8 Rock Bands That Released Music Without Their Original Singer and Flopped

Throughout rock history, several bands have released albums without their original lead singers, only to face disappointing results. These attempts often failed to resonate with fans and critics alike. Here are eight notable examples where the absence of the original vocalist led to commercial and critical failures.

1. Van Halen – Van Halen III (1998)

After Sammy Hagar’s departure, Van Halen introduced Gary Cherone as their new lead singer for Van Halen III. The album marked a significant change in the band’s sound, aiming for a more experimental approach.

However, both fans and critics found the departure from their classic style unappealing. The album peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 but quickly declined, leading to poor sales. The lukewarm reception resulted in Cherone’s exit from the band shortly after.

2. The Doors – Other Voices (1971)

Following Jim Morrison’s death, The Doors decided to continue as a trio, with keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger sharing vocal duties on Other Voices. The album attempted to capture the band’s signature sound but lacked Morrison’s distinctive presence.

Critics noted that the songs felt incomplete without Morrison’s charismatic vocals and poetic lyrics. Commercially, the album reached number 31 on the Billboard charts, a significant drop from their previous successes. The band’s struggle to maintain their identity without Morrison was evident.

3. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Mardi Gras (1972)

After Tom Fogerty’s departure, the remaining members of Creedence Clearwater Revival—John Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford—opted for a democratic approach on Mardi Gras, with each member contributing songs and vocals. This shift led to an uneven album that strayed from their established swamp rock sound.

Critics panned the record for its lack of cohesion and subpar songwriting. Despite reaching number 12 on the Billboard 200, it was considered a disappointing end to the band’s otherwise successful career.

4. Fleetwood Mac – Time (1995)

In the mid-1990s, Fleetwood Mac released Time, featuring Bekka Bramlett as the lead vocalist, replacing Stevie Nicks. The album marked a departure from the band’s classic lineup and sound, incorporating more contemporary influences. Fans and critics were largely uninterested, leading to poor sales and minimal chart impact.

The lackluster response highlighted the challenges the band faced without their iconic members. Shortly after, the classic lineup reunited, and Time became a forgotten chapter in their discography.

5. INXS – Switch (2005)

After Michael Hutchence’s tragic death, INXS conducted a reality TV show to find a new lead singer, resulting in the selection of J.D. Fortune. The subsequent album, Switch, aimed to revitalize the band’s career with a modern rock sound. While the album featured some charting singles, it failed to achieve significant commercial success.

Critics felt that Fortune’s vocals couldn’t match Hutchence’s charisma, and the album lacked the distinctive flair that once defined INXS. The band’s attempt to move forward without their original frontman fell short of expectations.

6. Alice in Chains – Alice in Chains (1995)

Following the departure of lead singer Layne Staley due to health issues, Alice in Chains released a self-titled album with guitarist Jerry Cantrell taking on more vocal responsibilities. The album maintained the band’s signature dark and brooding style but lacked the haunting vocals that Staley provided.

While it received some critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, fans noticed the absence of Staley’s distinctive voice. The internal struggles within the band became more apparent, leading to a hiatus shortly after the album’s release.

7. Genesis – Calling All Stations (1997)

After Phil Collins left Genesis, the band recruited Ray Wilson as their new lead singer for Calling All Stations. The album attempted to blend the band’s progressive rock roots with a modern sound.

However, it failed to resonate with longtime fans and critics, who found Wilson’s vocals lacking the appeal of his predecessors. Commercially, the album performed poorly, especially in the U.S., leading to the cancellation of the American tour. The disappointing reception prompted the band to go on an extended hiatus.

8. Queen – The Cosmos Rocks (2008)

Years after Freddie Mercury’s passing, the remaining members of Queen collaborated with Paul Rodgers to release The Cosmos Rocks. The album sought to merge Queen’s theatrical rock style with Rodgers’ blues-influenced vocals. Despite the pedigree of the musicians involved, the album received mixed reviews.

Critics and fans felt that Rodgers’ singing didn’t align with Queen’s classic sound, and the songs lacked the energy and innovation of their earlier work. Commercially, the album had modest success but didn’t leave a lasting impact, highlighting the difficulty of replacing an irreplaceable frontman.