10 Original Vocalists Who Left Their Band And Returned
In the world of mainstream music, everyone loves a good band reunion—especially when the original lead singer returns. More often than not, bands do not end up like Green Day, where the lineup has remained the same for decades. Instead, there are usually changes that occur, but nothing is quite as heartbreaking as when the lead singer departs. The voice is what people associate with a band, and without it, things undoubtedly sound different, even if it’s for the best.
Plenty of singers have left bands and gone on to have successful solo careers. There is also a list of rock bands that replaced their lead singer, only to find themselves enjoying even more success. While both of these options represent a positive outcome, perhaps nothing is sweeter than the classic reunion. Throughout history, bands forgiving one another has led to some of the biggest songs, albums, and tours. These instances serve as unforgettable moments, where fans have to check multiple times to ensure their favorite lead singer is truly returning to the band they helped make famous.
10
Robin Gibb – Bee Gees
Original: (1958-1969) Return: (1970)
Not all exits and returns are created equal. While some seem to last many years, others happen quickly. For Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, this all took place in less than two years. Before it happened, Robin and his two brothers, Barry and Maurice, had formed the Bee Gees back in 1958. They worked tirelessly in the early ’60s, eventually releasing their first album in 1965. Five more albums would follow this, but the release in 1969 marked a turning point for them.
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At this time, Robin decided to leave to pursue a solo career. Left with no choice but to carry on, the band replaced him for the recording of their April 1970 album, Cucumber Castle. However, this wouldn’t last long as their next record, which was released in November 1970, would once again feature Robin. He was back with his brothers, and the three went on to achieve their biggest commercial success after changing their sound in the ’70s.
9
Rob Halford – Judas Priest
Original: (1973-1992) Return: (2003)
With 19 studio albums to their credit, being labeled pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, and over 50 million records sold worldwide, Judas Priest is solidified as one of the all-time great metal bands. Perhaps one of the only sore points in their incredible legacy is when lead singer Rob Halford left for almost a decade. Halford’s exit occurred in the early ’90s, and it left the band scrambling about what to do next.
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They decided to replace the voice that helped make them famous and carry on the band’s name. Without Halford, they produced two studio albums. On his own, Halford was doing well too, releasing a plethora of music. At one point, he even thought there was no way he would ever return, but that all changed in 2003. By 2005, the band had already produced a new album. After that, they went on to release four more, seemingly marking their decision to reunite as a great one.
8
Jesse Leach – Killswitch Engage
Original: (1999-2002) Return: (2012)
As a founding member of Killswitch Engage, Jesse Leach played a pivotal role in giving the band its voice. With Leach, the band released two albums. While they were off to a good start, they found the most success in their next era as Howard Jones took over as their lead singer. It was during this time that the band won awards, were featured in video games, movies, and even as a theme song in WWE.
Although the band was gaining great notoriety with Jones at the helm for three albums, it all changed when he departed in 2012. Instead of going with someone new again, the band went back to their original vocalist, Jesse Leach. This was a very exciting move for original fans of the band. Since his return, they have released four albums, including one in 2025. Additionally, it has provided fans with a litany of nostalgia.
7
Danny Worsnop – Asking Alexandria
Original: (2008-2015) Return: (2016)
It is not easy for bands emerging in metalcore to achieve significant success. It’s a challenging genre that often struggles to gain mainstream attention, as the songs are not always considered radio-friendly. However, Asking Alexandria is a band that has defied the odds. For years, they crafted catchy songs and provided their fans with honest lyrics. They landed on some big stages, but just as they were truly hitting their peak, personal issues took over.
They landed on some big stages, but just as they were truly hitting their peak, personal issues took over.
Lead singer Danny Worsnop stepped away, seeking something different from what he was finding in the band. He not only dabbled in solo work but also started another band, We Are Harlot, which had a cleaner sound than what he sang before. Asking Alexandria also moved on, replacing Worsnop and releasing another album. Time was able to heal everything, and Worsnop eventually returned. The band has gone on to release many more albums and has focused more on compromise in musical styles, becoming more radio-friendly.
6
Tom DeLonge – Blink-182
Original: (1992-2015) Return: (2022)
Before all of their major successes, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge were just two friends who enjoyed playing music together. Throughout the ’90s, the two quickly worked their way into becoming a well-known pop-punk band. Once Travis Barker joined, they skyrocketed into the mainstream with their 1999 album, Enema of the State. They followed this up with a few more successful albums, but the cracks in the band developed as side projects took priority.
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They would go on a hiatus for years, only to reform for another album in 2011. After that, things really fell apart, and DeLonge left for good. This time, Hoppus and Barker decided to keep things going and replaced DeLonge. Blink-182 went on to achieve continued success, and DeLonge focused on projects that truly interested him. However, after Hoppus faced a health scare, DeLonge decided it was time to rejoin the band. Now, with one album released and a couple of tours completed, the band eyes yet another tour as they continue to be one of the biggest pop-punk bands in the world.
5
Dave Bickler – Survivor
Original: (1978-1983) Return: (1993, 2013)
It’s not an easy thing to do, but Survivor was able to achieve major success with two lead singers. In fact, by the numbers, Jimi Jamison had more success than original lead singer Dave Bickler. Nonetheless, it does not take away from the foundation that Bickler helped build. After all, he is the iconic voice that sings “Eye of the Tiger,” which was featured in Rocky III and became a song that defined ’80s athletics.
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The whole reason Bickler had to leave in the first place was unfortunate, as issues with his vocal cords forced him to step away. As the ’80s roared on, so did Survivor with Jamison at the helm. Eventually, Bickler found his way back into the band, but would once again be replaced by Jamison in 2000. Fences would be mended once more, only this time Bickler returned and actually sang co-lead vocals with Jamison for a while.
4
Levon Helm – The Hawks
Original: (1958-1965) Return: (1967)
During the beginning of their career, the Hawks started as a backing band for Ronnie Hawkins. In the mid-1960s, the band moved on to work with Bob Dylan. However, after witnessing fan backlash to Dylan’s new sound, Helm stepped away for a few years. Eventually, he returned, and what was once a backing band transformed into The Band. Now, they focused on their own music instead of someone else’s.
The Band achieved major success, being labeled as one of the most influential rock groups ever. They were inducted into several Halls of Fame and have rightfully received the praise they earned. It’s astonishing to think that none of this might have occurred if Levon Helm hadn’t returned to play with them. In many ways, the course of music history could have changed forever, but fortunately, this story ended in the best way possible.
3
Ozzy Osbourne – Black Sabbath
Original: (1968-1979) Return: (1997, 2011)
When music pundits consider the most influential bands in heavy metal, Black Sabbath is always in the conversation. Truly, their influence extends far beyond just the genre they helped make famous. Of course, one of the biggest factors that set them apart was the voice of Ozzy Osbourne. With him as the lead singer, the band released their first eight albums throughout the 1970s. Unfortunately, personal issues with Ozzy took hold, and he was dismissed.
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The band did not do poorly in replacing him, as they secured the legendary Ronnie James Dio to join. They went on to find success with him, but his time in the band only lasted a few albums. Afterward, they tried a few more singers, including Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame. As time passed, Ozzy would rejoin the band for some reunion performances and a live album. Ultimately, it led to their final studio album in 2013, to wrap up their recording career as a band.
2
Vince Neil – Mötley Crüe
Original: (1981-1992) Return: (1996)
For nearly a decade, Mötley Crüe dominated the ’80s and into the ’90s as one of the biggest bands in the world. Fans fell in love with their persona and the way they embraced the rockstar lifestyle. Unfortunately, this led to some rough days, and eventually, egos took hold. This resulted in the exit of lead singer Vince Neil. The band was determined to continue and would replace him for one album.
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To many fans’ delight, this didn’t last for too many years, as Rolling Stone announced in 1996 that Neil would be returning. Ever since then, he has been a part of the band. They’ve experienced a lot of different periods since then, including other key departures, but the band continues to thrive. Mötley Crüe, along with their many hit songs, remain a staple of music festivals and more as they continue to be legends of rock and roll.
1
David Lee Roth – Van Halen
Original: (1972-1985) Return: (1996, 2001, 2007)
As the name of the band indicates, there was no mistaking the focal point of Van Halen. The band, of course, was a family tradition, centered around Eddie Van Halen, his brother Alex, and eventually, Eddie’s son Wolfgang. However, a major part of the band’s early success was due to lead singer David Lee Roth. He was a fantastic performer and quickly drew attention to them after their incredible self-titled debut studio album.
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For years, it seemed like nothing could slow the band down. They established themselves as one of the most sought-after acts and their legacy was cemented with their sixth studio album, 1984. However, this is where Roth’s time in the band ended. Soon after, they replaced him with Sammy Hagar, who became a reliable voice for them. Eventually, Hagar would leave, which opened the door to further possibilities for the band. Roth would tease a full comeback a few times, such as in 1996 and 2001, but his significant return occurred in 2007. After this, the band would go on to tour and record their final album, released in 2012.
