Top 10 Band Members Who Got Left Behind

Top 10 Band Members Who Got Left Behind

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for musicians who, for one reason or another, left a famous band before they could make an impression.

#10: Danny Kirwan

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac were a radically different band before they truly hit their stride in the mid-to-late ‘70s. For one thing, the groundbreaking duo of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks did not join until late 1974. In its original form, the Peter Green-led group was a lot bluesier than they would later become. Their rhythm guitarist during the height of their late ‘60s and early ‘70s work was Danny Kirwan. He was hired due to his very evocative and emotional way of performing on the instrument. But interpersonal issues, mental health problems, and alcohol use disorder led to him getting the boot in 1972. Kirwan missed out on the band’s golden period by a matter of years after suffering what was later described as a “breakdown.”

#9: LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson

Destiny’s Child

With a leading lady like Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child were always bound to become something successful. But what many people don’t know is that the most famous lineup of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams was not their first incarnation. In fact, Beyoncé was the only one who originally had a place in the group. She joined LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson in the first trio. But just as they were on the cusp of fame, Luckett and Roberson were unceremoniously axed. In fact, they literally found out they had been replaced when they saw the video for the song “Say My Name” on television. How’s that for a cold way of doing business?

#8: Glen Matlock

The Sex Pistols

Glen Matlock was probably the most technically proficient musician in The Sex Pistols. But he was missing one key ingredient that truly mattered in the band’s quest: he simply wasn’t punk enough. While Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones and Paul Cook embraced the image and style of the times, Matlock was seen as the odd one out. So when manager Malcolm McLaren decided to draft in the iconic Sid Vicious to replace him on bass, it was a move made with one clear agenda in mind. The problem? Well, Vicious could barely play the bass. This led to guitarist Jones playing most of the parts on their debut album. Matlock rejoined the band for several reunion tours after Vicious’ untimely death at age 21.

#7: Josh Klinghoffer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Josh Klinghoffer was already a friend and collaborator to John Frusciante when he was hired to replace him in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In many ways, he was the perfect replacement. And though his work on the albums “I’m With You” and “The Getaway” didn’t quite reach the band’s earlier peaks, he was still warmly received by the fans. Klinghoffer spent ten years recording and touring with the Chili Peppers as a full band member. But when the legendary Frusciante decided to rejoin the band in 2019, Klinghoffer was immediately dismissed. He insists that there were no hard feelings, but he still took the abrupt nature of his exit as a shock to the system.

#6: Jason Everman

Nirvana & Soundgarden

Getting kicked out of one legendary band is bad, but to do it twice is another level of unfortunate. By all accounts, Jason Everman was pretty difficult to work with. His anti-social behaviour rubbed his bandmates in Nirvana the wrong way, leading them to fire him as soon as their tour concluded. Then, upon joining Soundgarden, the exact same thing happened. Kurt Cobain famously described him as a “moody metalhead,” which is probably an accurate description. After getting dismissed from these two bands, he decided to join the U.S. Army, going from the edgiest of anti-establishment bands to finding himself on the opposite end of the spectrum.

#5: Crystal Jones

TLC

In many ways, Crystal Jones was absolutely crucial in the creation of ‘90s R&B legends TLC. She was the one who came up with the entire concept for the group, and discovered her bandmates Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Tionne Watkins. But just as the group were poised for success, she was kicked out. Depending on whom you believe, it was due to her subpar vocal ability. Or, more likely, due to her refusing to get rushed into signing a contract by Peri “Pebbles” Reid. Either way, Jones had to watch from the sidelines as TLC catapulted to global fame, making millions on the back of a concept that she created.

#4: Doug Hopkins

Gin Blossoms

The Doug Hopkins story is undeniably one of the greatest musical tragedies of the 1990s. After founding the band Gin Blossoms, Hopkins spearheaded their songwriting on their debut and its follow-up “New Miserable Experience.” The problem? Well, prior to their second album’s release, Hopkin’s drinking had become a major issue. And so, the band were left with no choice but to fire him around the time of its release. The album went on to become a huge commercial success, leaving Hopkins miserable as he watched his bandmates enjoy the fruits of his labour. Unfortunately, it all became too much for him to take, and just one year later, he took his own life at the age of 32.

#3: Brian Jones

The Rolling Stones

The version of The Rolling Stones with Brian Jones had a different flavour from the one that followed it. Jones’ experimental nature and prowess on multiple instruments helped the band stand out from its contemporaries. But like with so many rockstars of that time, substance use disorder was a serious problem for Jones. Unfortunately, in 1969, a myriad of personal and legal issues led to him leaving the band. Although he cited musical differences, the true root cause was likely far more complex. Jones would die just one month after his exit from the group, joining the infamous 27 Club.

#2: Dave Mustaine

Metallica

Dave Mustaine’s exit from Metallica is one of the most famous rock ‘n’ roll firings of all time. Even in their earliest days, Mustaine was already living the rockstar life a little too heavily. As the band were trying to figure out their sound and direction, Mustaine’s explosive behaviour and substance use disorder were a problem. Despite his clear talent, the band were already past their breaking point. And so, one day, they woke up a hungover Mustaine and fired him. To add insult to injury, they then refused to book him a plane, and instead sent him on a four-day-long bus ride to get home. Sure, he eventually went on to form Megadeth, but this metal legend never seemed to get over this abrupt dismissal.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Al Bryant, The Temptations

Forced Out of the Temptations Due to Alcohol and Erratic Behaviour

Paul Di'Anno, Iron Maiden

Fired from Iron Maiden and Replaced with Bruce Dickinson

Tracii Guns, Guns N’ Roses

The ‘Guns’ in Guns N’ Roses, Who Lasted Only Eight Months in the Band

Chad Channing, Nirvana

Creative Differences Led Nirvana to Replace Chad Channing with Dave Grohl

Henry Padovani, The Police

The Police Guitarist Who Was Booted After Andy Summers Joined

#1: Pete Best

The Beatles

No musician in music history gets talked about in terms of missing the boat quite like Pete Best. As the drummer of The Beatles, he was adored by the band’s loyal fans. But there was one major issue: his drumming was not quite up to scratch. And so, the band made manager Brian Epstein fire him, which John Lennon later admitted was a cowardly move. Once the deed was done, they hired Ringo Starr. Thankfully, Best went on to earn a massive payout in royalties thanks to the inclusion of some of his drumming on a later compilation release. Seems like fair compensation for him being branded as ‘the guy who almost made it big with The Beatles,” right?

Did we miss out on any poorly timed exits from famous bands? Let us know in the comments below.