Top 10 Bands That Continued After The Lead Singer Died

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Not even death could stop these bands from rocking! For this list, we'll be ranking the groups who lost their vocalists, yet continued to carry on their careers. Our countdown includes Joy Division, AC/DC, Queen, and more! What’s your favorite band here? Let us know in the comments.
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#Rock
#Queen

[@WatchMojo]

Want more music? Check out SoundMojo to discover tomorrow's artists Today! kzbin.info What’s your favorite band here? Let us know in the comments. And for more Music, check out our playlist!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6OkdKWQhsR8otE

[@DZTVE_Official_YT]

Why your comment was made 2 days ago?

[@LarsiHansen2784]

This was a good video

[@Chittysushi]

Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and AC/DC. I don't know if you have it but maybe a top 20 tragic rock artist deaths of all time list.

[@Chittysushi]

@@DZTVE_Official_YT more than likely they post the video as private so the pubic can't see it then change the settings. I can only assume that's how they push videos out so fast, they have to keep ahead of days so all they have to do is publish it.

[@WesleyB-Rook]

Top 10 MacGyver inventions

[@yeetfeet1878]

For this list the saying “The show must go on” definitely applies

[@LarsiHansen2784]

Yeah

[@lexkanyima2195]

No matter who it is

[@kingofrunescapepking]

Which is even more fitting when you consider that was one of the last songs Freddie recorded with Queen

[@ScriptOfTheBridge]

@@kingofrunescapepking I cry to that song everytime

[@marvelgeek9577]

Queen and AC/DC forever! Legends never die! R.I.P. Freddie Mercury R.I.P. Bonn Scott

[@Cybergodless]

It's BON Scott

[@stevend3753]

AC/DC was the only band to really flourish after getting a replacement singer though.

[@jamienewell2846]

Switch Joy Division and Queen and we are good

[@ECL28E]

It seems like sacrilege, but I like Brian Johnson more than Bon Scott

[@dylanjennings1687]

@@ECL28E very different voices. Neither would have done well what the other did well, so it’s really just which songs you like imo.

[@BokuWaHikikomori]

I think Alice in Chains with Duvall is sounding really good too imo.

[@stevend3753]

@@BokuWaHikikomori I just can’t listen to AIC without Layne. It just seems……wrong. I’m sure I’m totally wrong, and he’s a great singer. But I can’t.

[@alexiezante3663]

The plane crash that killed Skynyrd’s members was in 1977, not 1997.

[@victorcorona2033]

Yeah, that's what they said. 😐

[@strawmancomics]

Came here to make that comment.

[@benfulfer3260]

@@victorcorona2033 they definitely said 1997 😐

[@victorcorona2033]

@@benfulfer3260 I know. I just wanted to see if he could get it right by checking it again.

[@victorcorona2033]

@@benfulfer3260 I was clearily being sarcastic at the first comment. 😑

[@rockindrop]

AC/DC has to be the most successful lead singer taker over of a band ever when you consider how integral to their sound Bon Scott was and now how integral to their sound Brain Johnson is

[@ThomasJM]

The funny thing is bon apparently saw Brian Johnson sing once and said that if anything happens to him to find him to replace him.

[@zackzallie8735]

@@ThomasJM Wow is it really happened?

[@ThomasJM]

@@zackzallie8735 yes Angus and Brian Johnson have both said it in interviews

[@username-jo8kf]

Ah yes my favourite AC/DC member. Brain Johnson

[@mr.x8259]

The Doors tried without Jim Morrison but it was short-lived.

[@kyletravers6720]

static X is another

[@ravensshadow2179]

@canadianblaster09 they would change the name to Riders on the Storm and go on a short tour in 2008 with Ashbury

[@CJM-rg5rt]

The Doors were a phase for me as a liquor loving lunatic when I was 13-16 but that clip definitely cemented my dislike for them all these years later.

[@ChiSportsNut18]

In 2011 I saw Robby and Ray in Chicago with a guy named Dave Brock doing vocals. Not sure who the drummer was. Robby and Ray were the only original members.

[@magusxxx]

@canadianblaster09 There was an actual contract stating none of the original members would use The Doors name unless all living members were part of the group. Densmore wasn't part of the new group so the contract was in breach. Manzarek more or less had the attitude, "Go ahead and sue. We'll be making money more money than you'll ever get from us."

[@evilcowboy]

Queen survived only because of the huge amount of respect everyone has for them and what they did for music.

[@classicerynn8452]

Joy Division turning into New Order is my fav. Both bands are fabulous.

[@superunknown8613]

There will never be any replacements for Scott Weiland, Layne Staley, Chester Bennington, or Freddy Mercury

[@zack2k938]

i agree. scott just had some swag to him bro

[@juanitadaleslusher5218]

That is right! And I refuse to listen to any of those bands, anymore! Thanks, Superunknown!

[@superunknown8613]

@@juanitadaleslusher5218 yeah dude. I was pretty disappointed when Scott and layne died especially.

[@kimberlycarr7198]

Even though there will NEVER be another Freddie Mercury Adam Lambert does a wonderful job.

[@steventhrasher3608]

I saw Queen with Adam Lambert in 2019 and was shocked by how amazing Adam fills in for Freddie.

[@debbie7505]

Adam Lambert is fantastic with Queen but he is the first one to say he is not replacing Freddie. There is no replacement for Freddie

[@emiliemanes5392]

I saw them in 2017. I was a fan of Queen first at age 13, then Adam when he was American Idol at age 17. I love them apart and I love them together.

[@debbie7505]

@@emiliemanes5392 Lucky!!!!!

[@Jeahkir]

He fills in so perfect because he doesn't try to. He's not replacing him but keeps his own (great) style.

[@Chittysushi]

I pretty much agree. Alice in Chains is probably #1 for me as it hit me hard as a kid being a fan since the Dirt album. Too bad Soundgarden didn't make the list but that band never reformed 😞.

[@moonharvest1296]

Alice in Chains is my #1 too...I love them!

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Layne Staley's death is the only celebrity death that really shook me. The anniversary of his death is coming up (April 5).

[@blackphillip8486]

And they never should. Welcome to Chitty Wok, you try the Chitty Chicken?! 😂😂😂

[@kershabeaver3312]

I am loving these musical countdowns that you all have been having lately. Now can we get some top 10 rnb female singers ir top 10 rnb bands

[@musicaholic119]

No one , nobody can replace the legendary chester bennington of linkin park though!

[@Itskindaweirdtheway]

Chris Cornell as well :(

[@Kentrc11]

So...auditions for a new lead singer for Linkin Park are still off the table? That's so lame.

[@TheOmenOfficial0]

Freddie Mercury aswell

[@alessandrogambino420]

Hahahahahah WITH THAT SINGLE COMMENT you have proven YOU DONT DESSERVE TO TALK ABOUT THIS. Cobain. Chester. The emo from Soundgarden...they are all so worthless compared TO REAL VOCALISTS AND BANDS.

[@TheOmenOfficial0]

@@alessandrogambino420 YES SO TRUE HOW CAN HE COMPARE HIM TO FREDDIE MERCURY HAHA

[@reginabaggie851]

Thank you for including INXS! My favorite band. I feel like they have been forgotten in some ways and don't get the respect/credit they deserve, even with as much as they've influenced other artists and have had their songs covered by so many.

[@callumtwose7658]

R.I.P. Michael Hutchence, the greatest front man in Australian music history!

[@benmccrory4]

Layne Staley cannot be replaced

[@elenapoole5609]

"it's not about replacing layne, that's an impossibility, it's about honoring him" - jerry cantrell

[@bySterling]

New Order!! 🙌🏻🎶💪🏻❤️💥🎉

[@mlggamer5296]

These guys are amazing for doing what they love even despite their lead singer's passing. They most certainly honored them I'd say

[@kennykasensouk931]

RIP Chester Bennington

[@TheaterPup]

I saw Queen + Adam Lambert twice in 2019, they have amazing chemistry together. :D

[@carterheitman7492]

Rip Freddy Mercury

[@Tomboyy9818]

Freddie*

[@darthvaderunderwears9556]

I’m guessing AC/DC with Bon Scott to Brian Johnson will be in the top 3 Edit: it was Number 1

[@conniethesconnie]

The top 3 should have been Queen, Lenard Skynyrd and AC/DC.

[@Ocasio-CortezPrez]

There was a metal group in the late 90s named Snot, whose lead singer Lynn Straight died pretty shortly after their debut album, the group made a compilation tribute called "Straight Up", with a lot of big metal named stepping in on vocals like Corey Taylor and Serj, even Ozzy giving a loving shout out because they had toured on Ozzfest and Lynn got to know Ozzy. Heartbreaking story but a great band that wasn't with us long enough, and a really amazing tribute album.

[@LordWafflestomp]

Yep, and they even had Tommy Vext formerly of Bad Wolves come in on vocals for a while.

[@kenmiles7743]

My favourite band is of course queen...long live Freddie Mercury

[@twist58]

To this day, I wonder if this can still be done for Linkin Park? Once an LP fan, ALWAYS an LP fan. Sure helped me through tough times in freshman year in high school.

[@calebwilliams7659]

The Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash was in 1977, not 1997.

[@jamesmcconnaughhay2081]

I heard that too!

[@WatchMojo]

Yes you are right, was a slip of the tongue. thanks

[@MomLAU]

I noticed that too. It happened when I was in high school.

[@afrayedknot9169]

Caught that too lol only missed by 2 decades

[@TimCarter]

Not even an AC/DC fan, but nobody even comes close to them in this category.

[@0pacbig32]

Your lead singer dies then 6 months later you release the best selling rock album of all-time(to some sources at least) with a new lead singer.

[@TimCarter]

I completely prefer the Bon Scott era over the Brian Johnson era, but there's no denying their success.

[@youreverydaysaltyiowastate5602]

@@TimCarter yeah. In my eye, Bon Scott era was better but there are a lot of fantastic songs from Brian era! I especially love No Bull and Live at Donington!

[@davidleeroth784]

I like em both equally, but come on. So so soooo many more to choose from the Brian era. Shoot to the Thrill. Back n Black. Thunderstruck. All regarded as the best AC/DC songs in Top 10s. Yes Highway to Hell makes those as well. But as I said. I LIKE BOTH

[@iandeleon6106]

Love Joy Division and New Order! RIP Ian Curtis! Also RIP Freddie Mercury and Chester Bennington

[@armyofachievers8766]

Alice in chains. Layne was what the band was performing about. The face of all the darkness in the music. Loved AIC since 1991 in 5th grade.

[@matko-cro-can]

I don't know if I would call Duvall Alice in Chains' front man. He and Cantrell share singing duties.

[@paularnold4021]

Yeah I think Jerry sings more than William does now,don't remember hearing him much on Ranier fog apart from the title track

[@Brandonmtlhd]

Duvall does lead on the old Layne songs but for the new material, it's mostly Jerry singing lead but with Duvall's harmonies.

[@LarsiHansen2784]

Amazing Video

[@debraodonnell4253]

Rip beautiful chester bennington miss u so much

[@stevegallo8483]

Interesting note, Bon Scott may have indirectly suggested his replacement. Shortly before his untimely death, he saw the band Geordie perform and told the members how incredible that band's vocalist was. That vocalist was Brian Johnson.

[@Mario_MartinezF]

Layne's voice man, incredible talent, RIP

[@AmirHigher]

What a treat for the ears and brain!

[@briannastultz6924]

I would love to see Linkin Park release a new album and continue performing to honor Chester.

[@Evfollower]

Seconded.

[@bartoltolic]

Yes! I love Chester and Linkin Park and I’m sure that Chester would love for others to continue..

[@LadyUsakoB]

Id love that ^_^

[@ChristoAbrie]

i don't mind if the other band members find new success, but for me, Chester is Linkin Park as much as Freddie Mercury is the King of Queen. There is simply no replacing them. As for the idea of replacing the lead singer of a band, i think it's important to recognize that the lead singer carries a large part of the band's initial success, because you can't identify with a drum beat or a guitar-riff, you can only identify with the singer performing the song, so losing the lead singer causes a major change in band-identity. Brian May has stated that Queen was never the same after Freddie's death, which explains why Queen hasn't released any new music since Freddie's last contribution for their 1995 album.

[@Kentrc11]

I agree, Linkin Park should get a new lead singer, but keep it a surprise to everyone & not make it a reality show spectacle like American Idol or RuPaul's drag race.

[@flexivefowl8186]

Ending a band because the lead singer died, that's not what they would've wanted.

[@LarsiHansen2784]

Yeah

[@ChiSportsNut18]

Probably why some decide to keep going.

[@ericschmit5911]

Some bands who lose a lead singer just need to stop as a band because some lead singers just cannot be replaced such as Freddie Mercury.

[@dhenderson1810]

What? And get a real job?

[@TheaterPup]

Thank God they haven't listened to you. No music fan would demand the music stop.

[@TheaterPup]

@@dhenderson1810 You mean like not trolling KZbin?

[@ericschmit5911]

@@TheaterPup You missed what I meant. The remaining band members should reform and make a new band. Perfect example, Queen. Not even close to the same "band" without Freddie Mercury. Queen died with him.

[@TheaterPup]

@@ericschmit5911 LOLOLOL No music fan would insist a band has died. Period. Enjoy the pretentious wallowing. We will be over here enjoying Queen. :)

[@jacksonfreaks.4767]

Queen.

[@trexadvent4726]

It's amazing how these musicians are still playing their instruments ever after losing their lead singers

[@davidmellish3295]

Why? Sorry that makes no sense,why would losing the singer effect the rest of the bands abilities to play their instruments? It might stop them making new records but I can't see why you think its amazing that they can still play their instruments cause the singer dying won't change their musical abilities

[@jodiliptrot8431]

Pretty sure trex is being facetious

[@Thebigkeoghowski]

Queen should be higher. IMO

[@Evfollower]

That’s what I thought; I was very surprised they were so low on the list.

[@darkwolfiexplays1178]

AC/DC Was My Rock Style Ever Since I Singing On The School Concert. One Of My Favourites Band. Rock And Roll.

[@rockroll3065]

10.) Thin Lizzy 9.) Queen 8.) Stone Temple Pilots 7.) Sublime 6.) INXS 5.) Lynyrd Skynyrd 4.) Alice In Chains 3.) Grateful Dead 2.) Joy Division 1.) AC/DC

[@kenfrmcape2355]

If its not with Freddie, its not Queen. RIP.

[@SoCalPressCore]

Yes he was a legend but is a legend

[@artdroid29]

Don’t forget John

[@SoCalPressCore]

Yes :(

[@marialemos1495]

I agree! No disrespect to Adam Lambert, but the band is not the same without Freddie Mercury

[@haba3000]

No Freddie Mercury, No John Deacon = No Queen!

[@LordWafflestomp]

Drowning Pool is still going too, even after the death of Dave Williams and only a few of their songs are anywhere close to anything on the whole Sinner album.

[@CapeRides]

I prefer the original Tear Away

[@67697072]

I agree 100% with this list !

[@DrewRandIsCool]

Scott Weiland in my opinion was STP he’s forever irreplaceable

[@superunknown8613]

Dude exactly

[@gabe22313]

Definitely but replacing him was a good idea, keeps the music living on and the rest of the band is a lot happier when they’re making/playing music

[@murdocgorillaz222]

I love so many of these bands! Was wondering if GWAR would make the list honestly.

[@BrianPollard]

They should've rated an Honorable Mention, at least. Just because the new frontman used to be their bass player should be meaningless, since his character is different.

[@mrcpuhead]

AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd are my favorites on this list!

[@SonicfanTheNightfury5099]

I seen Queen in Vancouver before the pandemic in 2019

[@Mcnonswagger]

We Care A lot... that faith no more wasn’t on this list. But I’m used to you guys dropping the ball.

[@miinamerii]

Queen should have been No. 1

[@yoj312]

Nah AC/DC deseves the top 1

[@kingjohnny4314]

@@yoj312 i agree

[@benwilliams5837]

Oh man, entry 8 hits different as I saw STP and Linkin Park shortly before each of them died.

[@panzercop7950]

You never forget listening to free bird for the first time...

[@mayflowerpdx5706]

Agree with the #1. I remember being crushed when Bon died. I never thought they would go on and have a massive hit with BIB, a great album but for me it will always be Bon Scott. ❤️

[@kay-dc8495]

*"The show must go on"*

[@swervature]

So much heartache.

[@ianbat7092]

rip ian curtis. 🖤 also i i love new order, gonna see them in concert in september at madison square garden.

[@BikerGeek]

Lot of bands you forgot. Little Feat comes to mind. They were an up and coming band when their lead singer Lowell George passed away.

[@Johnno9989]

The Sweet is a good one - they may not have released any new material since losing Brian Connolly, but they still toured. And I think the Prodigy are still going despite Keith Flint's unfortunate demise. Kudos for especially including Queen though.

[@datsapaddlin4228]

Being a lead rock band singer back in the day was chancing death apparently

[@billr6983]

Yeah, maybe being a drummer would have been safer.

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

@@billr6983 but then there's Moon and Bonham. drugs suck.

[@billr6983]

@@lesclaypoolonbass9431 And don't forget all the drummers from Spinal Tap.

[@williamlong3848]

AC/DC is my favorite

[@Thebest-ne1dx]

Queen 👑

[@williamlong3848]

@@Thebest-ne1dx Queen is an awesome band

[@zer0_iz_d34d]

Damn Aic is such an uderrated band. Glad to see them here.

[@Brandonmtlhd]

Considering they are part of the big 4 of the Seattle scene, I wouldn't say that they are underrated. More like they got the recognition they deserve.

[@DrewRandIsCool]

Tbh I consider Queen today to be a tribute band to Freddie Mercury

[@Thebest-ne1dx]

Freddie was a legend

[@TheaterPup]

Tbh You haven't a clue what a tribute band is. He wasn't the only member.

[@TheaterPup]

@@Thebest-ne1dx The entire band is a legend.

[@WonHakWoon]

Stop insulting Adam Lambert! People like you have no idea that I never have been able to see the original band, I am thankful to Adam that I can see Brian and Roger live

[@brendamurphy8654]

Freddie never wanted Queen to die with HIM. He'd be happy In They're Choice with Adam..."The Show Must Go On"❣ R.I.P. FREDDIE❤THE KING 👑 OF QUEEN❤ ALWAYS LOVED & NEVER FORGOTTEN ❤♾🤘

[@ILOV3BUTT3R]

Fun fact: Ronnie never wrote down his lyrics. What a mad lad.

[@michaelsmyth6296]

The Firm. Remember? Black Star Riders, nice.

[@davidszafranski7952]

Nice

[@Nightcrawler6321]

The Jacksons never have been the same since MJ left

[@marguskiis7711]

lol

[@Cybergodless]

There was NO Jacksons without Michael.

[@noodlehat3250]

Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon?

[@deathangel1187]

I am here just to see alice in chains RIP LAYNE STANLEY, RIP MIKE STAR

[@molinalong3468]

Top 10 bands have lead singer last song before they died

[@lexkanyima2195]

Very difficult to explain that

[@zombified3362]

What?

[@Ofthe7thSon]

Had the absolute pleasure of seeing INXS perform live a couple of times, and had tickets to the concert they were supposed to play when Michael died. Have also seen AC/DC but they’re not as good live, imho....

[@williammurphy6428]

Top 10 Watchmojo lists next

[@raafayahmad8547]

Rip chester ❤️

[@charleysonnydickinsonvuori7833]

Queen should be nearer the top!

[@marcguidry5744]

My favorite band is one I grew up listening to. Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Queen playing a close second.

[@gerdtt79]

How the hell is Queen only 9?

[@akamiguelsanchez9985]

Because the two replacements have been trash

[@SoCalPressCore]

Yes no one can replace Freddie :(

[@robertsaul234]

They just tour. They aren't recording albums with new original songs. Karaoke

[@TheaterPup]

@@akamiguelsanchez9985 Don't quit your day job.

[@TheaterPup]

@@SoCalPressCore No one has tried to.

[@01cumminsho26]

I knew it had to be AC/DC as soon as I read the title. It's hard to even say which version of AC/DC is better. Both Bon and Brian have their own unique style that makes the band great either way.

[@benjwolford]

Alice in Chains records with William DuVall are very good.

[@troysuza2065]

He has been a great replacement. The live shows with them now is full of energy and excitment.

[@benjwolford]

I aim to see them again. Saw them in '91 open Clash of the Titans. They sounded great.

[@troysuza2065]

@@benjwolford I saw them like 2 years ago and it was one of the best shows I ever been to. It was a smaller venue so it was intimate.....and boy oh boy they played allll the hits plus a few off the new album Rainer Fog. It was a fantastic experience.

[@trexadvent4726]

Can you do comic book origin of DC Music Meister?

[@joshjoseph7628]

My favorite queen; stone temple pilots ; lynard skynard; acdc

[@trexadvent4726]

Can you do top 10 animated movies from Netflix?

[@mattdominick1679]

Well, another example could be Quiet Riot, although they haven't risen in popularity since Kevin DuBrow's death.

[@Gothicwolf1984]

What about Drowning pool?

[@Aidenandradefilmography]

5:53 actually is was 1977. Had to look it up lol cuz that threw me off 😂

[@HolyCross9]

For me it's Brad Delp from Boston.

[@MachinegunnNick]

Surprised Drowning Pool isn't on here, they've had two singers die and still kept going

[@Mr69BlackDragon]

I was expecting them also.

[@gamertagdude1239]

My faves are Alice In Chains and AC/DC (I’m gonna add more since I haven’t watched the full video yet)

[@brianallison1913]

I know he ia not a frontman but the fact that Keith Richards is still alive is pretty amazing. I guess he said it best when asked about his longevity......."I'm doomed to live."

[@rogerszmodis]

All of them but AC/DC were half assed versions of the original.

[@Silentafterthought]

It's hard to replace a Singer some bands just need to let it rest in peace

[@mcmacshalfilya]

Yup. Kinda just depends on, I don't know. Something

[@thatonec_set3730]

I personally think queen should have been in third or fourth. But that’s just my opinion, that doesn’t mean I’m correct.

[@TheaterPup]

No you are correct. Mojo tends to make those kinds of mistakes. ;)

[@nicoleknight9412]

The Crickets ran without Buddy Holley for a few years, mainly in tribute concerts.

[@0pacbig32]

Without that we wouldn't have i fought the law.

[@camdenrafftery3555]

For a second, I thought that was David Byrne (who is alive, and healthy as ever) of Talking Heads on the thumbnail.

[@bealgates8594]

The boys are back in town wow was from that linny lol

[@Atomic_Comic2077]

AC/DC was definitely first band to come in mind

[@vinnyhydeswt]

Gwar, Exodus, mayhem, static x

[@MegadethFan9000]

5:55 The Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash actually happened in 1977.