Rockbands That Are Only Left With 1 Original Member

As time passes, bands often see their original lineups change, sometimes drastically. Maintaining the same members over decades is rare, and health concerns can become a significant factor. While some musicians, like Willie Nelson, continue to perform into their 90s, others face the challenge of keeping the spirit of their bands alive despite aging or lineup changes.

We’ve compiled a list of 30 bands with only one original member left, whether they are the sole survivor or the last one still performing with their group.

Megadeth: Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine, who co-founded Megadeth in 1983, remains the only original member still active, despite a brief hiatus during the band’s split from 2002 to 2004.

The Staple Singers: Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples, the last surviving member of the Staple Singers, continues to perform live in her mid-’80s, decades after the group’s start in 1948.

The Band: Garth Hudson
Following Robbie Robertson’s passing in 2023, multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson is now the sole surviving member of The Band, though his health is fragile.

Iron Maiden: Steve Harris
Bassist Steve Harris is the only original member remaining from Iron Maiden’s early lineup, having appeared on every album since the band’s formation in 1975.

Slipknot: Shawn Crahan
Shawn Crahan, known as Clown, founded Slipknot in 1995 and is the last original member, with his bandmates either leaving or passing away.

Anthrax: Scott Ian
Scott Ian is the sole original member of Anthrax still performing, having outlasted the other founders who were replaced in the band’s early years.

Exodus: Tom Hunting
Tom Hunting, despite taking breaks, remains the only original member of Exodus, having returned to the band after stints away due to illness and other issues.

The Temptations: Otis Williams
Otis Williams is the last surviving original member of The Temptations, holding onto the group’s legacy while continuing to perform.

Little Feat: Bill Payne
Bill Payne, the last original member of Little Feat, has weathered numerous lineup changes and remains an active performer with the band.

The Human League: Phillip Oakey
Phillip Oakey, the sole surviving founder of The Human League, has navigated several lineup changes while continuing to lead the band.

Uriah Heep: Mick Box
Mick Box, the only surviving original member of Uriah Heep, has seen numerous band changes but continues to lead the group.

Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson is the only remaining original member of Jethro Tull, leading the band through various lineups and periods of inactivity.

Deep Purple: Ian Paice
Ian Paice, the last original member of Deep Purple, has remained with the band through numerous lineup changes and periods of inactivity.

King Crimson: Robert Fripp
Robert Fripp, co-founder of King Crimson, is the sole original member remaining, although the band is not currently active in touring.

The Cure: Robert Smith
Robert Smith is the only original member still with The Cure, having maintained his role since the band’s formation in 1978.

AC/DC: Angus Young
Angus Young is the last remaining original member of AC/DC, continuing the band’s legacy after his brother Malcolm’s retirement and subsequent passing.

Boston: Tom Scholz
Tom Scholz, the sole original member of Boston, has been quiet since 2017, with no new albums or tours announced despite occasional hints at new music.

Chic: Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers is the only original member of Chic still active, following the passing of co-founder Bernard Edwards in 1996.

Foghat: Roger Earl
Roger Earl is the last remaining original member of Foghat, having outlasted his original bandmates who have either passed away or left the group.

Journey: Neal Schon
Neal Schon, an original member of Journey since its 1973 formation, remains active with the band, outlasting other founding members.

Queens of the Stone Age: Josh Homme
Josh Homme, who formed Queens of the Stone Age in 1996, is the only original member still with the band as others have come and gone.

W.A.S.P.: Blackie Lawless
Blackie Lawless, the only original member of W.A.S.P. remaining, has seen many lineup changes since the band’s 1982 formation.

Whitesnake: David Coverdale
David Coverdale is the last surviving original member of Whitesnake, which he founded in 1978 after leaving Deep Purple.

Rainbow: Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore, who co-founded Rainbow in 1975, is the only original member left, having returned for the band’s reunion in 2015.

Scorpions: Rudolf Schenker
Rudolf Schenker is the last remaining original member of Scorpions, who has been with the band since its inception in 1965.

Primus: Les Claypool
Les Claypool is the only original member still in Primus, having formed the band in 1989 and outlasting various lineup changes.

Emerson, Lake and Palmer: Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer is the sole surviving member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, continuing to perform with his ELP Legacy project after the deaths of his bandmates.

Eagles: Don Henley
Don Henley is the last original member of the Eagles, co-founding the band in 1971 and maintaining his role throughout its long history.

ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons is the last surviving member of ZZ Top’s original lineup, which he co-founded in 1969, following the passing of his early bandmates.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive: Randy Bachman
Randy Bachman is the last original member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, continuing to carry the band’s legacy despite C. Fred Turner’s retirement from touring.