Is it worth seeing a band without their lead singer ?

[nvmbrsdoom5]

I think it all depends on the band and your attitude towards it. For me, there are some bands who I cannot imagine seeing and enjoying without their vocalist, and then there are other bands who I've been able to enjoy very much with a new singer.

I saw Creedence Clearwater Revival, and I also saw Fogerty solo. Of the two, I honestly prefered the Revival, they were faithful to the songs, the vocalist sang the songs almost note perfect and had a good presence. Not saying Fogerty was bad, but I just didn't enjoy his show as much. I never felt like, "wow this show would be SO much better if Fogerty were here" when at the Revival show.

Same with Journey. I saw them back in 1982 and 1983, which was great of course. I also saw them with Augeri in the late 1990s and that was very good. Last year I saw them with Arnel on vocals and it was one of the best shows I've been to in the last five years, easily.

I have nothing against Hagar really, but there's a good example of when I find the change a "negative".....Van Halen completely changed once he joined. The dynamic of the band, the live show, the songwriting, etc. They went onto even greater heights, some would say, so obviously they did something right! But for me, their look/sound just changed too drastically in a way that I didn't identify with once they added Sammy. And I think that's a big factor for me.....if Journey had really changed their overall sound and image and everything once they added Arnel, then my feelings towards his addition might've been different.

[huedell]

Of COURSE it has to do with the scenario

You have to know what youy're "in for" with whatever lineup you're going to
see at the show and then you have to decide if you'll actually
LIKE seeing that show or NOT like it

The interesting thing about the VH/Roth split is that when it happened
in 1986 all the way through all Hagar incarnations of VH, VH kept
Roth songs to a real minimum---so even if you were hoping to get a
nice dose of Roth era stuff sang by Sam at VH shows, you were outta luck...
Van Hagar was "Van Hagar" in more respects than just a different singer---it
virtually erased the Roth era from the band as far as the touring setlist went.

[Mikey]

Even though i'm not a fan of Van Hagar, I will give the devils their due.

Van Halen was a true legit band after David, including making albums and hit songs.

Same can be said for AC-DC, Pink Floyd and many more.

My original question was ........

Imagine seeing an old has-been band in concert that you've always known and loved -- but their lead singer - who is basically IS that band (in many cases) is not there.

Van Halen is a horrible example .......

Here's a few examples that fit the bill a lot closer (all made up by myself)

The Guess Who - without Burton Cummins
Duran Duran - without Simon Le Bon
The Police - without Sting
Greatful Dead - without Garcia
etc

[huedell]

...

My original question was ........

Imagine seeing an old has-been band in concert that you've always known and loved -- but their lead singer - who is basically IS that band (in many cases) is not there.

Van Halen is a horrible example .......

Here's a few examples that fit the bill a lot closer (all made up by myself)

The Guess Who - without Burton Cummins
Duran Duran - without Simon Le Bon
The Police - without Sting
Greatful Dead - without Garcia
etc

Well, the best you can do is read reviews and make your decision that way.

Personally????? As long as the band is doing songs I like
and the place sells beer----
then I don't care WHO the lead singer is!

[VintageMike]

It's cheap for go for it. If nothing else it's nice night out. Also if you're a fan of the band and they are getting older it may be your last chance to see them in person.
If that matters to you.