5 Bands Who Improved After Replacing Their Singer (And 5 Who Didn't)

1980s anti-authoritarian hardcore legends Black Flag is another group who has had a revolving lineup over the years. Like Deep Purple, Black Flag was a few years into things before settling into their classic lineup.

Started by guitarist Greg Ginn (the group's only consistent member) in 1976, Black Flag began with vocalist Keith Morris. Citing creative differences and his own escalated drug use, Morris quit the band in 1979. Vocalists Ron Reyes and Dez Cadena briefly served as lead singer until Cadena switched to guitar and the band recruited Henry Rollins in 1981.

It was during this time that the band achieved their greatest success and notoriety. Rollins has also served the longest tenure of any Black Flag singer. In 1981, the band released their first full-length album, Damaged. Damaged became he record that truly put Black Flag on the map. In 1984, Black Flag released three more records and performed 178 shows. They continued to tour for much of 1985.

Lineup changes, touring and infighting followed Black Flag's most prolific years. Two months after their last show in June of 1986, Greg Ginn left the band, essentially dissolving Black Flag in the process.

Black Flag has reformed and played reunion shows since then (without Rollins), but has never recaptured the zeitgeist of the Rollins years.