One Band, Two Or More Lead Singers

Mr. DS · June 18, 2009, 08:00:56 PM

I like when a band switches up their lead singer from time to time. Not necessarily a replacement singer (a la Diamond Dave to Sammy Hagar kind of thing) but rather when a band stays together and features two or more people on lead vocals. Some examples;

Alice In Chains
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3FnQMSD4Zg
I love the harmony that Cantrell and Staley had together. Cantrell was so laid back sounding while Staley was more in your face.

KISS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgkLhfiGIqY
Aside their lead guitarist, pretty much everyone sang lead in this band. Although I'm not a fanatic, I respect them for offering up that variety.

Theres tons more, what are some of your favs? Are there certain singers you prefer over others in one band when it comes to lead vocals?

voltron · June 18, 2009, 10:40:37 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgwjrDXJej8

Old school Carcass motherf**kers! Jeff Walker (singer & bassist) had a screechy high vocal style, while Bill Steer (guitars, vox) handled the low grunts. They occasionaly used a pitch shifter on both vocals in their early days.

PS: I totally agree with the Alice In Chains comment.

Torgo · June 21, 2009, 02:41:35 AM

The Eagles had some of the best vocals around and I believe that every member contributed on lead vocals. The Bangles also had some gorgeous multi-part vocals with 2 members trading off on lead vocal duties.

AndyC · June 28, 2009, 12:18:16 PM

Quote from: Torgo on June 21, 2009, 02:41:35 AM
The Eagles had some of the best vocals around and I believe that every member contributed on lead vocals.

The Eagles are great for showcasing the talents of the different members. It's even better since they broke up, pursued solo careers and got back together again. I went to an Eagles concert in Toronto a few years ago, and it was like getting three or four concerts in one. They sang the group's hits, as well as solo hits of Walsh, Henley and Frey. Pretty amazing.

Jack · June 28, 2009, 02:37:16 PM

Pink Floyd did some of that with Roger Waters and David Gilmour. Then there was that one old band, The Beatles or something like that.

AndyC · June 28, 2009, 06:36:37 PM

True. The Beatles even let Ringo sing lead on a couple of songs.

Monster Jungle X-Ray · June 29, 2009, 01:59:29 AM

X

The classic LA '70s punk band featuring John Doe whose film career is somewhat spotty (Forces of Nature), and Exene Cervenka who was once married to Viggo Mortensen. Still going strong 30 some years later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWunSUmEm4

The Church

The quintessential Aussie rock band who feature three members who have sung at various times over their long career. Bassist Steve Kilbey, guitarists Marty Wilson-Piper, and Peter Koppes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWhV2l9QPxw

Allhallowsday · June 29, 2009, 09:28:16 PM

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE had both GRACE SLICK and MARTY BALIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrTS7b028A8&feature=related
This one also has PAUL KANTNER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrU_midXhI0&feature=related

ghouck · June 29, 2009, 10:44:10 PM

I believe Fleetwood Mac has Stevie and Christine McVey (sp?) singing at the same time, or at least on the same album. They really did have voices that compliment on another.

Allhallowsday · June 29, 2009, 11:12:33 PM

Quote from: ghouck on June 29, 2009, 10:44:10 PM
I believe Fleetwood Mac has Stevie and Christine McVey (sp?) singing at the same time, or at least on the same album. They really did have voices that compliment on another.

Not to mention LYNDSEY BUCKINGHAM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GN2kpBoFs4

Mr. DS · June 30, 2009, 05:18:51 AM

Quote from: Torgo on June 21, 2009, 02:41:35 AM
The Eagles had some of the best vocals around and I believe that every member contributed on lead vocals.

I've said it before and I'll say it again that I oddly don't care for The Eagles together but love all their solo projects.

Rev. Powell · July 03, 2009, 08:25:50 PM

Quote from: Allhallowsday on June 29, 2009, 09:28:16 PM
JEFFERSON AIRPLANE had both GRACE SLICK and MARTY BALIN:

Didn't Jorma sing as well?

Allhallowsday · July 03, 2009, 10:34:28 PM

Quote from: Rev. Powell on July 03, 2009, 08:25:50 PM
Quote from: Allhallowsday on June 29, 2009, 09:28:16 PM
JEFFERSON AIRPLANE had both GRACE SLICK and MARTY BALIN:
Didn't Jorma sing as well?

Hmmm, I used to know AIRPLANE details better way back when than I do now... I still love them and have several of their albums, but I have to say, don't know, REV. Maybe he sang for HOT TUNA?

zombie no.one · July 03, 2009, 10:35:50 PM

Beach Boys - Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnson (when he joined) have all done lead vocals on various tracks and they all sang harmonies

few more bands I can think of that had/have 2+ lead singers -Teenage Fanclub, Big Star, Husker Du, Kenickie, Posies, Sebadoh, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Oasis, Low, Swirlies, Eric's Trip. that's all underground indie guitar stuff mainly. Except for Eagles I can't think of too many 'big rock' bands where this applies, with them it almost seems like the singer is 'the singer', full stop.

Rev. Powell · July 05, 2009, 11:13:26 AM

Quote from: Allhallowsday on July 03, 2009, 10:34:28 PM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on July 03, 2009, 08:25:50 PM
Quote from: Allhallowsday on June 29, 2009, 09:28:16 PM
JEFFERSON AIRPLANE had both GRACE SLICK and MARTY BALIN:
Didn't Jorma sing as well?
Hmmm, I used to know AIRPLANE details better way back when than I do now... I still love them and have several of their albums, but I have to say, don't know, REV. Maybe he sang for HOT TUNA?

He definitely sang for Hot Tuna... I only have Surrealistic Pillow, and I always assumed it was him on "Coming Back to Me", but it's probably Balin. I'm less of an expert on them than you.