Bands Who Defy the Idea of Addition by Subtraction
Pink Floyd Found Commercial Success After Losing A Member, Therefore Keeping Them Off Of This List
In Some Cases Established Bands Have Benefitted From New Blood
In terms of chart success, Genesis fared much better without Peter Gabriel. Fans of the band's early format probably frowned upon the commercial approach after drummer Phil Collins took over as lead singer, but gold records and Top Ten singles reinforced the concept of addition by subtraction.
Only a handful of other bands have enjoyed such an experience, including Ambrosia. The prog pop outfit headed by David Pack and Joe Puerta found more chart success after the departure of keyboardist Christopher North reduced it to a trio, who reached the Top Ten in the next album with "How Much I Feel."
More often than not, however, bands usually get better when they welcome an addition, as the new element seems to invigorate the standing members and initiate a slight change in direction.
Here are nine bands that support the idea of addition by addition.
1. Fleetwood Mac
After losing assortment of front men, Mick Fleetwood and who in McVie literally struck gold when they added the couple of Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
2. Styx
Dennis Deyoung had a Top Ten hit with "Lady", but the enlistment of Tommy Shaw transformed the quintet into an album oriented sensation.
3. Eagles
They were fine in their country flavored early days with Bernie Leadon, but veteran rocker Joe Walsh helped them being about Hotel California.
4. Moody Blues
On the recommendation of Eric Burdon of the Animals the Moodies took on Justin Hayward, who went to make hits like "Question", "The Story In Your Eyes" and "Your Wildest Dreams."
5. Electric Light Orchestra
Bassist and secondary vocalist Kelly Groucett did not appear until the Face The Music album, which just so happened to be the first of a string of platinum records for Jeff Lynne and the rest of the group.
6. Pure Prairie League
The immortal Amie had already been recorded, but after Larry Goshorn became front man for the country rock outfit in 1973 their best album Two Lane Highway came out.
7. T. Rex
Mickey Finn was added before the fourth album, and soon Marc Bolan and the prog band created their classic Electric Warrior.
8. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
As of the trio were not excellent as it was, adding the songwriting and tenor of Neil Young raised them to an even higher level.
9, Procol Harum
Even though the founding members had scored with "A Whiter Shade of Pale" years before, it was not until guitarist Mick Grabham joined the group that they created their greatest album Grand Hotel as well as the hit "Conquistador."
