Sometimes what a band originally envisioned for their lineup doesn’t always work,as seen with the acts associated with the pop-punk genre, who have changed their lead vocalists. Each has their own story that features unique twists and turns.Much like classic rock bands that had to change singers, these groups have managed to continue on in some form.
There are even a select few who have become so big that they have playedfestivals people dream of attending. Others have found their way onto other successful stages, such as playing alongsidethe bands that define Warped Tour. Regardless of where they have ended up,an impact has been made, which is why they are revered.
As they continue, it’ll be interesting to see what they all do next, but no matter what, they’ll always have this unique history attached to them. That’s not a bad thing, as being able to overcome a major pivot is something that deserves praise. While it could’ve been easy to quit,they have all shown perseverance even through alterations.
10Hit The Lights
The Lifestyle Wasn’t For Everybody
In 2003, Hit the Lights formed, joining a competitive pop-punk scene. The band spent the next couple of years working on music. They released a few EPs before focusing on making their first studio album.In 2006,they released their debut studio album,This Is a Stick Up… Don’t Make It a Murder. Things were great until they changed.
The band had a tough decision to make but chose founding guitarist Nick Thompson as the new frontman.
A year later, lead singer Colin Ross decided to leave. The lifestyle of being a musician was becoming too much; therefore, he needed to walk away. The band had a tough decision to make but chose founding guitarist Nick Thompson as the new frontman. With Thompson as the lead,they have continued through tough times, making music and still performing.
9I Call Fives
Things Could Have Ended Sooner Without A Change
When I Call Fives began their career as a band in 2006, they had a lot of potential. However, by 2009,things had changed drastically as lead singer James Corbi exited the band. Having released only one EP, there was so much more for them to do. They decided on Jeff Todd as the replacement, and things continued.
After this change, they released a handful of projects, including their self-titled debut studio album in 2012. They even played shows such as Warped Tour and released a compilation to commemorate it. Although they went quiet for many years,things could have been over before they truly began if Todd hadn’t joined, leaving a lot more to desire from them.
8Real Friends
There Is A Lot Of Optimism About Their Current State
In their first decade as a band, things went well for Real Friends, releasing multiple albums that ended up on the charts. They quickly made a name for themselves as a pop-punk band to watch. They played shows such as Warped Tour, andit felt like nothing could stop their momentum until frontman Dan Lambton’s exit in 2020.
For a band that had great success, this left many questions, but singer Cody Muraro was the right answer. With Muraro, they have released more work, butthe praise extends beyond new material. Muraro is celebrated by fans as an excellent live vocalist, nailing new and old hits and leaving people wanting to see Real Friends more than ever.
7Jimmy Eat World
Back when Jimmy Eat World first started, the band had a different focus than what would become known in the mainstream. At first, they drew much more from punk influences, but more importantly, they sang with two lead vocalists. Guitarist Tom Linton was a major part of the early albums,which set these apart from their most popular works.
On their third album, frontman Jim Adkins became the main focus. From there, the band never looked back, with Adkins as their lead singer. This is where the band saw their greatest success with albums such asBleed American. With a clear central focus,the band has created well-known hits and performed on the biggest stages such as Coachella.
6Catch-22
Fans Still Clamor For These Vocals
Unfortunately for Catch-22, it didn’t take long into their career before things changed. After their first record, the primary lead singer, Tomas Kalnoky, left the band. They then moved on to lead singer Jeff Davidson. However, Davidson also stayed for only one album,making saxophonist Ryan Eldred the most significant part of this story.
Eldred has stepped up for the band in more ways than one.
Eldred has stepped up for the band in more ways than one. Not only did he transition from backing vocals to singing lead, but he has also contributed greatly as a songwriter.The tremendous work he has done is why fans still want to see them today, and you’ll find them playing special anniversary shows, as their work is revered.
5Mayday Parade
Regarding pop-punk, Mayday Parade has become one of the most consistent bands in the genre. They have a lengthy list of hits, and you can always find them playing shows. However, in their early days,things didn’t remain the same for them for very long. During their first EP and album, the band had a co-lead singer named Jason Lancaster.
It was after this that Lancaster left the band in frustration. This forced them to pivot their thinking, and everything they were doing was altered. Over the years,Derek Sanders has stepped up greatly, becoming the primary vocalist. Who knows what music they would’ve created if they had kept the same lineup, but for them, it has worked out.
4Emarosa
The Sound Has Shifted
The earliest days of Emarosa saw the band focus on a much heavier sound than what listeners know today. Before their first album, they began to shift when they brought in lead singer Johnny Craig. However, Craig only lasted for two albums before they had to change again. This time,Bradley Walden stepped in, proving to be what they needed.
He has helped shape their pop style that is known today. Additionally, he has now been with them for over a decade, contributing to four records. While there was history before him, it feels as though they have finally found what they need in Walden,which has kept them consistent in a competitive field that constantly sees new acts emerging.
3Saosin
The Vocal Duties Have Gone Back And Forth
It has been an interesting journey for Saosin, as the band has experienced a lot of ups and downs over the years. One of the biggest changes made to the lineup in the beginning was the addition of frontman Cove Reber. With him as the lead,they released their first two albums and became a well-known band with many hits.
For their third record in 2016, original vocalist Anthony Green returned. This seemed to be going well, but in 2023, Reber returned once again. The band now has a focus on creating music, andthere is optimism about their future, with the voice that once brought them to prominence back with them again to produce emotional rock songs.
2Taking Back Sunday
Many Things Changed Very Early On
Throughout their eight studio albums, Adam Lazzara’s voice is what listeners have come to know, but it hasn’t always been that way. The original lineup didn’t feature Lazzara at all, butinternal conflict changed things. Before releasing their debut studio album, bassist and singer Jesse Lacey left, creating an open spot.
If everyone in the band had gotten along in the beginning, everything could have been different.
Once Lazzara joined, the rest was history. He went from filling in on bass to being the face of the band, which has helped Taking Back Sunday become a household name. If everyone in the band had gotten along in the beginning, everything could have been different. It’s hard to imagine, butthe hits known now might never have existed.
1Yellowcard
Ryan Key Takes The Microphone
As Yellowcard formed in 1997,the band had a different sound than what has become known. They were led by singer Ben Dobson for their earliest work, but changes would occur before their third record. This is when Ryan Key became an official member of the band as the frontman for their 2001 record,One for the Kids.
After this, they continued working on material, with their 2003 release,Ocean Avenue, changing everything. After that,they became a household name and never looked back. Although they took a break from 2017 to 2021, the band reformed, focusing on making new music, touring, and being the iconic pop-punk band everyone has come to know.
