Going through one’s music collection, it’s sometimes easy to ponder the potential fates of various bands, past and present.
Sometimes it’s easy to reflect on the great “what if” when a void is left in a band after death takes a member far too soon. Look at the recent success of the reunited Alice in Chains. Back in 2002, frontman Layne Staley died in seclusion, his death but a footnote in a downward spiral of drugs, depression and addiction. Though it was clear Staley’s lifestyle had taken its toll on his ability to perform (AIC’s live collection plays out as chronological depiction of this), it was equally clear from the new tracks on the band’s Music Bank box set (“Get Born Again” and “Died”) that, when united, they could still put together phenomenal music.
But what if Staley could have gotten the help he so desperately needed? What would the music scene look like if the original Alice in Chains lineup had continued crafting stellar albums? The band had already put together a hefty, inspired and influential catalog of music, and, in some folks’ opinion, cemented itself as one of the greatest bands of the ’90s. It’s clear Alice in Chains still had/has something to offer, now reformed and on the road supporting a new album (Black Gives Way to Blue) with a new lead singer.
What about legendary metal guitarist “Dimebag Darrell” Abbott, gunned down (five years ago next week) while performing on stage? Were the glory days of Pantera far behind, or was the stage set for Damageplan to really break big? It seems clear (at least to this writer) that Pantera reached the levels it did based on the dynamic of Phil Anselmo’s stage presence and personality, mixed with the talent of the Abbott brothers (Vinnie Paul on drums). Granted, Damageplan crafted one nifty little gem of a debut, but it would never quite measure up to something like Cowboys from Hell or Vulgar Display of Power… maybe, maybe not. At any rate, Dimebag would surely remain a staple on the metal scene, lending a riff or solo here and there to fellow musicians and friends.
How about the revolving door that became the lead singer slot for Drowning Pool, following the death of lead singer Dave Williams in 2002? Much like Pantera, it’s clear that the band benefitted as much from Williams’ stage presence and personality as it did from his vocal stylings. Would Drowning Pool have built off the promise of Sinner to become a cornerstone of the metal scene? Who could ever say? While many have since dismissed the band as a flash in the pan, it’s hard to dismiss the success that the debut album enjoyed, as most of the album—the stuff not released as singles—was equally, if not more impressive. It’s hard to regain such footing with a new person fronting the band, let alone replacing that replacement, so it’s interesting to see what the band is able to do with their second album featuring Ryan McCombs (formerly of Soil) lending his voice. While they may never again reach their initial success, at least Drowning Pool continue to push forward.
These three make just a small sample of the many musicians who died over the past 10 years. Each greatly missed by family, friends and fans, they’ve left a legacy (however big or small) on the music scene. And their deaths, far too soon in each case, still leave fans wondering what could have been…
