Musicians Fired from Their Bands but Went on to Become Bigger
In the music industry, it's not uncommon for musicians to be fired from their bands and yet go on to have even greater success than their former bands. Several examples showcase a new level of success and recognition after parting ways with their original musical groups.
Lemmy Kilmister: From Hawkwind to Motorhead
Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motorhead, made history by being fired from the British space rock band Hawkwind. Despite this setback, Lemmy went on to form Motorhead, a band known for its aggressive and raw sound, and became a legend in the heavy metal scene. Motorhead's influence and success far exceeded that of Hawkwind, proving that sometimes the essence of a great musician can transcend a band.
Ozzy Osborne: A Solo Career Redefines Success
The story of Ozzy Osborne is perhaps the most famous. After his departure from Black Sabbath for personal and creative differences, Ozzy embarked on an impressive solo career.
With the support and understanding of his wife, Sharon Osbourne, who kept him sober enough to persevere, Ozzy's solo career has been nothing short of outstanding. His initial solo albums, along with his performances as the voice of Freddy Cunningham in the TV show lsquo;Clerks,rsquo; have brought him recognition and success that he had in Black Sabbath.
David Crosby: Disrupting the Byrds and Becoming a Plant
David Crosby, the former rhythm guitarist of the Byrds, made a significant contribution to this list with his controversial antics. David's behavior during live performances, such as rebuffing the Warren Report and suggesting that U.S. senators take LSD, led to a conflict with bandmates Jim McGuinn and Chris Hillman. This behavior was not only politically provocative but also reflected David's own parochial views and less-than-magnanimous personality.
The incident occurred during the Monterey Pop Festival on June 17, 1967, when David severed ties with the Byrds. The following Sunday, June 18, 1967, David joined the Buffalo Springfield, lending his guitar skills to their successful performance at the same festival.
The Byrds were displeased by David's actions, leading to an official dismissal in the months following the festival. This marked the end of David's tenure with the Byrds and the beginning of an incredible journey as a solo artist and contributing to other projects. The documentary 'David Crosby: Remember My Name' tells this fascinating tale, showcasing the aftermath of David's departure and his subsequent success.
After being let go from the Byrds, David borrowed a significant amount of money, bought a sailboat, and sailed around, making connections with other prominent figures in the music industry. David's solo career, his work with Crosby Nash, and his collaborations with other artists have all contributed to his enduring legacy in the music world.
Conclusion
The stories of these legendary musicians highlight the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Despite facing obstacles such as bandmates' dissatisfaction and personal issues, they have managed to build successful careers and leave a lasting impact on the music scene. Whether through creative perseverance or managerial support, these musicians have proven that sometimes the best stories come from the places where others would see failure.