10 Rock Bands Who Were Jukebox Heroes, But Are Now Jukebox Zeros!  

I was waiting and waiting for Queen to make the list, and you didn't disappoint with giving them the number one spot. Freddie had one wish for his band mates, "Don't make me boring." Well, they not only achieve doing that, but continue to stomp on Mercury's grave.

Kiss deserves honorable mention. They should have retired twenty years ago.

Lynyrd Skynyrd definitely deserves a mention.

Van Morrison should never retire from touring. I have seen him in a small venue in Belfast x3 and in front of 15K in Philly. That old dude is timeless and still has it!

How the hell did Kiss not get a mention?! They're doing their final final final final tour.... and their infighting is legendary.

Reminds me of the joke: My high school prom hired the real Foghat band because we couldn’t afford the Foghat tribute band.

I'm so glad I grew up in the 70s/80s...saw all the great CLASSIC bands in their prime.

I think there's at least one thing that you either forgot or just never thought about. °Bands used to make a good portion of their money from album sales, but since digital downloads have taken over this is no longer the case. Most rock stars weren't known for saving & investing their money for later so they can retire, so they had to hit the road "one more time" while they're still able to.. Look up the year digital downloading took off & the year classic rock bands started doing their reunion tours & you'll see they coincide with each other.

This absolutely needed to be said. I wont even debate what bands should or should not be on that list. The underlying point is solid. There's something to be said about "It's better to burn out than to fade away."

_"All bands break up, or at least they should at some point."_ -Rick Beato

I remember seeing The Byrds back in the 90's with only the drummer as the original member. The set list was essentially their greatest hits album. This was at a carnival. It was pretty sad.

Hi Michael, I just discovered you and this is the second video I watched of yours, I 100% agree with you and your outlook on this video! You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate that in a person and can respect them and their views! Thanks for doing these videos I'm really enjoying them! ♥️

Grace Slick is right about there is a certain age when being a rock star is just silly.

I really like the way you pull no punches and call it as you see it. Very refreshing

Can't believe Grand Funk Railroad isn't on your list. After the original three members split up, Don Brewer and Mel Schacher continued using the name. They haven't put out any new material since then and now have three other guys doing what Mark Farner did from the start. He (Mark) wrote 90+% of the songs they did and the current lineup is nothing more than a cover band.

This is my first time watching, Michael. Frankly, you're a breath of fresh air! I agree that once a band no longer has any original members, they are a tribute band. Others will argue that whoever holds the rights to the band name can go on as long as they want. That statement goes back to your original comment about playing just to make money. Anyway...thanks! I look forward to being notified of future videos.

And this conversation is exactly why Zep did it the right way. When it’s done, know when to walk away and preserve the legacy.

I met jon Anderson at the heath and harmony festival in 2005 in Santa Rosa, ca...and watched him perform...it was mesmerizing...amazing what a cool dude 😎

Hi Michael, here is another band you should mention that has no original member left is : "Little River Band". I was formed in Australia back in March 1975 by lead vocalist Glenn Shorrock, guitarist-vocalists Beeb Birtles and Graeme Goble, lead guitarist Ric Formosa, bassist Roger McLachlan, and drummer Derek Pellicci. The current line up is now basically American with no original members whatsever, the band is now Wayne Nelson, Chris Mason, Rick Herring, Ryan Ricks & Colin Whinnerey. Its strange because the original 1975 lineup wanted to re-form about 5 years ago but were not allowed to because Wayne Nelson now owns the LRB name.

It's true that Sabbath changed with Ronnie Dio, but Heaven & Hell is an absolute monster classic album, and in no way a loss of quality in output from the band.

I'm surprised you didn't have Lynyrd Skynyrd on the list, still touring with one original member left. I'm so glad I had the chance to see them in '77 before they had their tragedy. I have to say I agreed with a lot of your points you made, new subscriber here!

I saw all these bands back in the day when they were good (and a fraction of the ticket price now) and only now support local bands. Something on RU-vid triggers a renewed interest in bands and I revisit my Apple collection to see if I missed anything. Funny how CCR was on your list and you mentioned the same things I re-discovered as I updated my collection. John Fogerty played MULTIPLE instruments including guitars, piano, keyboard , harmonica AND saxophone (I thought it MUST have been a guest musician but it was John!). The other 3 played ONE instrument. He also wrote and arranged the songs that all became hits yet the other 3 thought THEY were the heart of the band!!! Musicians never seem to realize how good they have it riding a genius’s coat tails.

To be honest, I was waiting for Queen to come up - not that I agree with it in this instance. However, if I were in the band that wrote and recorded some of their songs, I would want to carry on playing them as long as possible. No one (including Roger, Brian, John and Adam) believes that they are the same band without Fred. But I for one am glad they are doing what they do, if for no other reason than I get to see and hear Brian & Roger play live together. They won't be around playing for that much longer, so I suggest we make the most of it while they are. With regards to Adam, he's certainly no Fred (which he freely admits himself), but he's not too shabby as a vocalist and performer.

I saw Yes, Genesis, Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac et al in Birmingham, England during the early 1970s - all with original line ups. Does that give me bragging rights at a party?

With Queen + Paul Rodgers, it was stressed that Paul was NEVER intended to be Freddie’s replacement (hence the + Paul Rodgers in the name). And they didn’t strictly perform Queen songs, they also threw in Free and Bad Company numbers as well, and you could see one very important thing: THEY WERE HAVING FUN PLAYING AGAIN!

As far as older artist go, Alice Cooper and Sammy Hagar both are still amazing.

Journey is nothing but a tribute band now and I have been a lifelong fan, got to see them during the Steve Perry era, and it was great

Great video with a very important message. Michael Noland's channel is exceptionally well done. I would also recommend Pop Goes the Sixties.

I’m with you on 95% of your choices, but the Stones need to be retired also,especially with the death of Charlie, no respect, Greed lives on.

KISS & Eagles need a mention for the fact they both have already done farewell tours. Once you do that, I say no more touring. The Eagles ticket prices are extreme gauging.

You articulated what I’ve been thinking for years!! Very well done!!!

You are my new hero! I'm an old school bass player, and we think alike 😆 This is the 2nd video of yours that I have watched so far. Good stuff!

A few years ago went to see Crosby Stills and Nash with massive expectation, when they came out for the second half 50% of the arena was empty, that says it all.

The Stones still write new material but who goes to hear that? Their best material ended back in the 70s, it's a greatest hits show with two original members and a bunch of session musicians.....

I agree partially. I don’t agree that they should stop playing. People should hear their songs being played live, but I agree that it shouldn’t be at high price tag they put, since most original members they would rather see aren’t there. I was fortunate enough to see Black Sabbath original lineup 3 times during the 2000s at Ozzfest. They sound so good live. I do miss seeing them. Tony Iommi was at least smart enough to change the name of the band Heaven & Hell when he played with Ronnie James Dio. I was unfortunate not able to see them as Dio passed away. One of the greatest vocalists of all time, could arguably be # 1.

Dude, I totally agree with you on CCR! John Fogerty was the main genius behind that band. Edit: Fleetwood Mac too! You hit the nail on the head!

I think you are right on! The "music business" is a horrible industry, and I don't see things getting better. I am a black man, born & raised in Chicago, and I grew up on Rock and Roll. Music today is sterile, impersonal and vapid. You cannot really have a deep connection to bands today, and to watch these older acts clinging to past glory, although understandable, it is sad. You made a sub out of me with this video!

Absolutely spot on sir! You are openly saying what many of us have thought for years.

I don’t think anyone needs to retire. It’s their careers . They should do what every they want. If you don’t like it you don’t have to go.

I just came across this video and wow did you hit this on the nose. Thanks so much.

Saw King Crimson during their 50th anniversary tour. Even though Robert Fripp is the only original member (there was many versions), he always surrounded himself with musicians of the highest virtuosity. This lineup performed music from their extensive catalog. They were stunning. It sounded new & inventive. It was great to see master musicians pushing themselves with complex arrangements & configurations. I left exhausted but it was worth the ride. Great music is supposed to take you to a higher place. It was worth every penny.

Laughed my head off when you were talking about these old dudes using playing as their 401k. Never thought of it that way 😂🤣

Ok, ok... just subbed! This is very interesting and will look at more of your vids!

Sorry that I’m late to the party! Just found your channel and I do agree with you on this video. I’ve seen these bands in their current iteration and I don’t like what they’re doing. It’s such a let down. I also agree that they’re most likely trying to recoup their losses from days gone by. Music has changed dramatically, and the way the business is today it’s just not supporting artists as before through the medium of radio, albums and shows. I’d like to see what your thoughts are on famous artists who’ve managed to stay relevant and keep their passion for music alive. Thanks again and I look forward to more videos from you.

I believe "Grand Funk Railroad " is still touring without Mark Farner, you know, the guy who wrote almost all of their songs.

I laughed out loud when Michael first makes the statement "...and I'm tired of becoming a 401k for band members and rock artists who didn't have the sense enough to save up for a rainy day..."

Mick Jones is the founding member of Foreigner and the main talent as songwriter and guitar player. He is still playing. Styx has had a few new albums not up to the par of the seventies but still good albums that they play live. Styx is also one of the few bands that sound as good or better live compared to their recordings.

One band I expected to see on your list was Molly Hatchet. They are touring now I hear without one original member left. Enjoyed your video and generally agree with your observations. Thank you.

Hi Mike, I've only discovered your channel a month or so ago and I'm loving it. Thanks.

Last band I paid to see was Rush on the Clockwork Angels tour. They were always worth it.

I finally got to see Genesis live. I think I would have been happier if that was a dream left unrealized. I love Phil Collins, but his voice is gone and I was very disappointed. I would have been much happier if the band had built a whole show around their studio work *_using_* their studio recordings and presented *_that_* live.

Deep Purple ,Uriah Heep,Def Leppard,Whitesnake,Jethro Tull still sound awesome after all these years...good job mates !

I've seen Jon Anderson doing his solo performance, I saw him on tour with Rabin and Wakeman a few years ago and I'm seeing his show again in July. Thoroughly happy with it.

I agree with you. I have great memories of the original bands I saw back in their prime. It would be a real bummer to see a corporate version of them.

Hey Mr. Noland, I just wanted to tell you, that did a similar video but with R&B singing groups, I got my inspiration from you !

The Golden Age of Rock & Roll - from 1963 to 2000 - produced some amazing music ... but it's over. Just like Classical and Jazz , it had its time and then faded. We now go back and relisten and analyze and interpret but the original magic remains the standard. Rock is the same - Mick Jagger is still Rocking but it's more nostalgia than Rock. Bob Dylan still performs but his best work was done in the first 10 years of his pro career. It's over ... but we just don't want to let go of what once was magic ...

I am shocked you didn't include kiss as one of the top! They only released 2 albums in the last 25 years and neither were good and nothing in the last 10 years. Gene has put his name on anything and everything he can possible make a buck on and the band hasn't been relevant since the 80's.

Loved this …dead on 👍🏻😊!

and let's not forget solo artists whose voices are fried to a crisp, such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Daryl Hall,Paul Simon and Brian Wilson.

Well, when the music industry releases statistics recently that show the top 200 most popular songs currently only account for 5% of all streams and downloads, there's something to be said about the old music. The industry also stated that 70% of physical music media sold is vinyl and the artists go back 25 years and more. Music from the 60s-90s is the hottest selling in the industry. This is partly why these bands are still around... demand.

I saw Sabbath with Ozzy, Iomi, and Geezer in 2017. It was good to see 3 of the 4 original guys performing together. The tour was called "The End" and I think it was the last tour under the name Black Sabbath. It was a very enjoyable show.

With you totally on the negative impact of both the "talent" shows ( on both sides of the Atlantic),back in the mid nineties I was working as an engineer at British summer festivals,one band's guitarist/songwriter wanted me to join on f-ing vocals based solely on the way I dressed.I told him I couldn't sing to save anybody's life and all he could do was go on about that no longer being an issue because of autotune.Thinking of all the actual musicians I'd had the privilege to work with,he was lucky I just walked away in disgust.

Good stuff. Entertaining and educational.

As far a managers add Rush's manager, Ray Daniels, to your list of keepers. He was there throughout their entire 40+ year tenure and kept the band's vision and its members individual needs as his focus.

Great analysis! I would have included the Eagles on this list. Only original member left is Don Henley, meanwhile Don Felder, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon are all out there in Eagles exile while Henley tours with a bunch of replacements charging $300-500 a ticket. I’ll pass

Also saw King Crimson's 50th show Fripp is Crimson. Covered the history of the band Three amazing drummers in front would pay 300 a ticket 🎫 to see that show again. I have seen in the 70's,80's 90' and again the last show in 2019 Crimson and Fripp never disappoint the exemption

I Applaude Grace Slick for knowing that it was time for her to Retire when she did...Kiss should have stopped years ago too...when your singer has to use backing tracks because he is too old to do it anymore that's not fair to the fan's whom are coming expecting your gonna give an amazing show for their hard earned dollars...just my opinion of coarse.

You are dead right, TribeChief! Thank God you brought this out in the open. I only paid $ 30 for two tickets to see Led Zep at the Omni in Atlanta either in '76 or '77 (cant remember which)! I am so happy to be a subscriber to your channel. I learned about u thru Soul Tain Bro. By the way, u and i are the same age, 67. So keep it up Tribe Boss, Keep On Truckin!

Queen should have taken a hint from Zeppelin and called it a day

Totally agree on EVERY thing you said because that's exactly how I've felt . Thanks for an interesting and funny commentary on this subject .

The Rolling Stones, Santana. Kiss,, Stone Temple Pilots all fit here.

Its refreshing that you call it as it is. I have thought this exact thing for such a long time. Well done Michael. I appreciate your truth and honesty and for calling out this fallacy of the music industry.

Being 60, this is a perfect example of why punk rock was formed

Great topic you should update this list every year

My wife wanted to go see Genesis ( who I love ) we would have had to fly to the city, costing us hundreds for the trip, not to mention the price to see the show. All that time and expense to watch Collins, not move a muscle, hunched over in a chair for the duration. This is not the way these music legends should be remembered.

Big Stones fan here. Always have been. After their Steel Wheels tour, Bill Wyman retired. When asked if they will keep going, Keith said "well as long as i have Charlie Watts, we'll keep touring". After Charlie's sad passing i thought that would be it for them. But no. New drummer, new tour and my respect went out the window for them. I guess its all about the money. As if they need it !!

Of all the people from the 60s and 70s still performing, I think the best is Ann Wilson. She's my age, and while I didn't know her, we went to the same high school. Her new album with the band she's put together the last few years is great. Still does some old Heart hits but also new songs. She covers songs that mean something to her and makes them her own. I can't think of anyone who covers songs better. I'd definitely pay to see her again and probably will at the final show of the current tour when it gets to Seattle. This is my first time seeing your channel, now I'll have to look up more of your vids!

Very surprised don't hear Journey and Bon Jovi in the list !!! 😁

Thank you for this video 🤘🏿

Jon Anderson is doing fine solo. He knows his limitations and is currently working with student musicians. Wow!

My two cents: Over the recent few years, I've noticed the young 30 somethings and some a bit younger catch on fire for 70s and 80s songs from popular rock bands of that (my) era. I think it has renewed a love and fondness for that musical genre. One of my nephews started learning to play "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I believe that new found fire has, in part, inspired the money hungry (greedy?) and still living old rockers to hit the road and go on tour again to cash in. Unfortunately, the only thing is that many of them are no longer the trim, good-looking, young and vibrant rockers they were back in the day. Many look atrocious (horrible) and are more of a spectacle than spectacular! I think maybe they should stay home and just record new stuff in the studio? And, to be truthful, I wouldn't pay to see a band where not even one of the original members is present! That's just a glorified COVER BAND with rights to the band's name. smh Thanks for pointing out some truth, even if it hurts! Nice job, Michael!👍🏼

Im sure that every band member mentioned here from the 70s or 80s, would have been amazed if told that they would still be playing the same material 40 or 50 years later. The "hope I die before I get old" philosophy, is so easy for young people to believe in, because no one of the age they were then, could imagine getting old. However, getting old is a reality for these musicians now, and their priorities have completely changed. If you've toured all your life in a big named band, and are capable of playing live, why should you give up now? You've done what you do for almost your entire life, and love what you do. Many probably crave the continued exaltation from fans and fear they can't live without it. For many of these musos, retirement would be like losing an arm. That's why they go on stage, when its clear they've been beyond their best for decades, with croaky voices and arthritis that compromises the accuracy of those old guitar runs. Keeping going for as long as possible is what all old people have to do though, until the batteries go completely flat, and that's in all fields of endeavour, and its more important for their well being than that myth they might have carried in their head when they were 25, that I'll be too old for all this at 40, so I'll retire to maintain my self respect, and my super star reputation. They do it for as long as possible, because there's no other way of facing up to old age...........

You make more sense than most people these days when it comes to bands/music. I agree with you on nearly everything you say.

Could it be some of these musicians simply enjoy getting out and doing it? Maybe it isn't always about the money, it could also be about living.

If you’ve ever heard Brian May’s solo album, Back to the Light from the early 90’s, you’ll see that he also has a great voice. That was a key to Queen. Freddy did have the best voice, but the rest of the band sang so well, their studio sound was easily reproducible, live, as their backing vocals weren’t just Freddy’s voice on everything. The whole band could sing and that’s why they could produce their studio sound live.

you are right on ! great view points !

There's no substitute for all original band members but the decades have taken their toll! Without Christine, Fleetwood Mac isn't Fleetwood Mac! I could care less about Stevie. You're brutal but you make good points.

Rock n Roll and Classic Rock will never die. Good music is timeless, I also love the music of Mozart which I listen to all the time,and I believe he existed about 225 years ago and his music is just as fresh today in 2022.

Glad I seen every single band you mentioned. Back when they were raw and real. Tickets were a whopping 8 to 12.00. Shirts were 10.00,Tour Book 8.00..For about 15.00 we would get 3 or 4 bands.. Ah,....memories..

I've followed GENESIS since the early 70's, but I didn't get to see them until the ATTW3 tour at Merrywheather Post Pavillion. I still love them.

You nailed it Mike. Styx, Foreigner, Journey, Kansas...are the kings of what I call: “Diet Rock.”

We've been having "discussions" like this at the local pub. And as the senior citizen of our little group I've been saying this for YEARS!!!!! And whole heartily agree with your take on Stevie Nicks. That insane warbling and prancing around stage dressed like some storybook fairy is cringe worthy at best. Hearing these guys try to hit notes they can't reach is sad. It reminds me of seeing Willie Mays in a MET UNIFORM!!!, Johnny Unitas in a CHARGERS UNIFORM!!, Or the last few fights from Mr. Muhammad Ali. And why is McCartney at 80 still trying to sing. Love the guy but..... come on Sir Paul. I could go on but......what do you do. I just refuse to give these guys a penny of my money. Just an old guy's opinion.

Yes, if no member of the band is alive and in the show it’s not the BAND any more.

i was expecting to have some issues with this list, but no, dude, you nailed it! completely agree especially with your comments about sabbath. however, i always thought dio was excellent with them, but other than that, i agree. shame they didn't tour after the 13 album came out.

I understand where he's coming from. Some groups have been reincarnated far to long. Not enough of the originals in the band, simply a tribute band for big bucks is what you're getting. Sometimes that's OK too if it's the only way to relive some nostalgia in your mind. Dude is absolutely correct on all of it.

Concerning Genesis Collins agreed to do one last tour for the band. This wasn’t for their remuneration because their net worth was already off the charts. They did it to give a finale for the fans and that’s why it was limited amount of shows.

I saw Genesis, as much as it hurt not seeing Phil being able to move like when I saw them during the Invisible Touch Tour, he managed to sound spectacular how I have no idea sitting down, but he sorted it out, but his SON, Nick that kid is a star, and you could listen to him, he plays like his father and you just knew Phil put him through the paces and had him prepared, he didn't miss anything IMO.. Phil had to be proud of him.

Preach Brother, preach. You speaketh the truth. People gotta vote w their dollars, stop supporting crap due to nostalgia.

Mr Noland,don't sugar coat it,tell us how you really feel! :-)

Michael, I love your no-bullshit candor. Fleetwood Mac never worked creatively without Buckingham. I love Genesis and Phil Collins and it hurts me to see Phil in his current condition. I caught them on their latest tour for nostalgia reasons and while they tried to compensate for Phil’s limitations with an overall decent presentation, I wish they’d kept the amazing 2007 tour as the valedictory finale. Cool Spidey tee btw! 🕷