7 Rock Stars Who Thought They Could Go Solo But Instantly Flopped

Many rock musicians have attempted solo careers after achieving fame with their bands. However, not all have found the same success on their own. Here are seven classic rock stars whose solo ventures didn’t match their earlier acclaim.

1. Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, ventured into a solo career during the mid-1980s. He released two solo albums: “Mr. Bad Guy” in 1985 and “Barcelona” in 1988, a collaboration with opera singer Montserrat Caballé. Despite his powerful vocals and stage presence, these albums didn’t achieve the commercial success that Queen’s records did. “Mr. Bad Guy” received mixed reviews and lacked the distinctive Queen sound that fans adored. “Barcelona,” while praised for its ambition, appealed to a niche audience. Mercury’s solo endeavors highlighted the challenges artists face when stepping away from the collaborative dynamics of their bands.

2. David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth gained fame as the flamboyant lead singer of Van Halen. In 1985, he left the band to pursue a solo career, releasing the EP “Crazy from the Heat,” followed by the full-length album “Eat ‘Em and Smile” in 1986. While his initial solo work garnered attention, it couldn’t replicate Van Halen’s massive success. Subsequent albums saw diminishing returns, both critically and commercially. Roth’s solo music often lacked the chemistry and innovation that characterized his work with Van Halen, leading to a decline in his popularity.

3. Don Henley

Don Henley, drummer and co-lead vocalist of the Eagles, embarked on a solo career after the band’s breakup in 1980. His 1982 debut album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry,” but the album as a whole didn’t achieve significant success. Henley’s subsequent solo efforts struggled to capture the magic of the Eagles’ harmonies and songwriting, leading to a less impactful solo career.

4. Robert Plant

Robert Plant, the legendary voice of Led Zeppelin, pursued a solo career after the band’s breakup in 1980. His 1982 debut solo album, “Pictures at Eleven,” received moderate success but didn’t reach the heights of Led Zeppelin’s acclaim. Plant’s subsequent solo work explored different musical styles, but none matched the impact of his work with Led Zeppelin.

5. Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler, the dynamic frontman of Aerosmith, ventured into a solo career in the 2010s. His 2016 solo album, “We’re All Somebody from Somewhere,” showcased a country music direction. The album received mixed reviews and didn’t achieve significant commercial success, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to a different genre.

6. Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger, the iconic lead singer of The Rolling Stones, pursued solo projects during the band’s downtime. His 1985 solo album, “She’s the Boss,” received mixed reviews and didn’t achieve the commercial success of The Rolling Stones’ albums. Jagger’s solo work often lacked the raw energy and chemistry that defined his performances with the band, leading to a less impactful solo career.

7. Roger Daltrey

Roger Daltrey, the powerful voice behind The Who, embarked on a solo career during the band’s hiatuses. His solo albums, starting with “Daltrey” in 1973, achieved moderate success but never matched the acclaim of his work with The Who. Daltrey’s solo efforts often lacked the innovative edge and songwriting prowess of his band collaborations, resulting in a subdued solo career.