Throughout music history, numerous bands have disbanded, leading to the emergence of successful solo artists. While figures like Harry Styles from One Direction and Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac dominate the headlines, there exists a lesser-known narrative involving solo artists who left significant bands and encountered minimal success.
Many musicians have embarked on solo careers post-band, yet there are certainly artists you admire whose solo endeavors have gone unnoticed. This could be a result of limited success or overshadowing by their former bands. Here we spotlight ten such artists whose solitary journeys have turned out to be far less triumphant compared to their former collective achievements.
10
Scott Stapp
Lead Singer of Creed
Scott Stapp, renowned for his role as the frontman of the acclaimed rock band Creed, has ventured into a solo career that has largely flown under the radar. After Creed disbanded in 2004, he released his debut solo album, The Great Divide, which remains his only Platinum-certified album in the U.S.
Stapp’s solo endeavors reflect the tumultuous existence of Creed, which reunited briefly from 2009 to 2012 amidst creative tensions. Following their second breakup, he launched his next project, Proof of Life. Despite this, his musical output has seen declining recognition, with subsequent albums like The Space Between the Shadows (2019) and Higher Power (2024) receiving little acclaim compared to Creed’s past glories.
9
Billy Corgan
Lead Guitarist and Singer of The Smashing Pumpkins
As the co-founder of The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan is synonymous with ’90s alternative rock. However, his solo ventures have not enjoyed similar acclaim. He embarked on his solo career in 2004 after a short stint with Zwan. His debut, TheFutureEmbrace, melds shoegaze and electronic rock but failed to resonate widely with audiences, leading to mixed reviews.
Despite receiving praise from outlets like Alternative Press, Corgan’s solo efforts lacked the commercial impact of his band, which has sold nearly 30 million records over its career.
8
David Lee Roth
Former Frontman of Van Halen
After departing from Van Halen in 1985, David Lee Roth launched his solo career, starting with the 1986 album Eat ‘Em and Smile, which peaked impressively on the Billboard 200. His early solo albums showcased a return to hard rock, but changes in musical trends during the ’90s diminished his commercial viability.
By 2003, Roth’s solo career came to a halt following the underwhelming performance of Diamond Dave. When compared to Van Halen’s substantial successes, Roth’s solo achievements seem relatively obscure.
7
Debbie Harry
The Lead Vocalist of Blondie
After Blondie’s initial disbandment, Debbie Harry ventured into a solo career. Her debut album, KooKoo, was a success, achieving Gold certification in the U.S., but subsequent releases failed to replicate this achievement.
Following the band’s reunion in 1997, Harry’s solo work faded from the spotlight until her last album, Necessary Evil, in 2007. While her solo career isn’t categorized as a complete failure, it vastly underperformed in comparison to the iconic status of Blondie.
6
Marcus Mumford
The Lead Singer of Mumford & Sons
Marcus Mumford’s solo project took an unexpected route, as his 2022 self-titled album was born from songwriting sessions intended for Mumford & Sons. The solo debut delved into deeply personal themes, showcasing a different facet of his artistry.
Though Mumford’s solo work was well-received, it did not make a significant impact compared to the success of Mumford & Sons, which has seen remarkable achievements in the music world.
5
Gerard Way
My Chemical Romance’s Frontman
Following the disbandment of My Chemical Romance in 2013, Gerard Way embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album Hesitant Alien in 2014. This project diverged significantly from his previous work, incorporating a Britpop-inspired sound.
While the album garnered favorable reviews, including recognition from Rolling Stone, its commercial footing does not compare to the monumental success of My Chemical Romance records, and Way has since contributed sporadically to other projects.
4
Nate Ruess
Former Lead Singer of FUN.
Famous for hits like “Some Nights”and “We Are Young,”Nate Ruess sought to carve his niche with his solo album Grand Romantic in 2015, following FUN.’s breakup in 2014. Unfortunately, the album did not resonate well with critics and listeners alike, being deemed bland in lyrical content.
Having received lukewarm feedback, Ruess’s first solo venture remains the sole entry in his discography. No subsequent projects have materialized, making his success post-FUN. rather scant.
3
Tom Morello
Guitarist of Rage Against the Machine
Known for his contributions to Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Tom Morello’s solo projects have yet to achieve similar heights. Following Rage’s breakup in 2000, he launched a solo act as The Nightwatchman, allowing him to express political themes through music, but with limited impact.
In 2018, he released The Atlas Underground, which, while well-received, peaked at only spot 141 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the stark contrast between his solo and band success.
2
Joe Jonas
One of the Three Jonas Brothers
After The Jonas Brothers entered a hiatus, Joe Jonas took his first steps into a solo career with the 2011 release of Fastlife. Featuring the single “See No More,”the album struggled commercially, signifying a disappointing start for Jonas’s solo journey.
Post-breakup of the band in 2013, Jonas formed DNCE, known mainly for their hit “Cake By The Ocean.”Together with DNCE’s limited catalog and his solo debut, Joe Jonas has yet to make significant waves in the music industry on his own, although he’s hinted at a second solo album in the works.
1
Patrick Stump
The Lead Singer of Fall Out Boy
Patrick Stump, celebrated as the lead vocalist of Fall Out Boy, ventured into a solo career in 2011 with his album Soul Punk after the band entered hiatus. This debut showcased an experimental and funky sound, starkly contrasting his band’s style.
Despite its creative ambition, Soul Punk struggled commercially, peaking at position 47 on the Billboard 200 and quickly falling off the charts. This album is often overlooked in discussions about Stump’s musical contributions, underscoring the challenges faced by artists attempting to define themselves outside their renowned bands.