8 Classic Rock Bands That Survived Major Line-up Changes
via Fleetwood Mac - Topic / YouTube
Rock bands often face tough moments when they have to change their line-up. Whether due to disagreements, personal issues, or tragic events, these changes can seriously impact the band’s sound and success. However, some bands have managed to not just survive these changes, but thrive and continue making amazing music. Here are eight classic rock bands that went through major line-up changes but still rocked on.
Deep Purple
View this post on Instagram
Deep Purple is a legendary rock band known for adapting to numerous line-up changes. During their initial run from 1968 to 1976, the band went through four distinct line-ups, each bringing a unique sound. In their early days, they were fronted by Rod Evans and focused on a more progressive rock style with hits like “Hush.” As time went on, Ian Gillan took over as the lead singer, pushing the band towards a harder rock sound with classics like “Smoke on the Water.”
In the mid-’70s, the band saw yet another transformation when David Coverdale became the lead vocalist. This period introduced a boogieing hard rock vibe, highlighted by songs like “Burn.” Despite all these changes, the band continued to produce quality music. Today, Deep Purple is in its eighth official line-up, with drummer Ian Paice as the only constant member, guiding the band through its many transformations.
Pretenders
View this post on Instagram
The Pretenders had a promising start with two iconic albums in the new wave era, but they faced incredible challenges early on. Tragedy struck when original members James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon died from drug-related causes within a year of each other. These losses could have ended the band, but frontwoman Chrissie Hynde was determined to keep moving forward.
Hynde enlisted new musicians to help record “Back on the Chain Gang,” a song that became a major hit. By 1984, the Pretenders released “Learning to Crawl,” an album considered one of their best works. Since then, the band’s line-up has continued to evolve, but Chrissie Hynde’s strong leadership has kept the music alive and true to its roots.
Small Faces/Faces
View this post on Instagram
When Small Faces’ singer Steve Marriott left the band to start Humble Pie with Peter Frampton, his departure could have been the end. Instead, the remaining members decided to carry on by joining forces with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood from the Jeff Beck Group. This move transformed the band in a big way, including changing their name to Faces since Stewart and Wood were taller than the remaining members, making the “small” part less fitting.
The addition of Stewart and Wood shifted the band’s style from mod pop to a grittier rock and roll sound, earning them a new set of fans. Their influence extended into the punk rock scene, proving that sometimes a shake-up can result in a fresh and exciting new direction.
The Yardbirds
View this post on Instagram
The Yardbirds are famous not just for their music but for the incredible guitarists who passed through their ranks. The band originally featured Eric Clapton, who left to pursue a purer form of blues. Clapton suggested Jimmy Page as his replacement, but Page declined and recommended Jeff Beck instead. Beck’s innovative style kept the band moving forward.
When the chance came, Jimmy Page finally joined the Yardbirds, initially playing bass before quickly transitioning to lead guitar alongside Beck. This line-up change was so significant that it inspired future hard rock bands. Eventually, the Yardbirds morphed into Led Zeppelin, one of the most famous rock bands ever.
Fleetwood Mac
View this post on Instagram
Fleetwood Mac’s story is one of dramatic transformations. The band started in the late ’60s as a blues-rock group led by Peter Green, producing hits like “Oh Well” and “The Green Manalishi.” However, as Green faced mental health challenges, the band needed to evolve. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie brought in Christine McVie in 1971 to add a softer rock element.
The most significant change came in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the band. This new line-up created “Rumours,” one of the best-selling albums of all time. The mix of soft rock and personal storytelling made Fleetwood Mac a household name, showing how a band can shift styles entirely and still find immense success.
Van Halen
View this post on Instagram
Van Halen was at the peak of their fame when they were hit with a major change. After a successful album and world tour, vocalist David Lee Roth left the band. Many thought Roth would continue his success alone while Van Halen would fade away. Instead, they brought in Sammy Hagar, adding new energy to the group.
With Hagar, Van Halen released the 1986 album “5150,” kicking off a string of four consecutive chart-topping albums. The band’s sound evolved, but they managed to keep their fan base and even gained new followers. This period proved that Van Halen could adapt and continue to be rock legends.
Pink Floyd
View this post on Instagram
Pink Floyd started out in the late ’60s as a psychedelic band led by Syd Barrett, who was instrumental in their early success with albums like “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.” However, as Barrett struggled with mental health issues, the band brought in David Gilmour. The impact was immediate; Gilmour’s guitar work and songwriting skills helped steer the band in a new direction.
This line-up produced “The Dark Side of the Moon,” a progressive rock masterpiece that became one of the best-selling albums ever. The ’70s saw Pink Floyd releasing a series of influential albums, highlighting their ability to evolve while keeping their core identity intact.
AC/DC
View this post on Instagram
AC/DC faced a challenging moment in 1980 with the death of their charismatic lead singer, Bon Scott. Many thought the band would never recover. However, they found Brian Johnson, whose voice and energy were similar to Scott’s. With Johnson on board, the band recorded “Back in Black,” an album dedicated to their late bandmate.
“Back in Black” included massive hits like the title track and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and it went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals helped AC/DC maintain their high-energy rock and continue their career without losing the essence that fans loved.
