7 Bands That Continued After Their Singer Passed Away

It is always a tragedy when a band loses one of its members, especially if they played a significant role in the group’s dynamic. The loss is even more profound when it is the singer, as their voice is often closely associated with the band’s identity.

In numerous instances, bands have decided to disband and close that chapter in their history. A well-known example is Nirvana, which dissolved after Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994. Dave Grohl went on to form Foo Fighters and considered inviting his Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic, but ultimately decided against it, as it would have been too much pressure, according to Rolling Stone.

However, there are also bands that chose to continue, whether immediately after losing their vocalist or even years later. The musicians have the right to keep playing the music they helped create, and many handled the situation with great respect.

One band, in particular, sought permission from the family of their late vocalist before bringing someone new on board, and it worked out for them. Others faced more challenges and had to adapt their identity as a result.

Here’s a look at some bands that continued after the death of their singer:

1. Queen

After Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen continued to perform, first with Paul Rodgers and later with Adam Lambert. Though no one could replace Mercury, these collaborations allowed Queen’s music to live on.

2. AC/DC

AC/DC faced a significant loss when Bon Scott passed away in 1980, but they were determined to carry on. Brian Johnson joined the band, leading them to even greater heights with the release of “Back in Black.”

3. Alice in Chains

Following the death of Layne Staley in 2002, Alice in Chains took a hiatus before regrouping with new vocalist William DuVall. The band continued to honor Staley while creating new music.

4. INXS

After Michael Hutchence’s tragic death in 1997, INXS tried continuing with various singers, including reality show contestants. They ultimately found some stability with J.D. Fortune, continuing their legacy.

5. The Doors

Following Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, The Doors continued as a trio and later recruited other singers for collaborations and tours, preserving Morrison’s influential legacy.

6. Lynyrd Skynyrd

After the 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s younger brother, on vocals, carrying the Southern rock torch forward.

7. Sublime with Rome

After Bradley Nowell’s passing in 1996, Sublime reformed in 2009 as Sublime with Rome, with Rome Ramirez taking over Nowell’s role. The new formation allowed the band’s music to continue reaching new audiences.

These bands exemplify resilience and the enduring power of music. Losing a vocalist is never easy, but these groups found ways to honor their late members while continuing their musical journeys.

Source: Rolling Stone