I have been guilty of passing on a CD by a band I usually like simply because a certain member is no longer with the group. More often than not, I grab the disc later on a whim only to find that it's as good or better than the albums before it.
Who are some of the guys you can think of that did a good job of replacing a rock superstar? Here's some of mine...
1. Eric Singer - KISS
When Eric Carr passed away I thought KISS was doomed. Instead they found a drummer in Eric Singer who was not only a beast on the kit, but could sing, too. Good replacement. Then Peter Criss came back. Oh well...
2. Ronnie James Dio - Black Sabbath
Who wants to replace Ozzy Osbourne? Not easy to do, but RJD did a great job. The Mob Rules is a great tune and most of Sab's songs during this period are really energetic and strong. Points to our favorite Elf.
3. Reb Beach - Dokken
George Lynch to many WAS Dokken. Forget Don's crystal clear vocals or Mick's dead on drumming. This hair metal quartet was Lynch's baby, so when he left so did I. But then I heard some of the Reb Beach tunes and thought, WOW! It's still Dokken after all. And it's better than Lynch Mob, too. (Sorry, Mr. Scary.)
What are some others?