3 Times Musicians Almost Joined Classic Bands

It’s never ideal when a member of your band leaves–especially if you’re in your heyday. But, if you have to replace them, you might as well aim high. Below, find three times legendary artists nearly joined classic bands. Would you have liked to see these lineups?

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3 Times Musicians Almost Joined Classic Bands

1. Jeff Beck

Pink Floyd once had a mind to invite Jeff Beck into their ranks. They thought Beck’s particular brand of blues would be a welcomed addition to their experimental sound. In the end, they never called Beck. The band was worried about his reaction to the news and inevitably never even gave him the option.

[RELATED: Exclusive: Ian Hunter Talks Collaborating with the Late Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins on New Album, ‘Defiance Part 2’]

Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you exchange a walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?

2. Slash

Slash got the chance to play with KISS when he was a teenager. Despite his age, he wowed the group–which had recently lost Ace Frehley. As the story goes, Slash went note for note with Frehley, but he was deemed too young for a permanent spot in the group. Slash eventually found his own fame with Guns N’ Roses, so alls well that ends well.

You keep on saying you’ll be mine for a while
You’re lookin’ fancy and I like your style
You drive us wild, we’ll drive you crazy
You show us everything you’ve got

3. Sheryl Crow

Soft rock legends Fleetwood Mac nearly brought on a southern rock icon: Sheryl Crow. After Christine McVie decided to retire from the band in the ’00s, Crow was on the shortlist of people to replace her. The “All I Wanna Do” singer was close with Stevie Nicks, which got her the nod. Ultimately, they didn’t decide to move forward with Crow. Though we don’t think anyone could fully replace McVie, we would’ve jumped at the chance to see Crow singing alongside the legendary outfit.

And the songbirds are singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before

[RELATED: Watch Sheryl Crow’s “Please Come Home for Christmas” Grand Ole Opry Performance That Fans Are Calling the “Best Rendition” Ever]

(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)