum 1978 release, Minute by Minute. As time went on, Johnston worked his way back into the band, and he and McDonald even appeared on an album together in 2014. They have shown great respect for each other, as one laid the foundation and the other cemented the legacy.
4 Blood, Sweat & Tears
Al Kooper - David Clayton-Thomas
As Blood, Sweat & Tears (BS&T) began, they spent time figuring out their arrangements, incorporating brass and rock instrumentation. Originally, Al Kooper played keyboard and was the lead singer. Kooper helped the band achieve early success with their debut album, Child Is Father to the Man, reaching 47 on the Billboard 200. However, after some differences, the band felt it best to move on without Kooper.
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They would select David Clayton-Thomas as his replacement and were ready to continue building their career. The first album with Clayton-Thomas, which was their second overall, became their biggest release ever. The self-titled record has achieved 4x platinum status in the United States, firmly standing above their other work. Although Clayton-Thomas would leave for a time, he still managed seven studio albums with the group. In fact, even with three lead singers, BS&T managed to release an impressive 11 studio albums.
5 CAN
Malcom Mooney - Damo Suzuki
Being pioneers of a genre is not an easy task; yet, CAN have this distinction within the Krautrock genre. The band came from different musical backgrounds, which they blended to create a unique sound that has influenced musicians in rock and post-punk, among others. At the start of their career, the band hired Malcolm Mooney to be their lead singer. Not only was he part of the first album, but he also helped name the band.
Krautrock is the blending of psychedelic rock, avant-garde compositions, and electronic music.
After much critical acclaim for their debut record, Monster Movie, things took an unexpected turn when Mooney's mental health led to his exit. Although Damo Suzuki couldn't do something as significant as naming the band, he continued to propel their career forward. Two of their biggest albums were created with Suzuki, including their most influential work, Tago Mago. After only a few years, Suzuki would exit as well, but he remains part of CAN's most successful period.
6 Buzzcocks
Howard Devoto - Pete Shelley
The formation of the Buzzcocks began with Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley. After adding two other , they recorded their first EP, Spiral Scratch, which was released in January 1977. Although the band was initially set up with Devoto as the lead, plans were changed. It was a risk since their sound would be somewhat different going into their debut studio album. Ultimately, Devoto would leave, and co-founder Pete Shelley stepped up.
Even with the departure of his bandmate, Shelley powered on and led the Buzzcocks to decent success. Their first few albums in the late '70s established the band—and even through a breakup in the '80s, they returned to form in 1989. They remained steady after that, with their name being good enough to land them tours with the likes of '90s essentials Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Early fans of the band were even treated to a special reunion album featuring Shelley and Devoto in 2002.
7 REO Speedwagon
Mike Murphy - Kevin Cronin
The case of REO Speedwagon is a very interesting one, and it took a few changes to finally determine that Kevin Cronin was the right singer for them. Their first album in 1971 featured Terry Luttrell as the lead singer. However, this would be his only album, with the band's sophomore record featuring Kevin Cronin. It seemed like Cronin would be the right fit, but behind-the-scenes issues led to his departure. Now the band turned to Mike Murphy to be the solution.
For a few years, Murphy helped REO achieve great success. His first album with the band, Ridin' the Storm Out, ultimately became platinum-certified, but a long-term stint with them wasn't meant to be. This is when Kevin Cronin returned to the band and would lead them to their greatest success. They produced multiple platinum albums, including Hi Infidelity, which became diamond-certified and one of the best classic rock albums ever.
8 Smile (Queen)
Tim Staffell - Freddie Mercury
Brian May is a legendary guitarist today, but in the late '60s, he was just a musician trying to make it. Looking to get his career started, he teamed up with vocalist Tim Staffell to create the band Smile. They would eventually add Roger Taylor on drums, and they were ready to perform. They started playing gigs and recorded six songs before another opportunity came up for Staffell. He left to a new band named Humpy Bong, started by former Bee Gees drummer, Colin Petersen.
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With this key departure, May and Taylor decided that Smile was over. That was until they met Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury. May and Taylor decided to go on with Mercury at the helm, except that now they would be called Queen. It's hard to say how much success Smile could've had, but it's safe to say Queen did well for May and Taylor as they sold over 300 million records with Freddie Mercury and became Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
9 Deep Purple
Rod Evans - Ian Gillan
With over 20 studio albums released, Deep Purple is a staple of the rock and metal scene. It's impressive how much work the band has produced over the years, but it didn't come easily. They initially started with Rod Evans as their lead singer for their debut. After three albums, he was replaced by Ian Gillan. Gillan has been a part of the band's most successful periods. Even with a few departures over the years, he has always found his way back into the fold.
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In his time away, Gillan has recorded with the likes of Black Sabbath, but since 1992, he has been back full-time with Deep Purple. While a few other have come and gone, Gillan has remained, with the band releasing a record as recently as 2024. Although it took some time to make it stick, he has now become the face of the band and the voice people predominantly associate with the group.
10 Journey
Gregg Rolie - Steve Perry
Beginning with a focus more on jazz rock, Journey took a few years to find their place in music. They started with Gregg Rolie as their lead singer, which worked for three albums. Unfortunately, as the band gained more popularity, it weighed heavily on Rolie. His departure paved the way for Steve Perry. When Perry ed for the 1978 album Infinity, the band's success began to take off in ways they could only have dreamed of.
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Although Perry would have to be replaced permanently as the 2000s began, he and the band created some of the best music in history. Their 1981 album, Escape, ranks among some of the greatest ever. Their song "Don't Stop Believin'" is one of the best-selling songs of all time, and they became defining figures of rock. Perry needed Journey, and the band needed him. Together, they created a legacy that took them all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.