3 Classic Rock Solo Artists From the 80s Who Were Better in Bands

To strike out and go on your own, that’s the dream of any wide-eyed artist. To make it in your field with just you and your wits about you! But it’s not so easy. And it’s not always so cut and dry. Sometimes it’s actually better to lean on other people. For some solo artists, it actually might be better to be in a band.

Videos by American Songwriter

It’s a good thing to bounce ideas off other people, off your peers. It’s not always best, creatively or professionally, to go out on your own and try to make a name for yourself only. Sometimes, as Ringo said, it’s good to rely on a little help from your friends. That’s what this list is all about. Indeed, below are three classic rock solo artists who were better in bands.

Paul McCartney

This is an easy one, and it’s almost not fair to bring up. How can anyone’s solo career or band career follow The Beatles? It’s not possible. Still, though, it’s worth noting that McCartney, though successful solo and with bands like Wings, never quite found that same counterbalance musically and creatively like he had with his fellow Liverpool-born pal John Lennon. Of course, that doesn’t mean someone should stop making music! McCartney released some great tunes, including “Maybe I’m Amazed” in 1970. But those tracks in cahoots with Lennon and the fellas—impossible to top.

Sting

While Sting released several great solo songs post-his career with the British-born rock band the Police, including “Fields of Gold” and “Englishman in New York”, there was just something about the oomph and pizzazz he had as part of a larger project that seemed better. It was like he walked up to the proverbial battle with a posse behind him instead of rolling up solo. It’s hard to put a finger on, but when you’re band is called the Police, you should probably stick to it. While the band released its last album in 1983, it’s still remembered fondly thanks to songs like “Roxanne”, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”, and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”.

David Lee Roth

In 1984, the iconic rock band Van Halen released its seminal LP, 1984. That was also the last album to feature rambunctious lead vocalist David Lee Roth, who left the group in 1985 in search of a solo career. Roth was replaced by singer Sammy Hagar, but it was never quite the same. It just goes to show that when ego and pride get in the way of good creativity, things go awry. It’s a shame. We wonder if Roth would want to jump back in time and change things if he could.

Photo by David Magnus/Shutterstock