Replacing a legendary drummer in a classic rock band is a daunting task, and often, the new members struggle to fill their predecessors’ shoes. This list covers nine iconic bands whose replacement drummers, despite their talent and efforts, didn’t stay long or manage to leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about band line-up changes, these stories highlight the challenges and sometimes the fleeting nature of drum replacements in rock history.
The Who: Kenney Jones
After Keith Moon’s tragic death in 1978, The Who chose Kenney Jones from Small Faces and Faces to fill his drum throne. While Jones was a capable drummer, fans and critics often felt he lacked the wild, unpredictable energy Moon brought to the band. His tenure lasted until 1988, but many believe his style didn’t fully capture the essence of The Who’s original sound, leading to his departure and replacement by Simon Phillips for touring purposes.
Led Zeppelin: John Bonham’s Replacement, Jason Bonham
Following John Bonham’s death in 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded but reunited briefly in 2007 with Jason Bonham, John’s son, on drums. Though Jason’s drumming was technically impressive and emotionally resonant, the chemistry and raw power of John Bonham’s original style proved impossible to replicate fully. The 2007 reunion was short-lived, and Jason was replaced by other session drummers for subsequent projects, emphasizing how difficult it is to replace a legend.
The Rolling Stones: Steve Jordan
In the early 2000s, The Rolling Stones employed Steve Jordan as their touring drummer, replacing Charlie Watts temporarily during his health issues. While Jordan is a respected musician, many fans felt he lacked the unique swing and groove of Watts, leading to mixed reactions. The band ultimately continued touring with other drummers, and Jordan’s stint remains a brief chapter in their live history rather than a permanent change.
Pink Floyd: Nick Mason’s Replacement During Live Shows
Pink Floyd’s core lineup rarely changed, but during live performances in the 1980s and 1990s, they sometimes used session drummers or guest musicians to fill in for Nick Mason. These replacements, such as Gary Wallis, often struggled to replicate Mason’s distinctive style and feel, leading to inconsistent performances. The band’s reluctance to permanently replace Mason underscores how integral his drumming was to their sound.
The Doors: John Densmore’s Short-Term Replacements
After John Densmore left the band in 1973, The Doors briefly employed session drummers like Jerry Granelli and others for live gigs. None of these replacements managed to capture Densmore’s jazz-influenced, nuanced style, and the band ultimately disbanded after Densmore’s departure. The difficulty in finding a suitable replacement highlights how Densmore’s unique feel was central to The Doors’ identity.
Fleetwood Mac: Mick Fleetwood’s Replacement Drummers
During Fleetwood Mac’s tumultuous years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, various drummers like Mike Fleetwood and others stepped in. However, none could match the groove and synergy Mick Fleetwood created with the band’s evolving lineup. These replacements often only lasted short stints, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and style in Fleetwood Mac’s rhythmic foundation.
AC/DC: Phil Rudd’s Replacements
Phil Rudd’s departure from AC/DC in 1983 led to several short-term replacements, including Chris Slade and later Bob Richards. Despite their competence, fans and critics felt that none could replicate Rudd’s tight, powerful drumming style that became a cornerstone of AC/DC’s sound. Rudd’s eventual return in 1994 reaffirmed how irreplaceable his groove was to the band’s identity.
The Beatles: Ringo Starr’s Temporary Replacements
During the Beatles’ recording sessions and tours, they occasionally used session drummers like Jimmy Nicol when Ringo Starr was unavailable. Nicol’s brief stint in 1964 was met with enthusiasm, but he couldn’t match Ringo’s laid-back style and band chemistry. The band’s decision to stick with Ringo ultimately proved crucial to their signature sound.
How to Choose
When evaluating replacement drummers in classic rock bands, consider their ability to adapt to the band’s style, the chemistry they develop with other members, and whether their tenure significantly impacted the band’s sound. Authenticity, groove, and the emotional connection they bring are often more important than technical skill alone. Remember, a drummer’s fit is as much about personality and feel as it is about technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do replacement drummers often fail to last in classic rock bands? Because they often struggle to match the original drummer’s style, energy, and chemistry with band members, which is vital for maintaining the band’s signature sound.
- Can a replacement drummer ever fully replace a legend? Usually not, as the original drummer’s influence and style are deeply embedded in the band’s identity, making it hard for newcomers to replicate that legacy.
- Are there cases where replacement drummers became permanent members? Yes, but they are rare. Most often, replacements serve as temporary solutions or fill-in musicians rather than long-term members.
- What makes a drummer’s style so hard to replace? Their unique sense of timing, feel, and ability to connect emotionally with the band’s music, which often takes years to develop and cannot easily be duplicated.
- How do bands typically choose replacement drummers? They look for musicians with compatible styles, strong technical skills, and good chemistry with existing members, often auditioning multiple candidates.
- Does the audience’s perception influence whether a replacement lasts? Absolutely. Audience acceptance and band cohesion can determine whether a new drummer stays or is replaced again.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a legendary drummer in a classic rock band is one of the most challenging transitions in music history. While talented musicians can step in and contribute significantly, the intangible qualities of the original members—energy, feel, chemistry—are often irreplaceable. These stories serve as a testament to how integral drummers are to a band’s identity and how difficult it is to fill those big shoes, even with the best intentions and skills. Ultimately, the legacy of these bands is as much about their original line-ups as it is about their timeless music.
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