3 Rock Band Members Who Became More Famous Than Their Frontman

Sometimes, a band’s frontman doesn’t soak up as much attention as one particular other member of their band. It doesn’t happen often, but it does still happen. I think the following three rock band members ended up becoming more famous than their lead singers. Do you agree?

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Pete Wentz

When Fall Out Boy first hit the mainstream back in the 2000s, the attention of their legion of teen pop-punk fans seemed to almost immediately fall on Pete Wentz. Their lead vocalist is Patrick Stump, and his talents are nothing to sneeze at, either. However, Wentz is Fall Out Boy’s main lyricist in addition to being the band’s bassist. Many of the band’s most poignant and relatable songs were written by Wentz, and their fans recognized how important he was to the band from the get-go.

Travis Barker

Blink-182 really is the sum of its parts. The band’s most well-known lineup consists of bassist and singer Mark Hoppus, guitarist and singer Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. The skate punk outfit would be nothing without the particular talents of each of its members. However, even though Hoppus is basically the band’s frontman, Barker is by far the most recognizable member of the outfit.

Maybe it comes down to his distinct look, considering the man is covered in tattoos. It could also come down to his killer skills on the drums; many consider Barker to be one of the best contemporary drummers of our time. Either way, he still tends to steal the limelight, decades after he first joined the band in 1998.

Slash

This example of rock band members who became more famous than their bands’ frontmen probably still makes Axl Rose mad today. While both Rose and Slash are the most recognizable members of the famed rock band Guns N’ Roses, it’s hard to argue against the notion that Slash is the most memorable figure of the outfit.

The mere image of Slash, with his long black hair, always-on sunglasses, unique top hat, and guitar, has become a living brand heavily associated with Guns N’ Roses. His importance goes beyond aesthetics, though. Slash is definitely one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Photo by Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images

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