5 70s Rock Stars Whose Solo Careers Flopped

The 1970s were a golden age for rock music, with iconic bands dominating the charts and defining the sound of a generation. However, not every successful rock star from that era had the same luck when they ventured out on their own. Despite their talent and previous fame, some musicians found that breaking away from their bands wasn’t as easy as they had hoped. Here are five ’70s rock stars whose solo careers flopped, proving that not every artist is meant to fly solo.

1. Peter Criss (KISS)

Peter Criss gained fame as the drummer and one of the lead vocalists for KISS, one of the most successful rock bands of the ’70s. With his distinct raspy voice, Criss was responsible for singing some of KISS’s most memorable songs, including “Beth.” However, his solo career never reached the same heights.

In 1978, KISS made the unusual move of having each band member release a solo album on the same day. While Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley saw some success, Criss’s self-titled album was a disappointment. Critics panned it, and fans were unimpressed with the mix of soft rock and ballads, a far cry from the heavy sound KISS was known for. The album didn’t sell well, and Criss struggled to match the popularity he had with KISS.

Even after leaving the band in 1980, Criss couldn’t revive his solo career. He released a few more albums over the years, but they never made much of an impact. His work continued to be overshadowed by his KISS days, and he eventually returned to the band in the late ’90s, realizing that his strength lay in being part of the group, not going it alone.

2. John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)

As the bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones was part of one of the most influential rock bands of all time. He contributed to some of the band’s most iconic songs, but when Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham, Jones took a different path.

While Robert Plant and Jimmy Page found moderate success in their solo efforts, Jones’s attempts to go solo were less fruitful. In the early ’80s, he released a few solo albums that went mostly unnoticed. Jones focused more on producing and arranging for other artists, which kept him busy but didn’t bring him much personal fame as a solo artist.

3. David Lee Roth (Van Halen)

David Lee Roth was the charismatic frontman of Van Halen, one of the biggest rock bands of the late ’70s and ’80s. Known for his high-energy performances and distinctive voice, Roth helped Van Halen achieve massive commercial success. But in 1985, at the height of the band’s popularity, Roth decided to leave and pursue a solo career.

At first, it seemed like Roth’s solo career might be just as successful. His debut solo album, Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986), did well, and he followed it up with Skyscraper (1988), which also garnered attention. However, as the years went on, Roth’s solo career started to fizzle. His later albums didn’t sell as well, and critics felt that he was struggling to keep up with changing musical trends.

By the mid-’90s, Roth’s solo career was floundering, and he was no longer the rock star he once was. He briefly rejoined Van Halen in 1996 and again in the 2000s, showing that while his solo career might have stalled, his place in rock history was firmly tied to the band.

4. Roger Daltrey (The Who)

As the lead vocalist of The Who, Roger Daltrey was one of the most iconic voices of the ’60s and ’70s. His powerful vocals helped make songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley” timeless classics. But like many other rock stars of his time, Daltrey wanted to try his hand at a solo career.

Daltrey released his first solo album in 1973 while still a member of The Who. Although it produced a few minor hits, his solo work never gained the same level of success as his work with the band. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Daltrey continued to release solo albums, but they were met with mixed reviews. Fans didn’t seem interested in hearing him outside of The Who, and his albums never matched the sales or critical acclaim of the band’s releases.

5. Keith Moon (The Who)

Keith Moon, known for his wild drumming style and even wilder personality, was one of rock’s most legendary figures. As the drummer for The Who, Moon’s energetic performances were a huge part of the band’s appeal. However, when he tried to step out on his own, things didn’t go as planned.

Moon’s only solo album, Two Sides of the Moon, was released in 1975, and it was a commercial and critical flop. Instead of showcasing his drumming skills, the album featured Moon mostly on vocals, with guest musicians playing the instruments. Critics were baffled by the decision, as Moon was never known for his singing. Fans also didn’t warm to the album, and it quickly faded into obscurity.