Name a band where arguably their singer isn’t the most famous member

[paddingofpaws]

I have two considerations:

Blink-182 and Led Zeppelin

Squeeze when Jools Holland was in it. But maybe he wasn't actually any more well known than the others at that time? He just became more famous after?

Arguably, David Guetta. I know he doesn't have a band as such, but he's often a much better-known name than the singers he chooses to work with.

In the same vein, Mike Oldfield. It's outrageous how Maggie Reilly was uncredited for so long for the songs that she sang on.

I think a lot of people could name Joe Elliott as well as knowing about Rick (Allen?)

I’ve met him several times - we both follow the same football club - and I was totally star struck. He’s definitely more famous than Page.

Im not sure of another one - Genesis? Phil Collins wasn’t always the lead singer. That’s a bit of a cheat though.

The Band?

Guns 'n Roses - Slash

Van Halen

Kurt Cobain was certainly more famous than Dave when Nirvana were still alive, although less talented. I would firmly place Dave G amongst the most talented drummers in the history of the world.

mick fleetwood yes but also John McVie, bassist

Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello is probably better known than Zack De La Rocha.

I would also say that Flea of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers was the star for me. A fantastic funky bassist with a great personality.

He was more famous in Nirvana than Cobain?

I’m not sure I will ever get over his performsnce at Woodstock 99 🫣

Great thread! Difficult to define terms, though.

Bands where one member who wasn't the lead singer has become very famous for things outside the band, not necessarily musical, and is now the best known person who was ever in the band: Cream, Squeeze, D:ream, Genesis (arguably), not many others.

Bands where one member who wasn't/isn't the lead singer is the best known member of the band because of his/her contribution to the band - I'm not sure I can think of a single one. I don't think it would be fair to say Cream because all three of them made a massive contribution.

There's a Reddit thread about this exact question where someone suggests King Crimson, who I suspect are not that well known now (my husband loves prog rock, I'm a lot less keen but hear quite a bit perforce, sigh). Robert Fripp founded it and is the only member who's always been in it, but he doesn't sing.

Another good suggestion from Reddit: Guitarists Graham Nash of the Hollies and David Crosby of the Byrds. Those two went on to form a little group known as Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

Blondie.

Hahahah just kidding

Robert plant defo most famous of Led Zeppelin!!!

There's a Reddit thread about this exact question where someone suggests King Crimson, who I suspect are not that well known now (my husband loves prog rock, I'm a lot less keen but hear quite a bit perforce, sigh). Robert Fripp founded it and is the only member who's always been in it, but he doesn't sing.

Fripp has of course found a new career being Mr absolutely-as-batshit-as-my-Missis Toyah Wilcox.

<West country accent> "Bollocks !".

Weirdly he has a small sideline as a motivational speaker with his sister.

I really need to get out more.

Boney M? The bloke with the mad dancing always catches my attention more than the women…

D:Ream is also a good call

Who started life as "The New Yardbirds" ....

It’s funny you say that because Dave is always saying he didn’t think his drumming was all that. I disagree with him but I suppose technically he wasn’t as good as Taylor Hawkins. I think for drummers that Travis Barker is incredible, much like chad smith. My personal favourite drummer of all time is Karen Carpenter.
I believe Kurt Cobain to be hugely underrated as a guitarist and songwriter. I don’t think Nirvana even have bad B sides. I find foos a bit flat but still go to watch them at every opportunity, I like Dave’s live performance.

Lars from Metallica is the most famous member but not the singer.
Maybe controversial however I think Kim Deal is the most famous member of the pixies.

Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple and Rainbow.

Anyone said Pink Floyd ? They formed before I was born so I may be wrong here!
Also Velvet Revolver

They broke the mould with John Bonham.

Justice for Uncle Orinoco stuck at the back in The Wombles.