Top 10 Famous Bands Known For One Member
For this list, we'll be looking at bands whose popularity and reputation revolve primarily around a single member. We'll be omitting bands who take their actual name after a specific band member, like Bon Jovi, though.
#10: Weezer
Top 10 Weezer Songs
Emo rock received one huge commercial upgrade back in the nineties, thanks to the success of Los Angeles' own Weezer, while at the same time getting a brand new icon for the genre: Rivers Cuomo. Not only did the talented Cuomo sing, compose and perform some interesting guitar work, but he quickly earned popularity for his visual appearance, a sort of "geek chic" that resonated loudly with audiences at the time. It soon became difficult to separate Cuomo from Weezer, with many fans and critics pointing to Rivers as the band's de facto leader.
#9: Culture Club
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The next band on our list were both blessed and cursed to be fronted by one of the most unique, daring and influential style icons of the ‘80s: the inimitable Boy George. As a result, the other members of Culture Club faded into the background, comparatively invisible when fronted by the voice that sang such massive pop hits as "Karma Chameleon" and "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" This latter song may have been partially inspired by George's relationship with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss, but this mattered little to the group's fans, who focused their attention upon George and George alone...not that we blame them, of course!
#8: Bush
Bush was a product of the fashion-resistant grunge movement of the 1990s, yet ultimately it was this alt-rocker's old fashioned good looks that set him apart from his band mates. Gavin Rossdale played the part of long haired rock god on such Bush singles as "Machinehead" and "Everything Zen," and quickly become the focal point upon which much of the band's fan base and media attention was focused. Rossdale later parlayed this attention into acquiring roles in such films as "Constantine," proving that he wasn't just another pretty face.
#7: Nickelback
Top 10 Best Nickelback Songs
Love him, hate him or admire him, there's no getting around Chad Kroeger as the face of rock's eternal punch line, Nickelback. Simply stated, Kroeger IS Nickelback, and he takes all of the various insults that are often thrown its way in the media and online. Then again, the band is a multi platinum recording artist, with a whole lot of success to its name, so maybe Chad is laughing all the way to the bank? Either way, this Canadian guitarist, vocalist and songwriter stands right in front of his band mates as Nickelback's resident bad boy.
#6: Dire Straits
Next up, we examine the classic roots rock powerhouse Dire Straits, specifically a case of one musical sibling simply outshining the other. This is because most, if not all of the band's fans tend to focus their attention upon singer/guitarist and songwriter Mark Knopfler, as opposed to his guitar playing younger brother David. Now, Dire Straits has always been the sort of band that hinges upon its collective talents, but in this case, Mark's soulful lead licks and unassuming, yet passionate vocals just take charge each and every time. Want proof? Just listen to any of Mark's fragile, tear-inducing solos on songs like "Romeo and Juliet" or "Brothers in Arms."
#5: Paramore
Top 10 Paramore Music Videos
Hayley Williams is one of those rare, special cases; the sort of musical firecracker that doesn't come along every day. Perhaps this is why she was singled out almost immediately from the ranks of power poppers Paramore. Don't get us wrong, the band totally rocks, but it's Hayley's ultra melodic vocals and infectious stage presence for which Paramore has largely become known over the years. It doesn't matter whether fans are crushing on her, or simply admiring her talents as a musician and songwriter, Hayley Williams is just the real deal.
#4: Coldplay
Top 10 Coldplay Music Videos
It just sort of makes sense when musicians like Coldplay's Chris Martin become famous. After all, when they're as involved in political causes and charity the way that Chris is, their position as band leader becomes secure. Oh and marrying an A-list celebrity didn’t hurt either. Plus, Martin is just a captivating performer, connecting with the audience as frontman in the way that few rock singers do anymore. Sure, the lazy comparison might be to U2's Bono, but that's not giving Chris nearly enough of the credit he deserves.
#3: No Doubt
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The video for No Doubt’s hit song "Don't Speak" pretty much perfectly exemplifies the real experiences of the band in relation to the media. In it, No Doubt is seen fighting amongst each other with the media focus on Stefani as a personality and figurehead, despite not originally being the lead vocalist. This video was actually something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Stefani's fame as a singer and pop culture brand would only increase during her time with No Doubt and beyond.
#2: Maroon 5
Top 10 Maroon 5 Songs
If you were to ask the average pop radio fan to name another member of Maroon 5 aside from singer Adam Levine, we're betting that it would take a while before you were successful. This isn't to knock the rest of the group, as Levine's band is actually quite adept at laying down a smooth, funky groove when given the opportunity. When it's all said and done, however, it's Levine's crossover appearances with other media like "The Voice" that often make him the group's vocal point. Meanwhile his reputation as something of a sex symbol keeps him right out front in their videos. Before we name our number one band, here are a few honorable mentions! Hole One Republic The Killers
#1: Blondie
Top 10 Best Blondie Songs
For our number one pick, we have just two words for you: Debbie Harry. Sure, guitarist/songwriter Chris Stein and co. did their best to stand out within Blondie's new wave lineup, but it would take a supernova to distract just about any fan from the charisma and stage presence that define the band's visual namesake. Harry had the looks, the attitude and the skill to stand out from the pack of waifish, faceless female pop singers of the 1970s and 80s. The fact that she could also wail her ass off on hit songs like "Hanging on the Telephone" and "Call Me" just solidified the fact that Debbie Harry essentially IS Blondie: then, now and for all time.
