Why do bands get new singers with a completely different sound and KEEP THE SAME NAME?

Question

I can imagine they want to keep their established popularity and fan base, but in turn it just ends up making me really angry.
Examples?

Black Sabbath (the dio years)
Psycroptic (their new album)
Psyopus (just annoying)
CRYPTOPSY (and their 15 singers they've gone through)

If they would release an album and call it a new "side project featuring members of ****), I would be much more inclined to listen to it with an open ear for the new singer.

The only band that has ever pulled it off in my opinion is ACDC. Both singers ROCK! (and sound incredibly similar)

Answer 1

If it's their name (Van Halen, Dokken) that speaks for itself.

When Rob Halford and Vince Neil left their respected groups, both sides faltered in both sales and fan appreciation. Some groups actually get better when their singer goes away. I liked Journey before Steve Perry arrived, but I think they got better with him. The Doobie Brothers are another example. Some groups improve their sales (Van Halen=Sammy Hagar)

While others, (Van Halen=Gary Cherone) can't see that we are getting tired of this. I do agree that AC/DC pulled it off hook line and sinker, but I believe that was solely due to the music first, lyrics second approach.

Answer 2

There's one very good reason why. The lead singer is not the entire component of any rock group. The other members are just as important and often get overshadowed. Why should the others have to change names simply because of a new vocalist? I have more of a problem when Smashing Pumpkins keeps their band name even though half the original members are gone. Just because Billy Corgan is the lead vocalist doesn't make this OK.

Answer 3

Well, I see your point, but a band is much more than just the lead singer. Would you expect a band to change its name if they replaced a guitarist or drummer? All members make a significant contribution to the music and in many cases write a lot of the songs. It's not just about the singer and his particular voice.

Answer 4

They keep their name for publicity. It's waaay harder to get publicity for a totally unknown name, rather than for one that people are familiar with. Also some fans are willing to listen to the band even if the singer changes.

Answer 5

They already spent money marketing that band name. It'd be a waste to get a whole new name and have to re-market that name.

Answer 6

The brand name brings in the big bucks.

Answer 7

Coz its about keeping the legacy living..

Answer 8

Does anyone stay the same.........we all change and grow as music does...even in a marriage .......some grow apart and some stay together. Glad they grow.

Answer 9

Honestly I don't know why but it gets me angry too!

Answer 10

what's in a name? ...lol