Why Lead Singers Should Never Go Solo
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Eddie Vedder is rolling out on his first-ever solo tour. I admit that I got off the Pearl Jam bus a while ago, yet I still feel uneasy about this whole solo tour thing. I've got a rule and it's this: lead singers should never go solo. It's cheating, it's unnatural and it always goes wrong. It's against the laws of rock and roll. A band is born together and dies together. It's a pact made in blood.
I know it's a nearly impossible feat for most singers because of the second rule of rock: Lead singers have unfathomably large egos. Actually, bands have unfathomably large egos — at least the ones who are any good. Still, the band is the sum of its parts. It's like the United States: United we stand, divided we fall.
I'm wishing Eddie luck but I'm not holding my breath. I offer you some hard proof of why lead singers should never go solo.
JOE STRUMMER
Before the last years of his life, the great Joe Strummer publicly kicked himself about how he should have appreciated the good thing he had. He regretted busting up the Clash and never found that magic band spark again. He tried valiantly, but no amount of Mescalero albums — could hold a candle to the Clash's epic output.
BILLY CORGAN
Three words: The Future Embrace.
MICK JAGGER
It's practically a national pasttime to come down on the Stones for being old. I've got no problem with the Stones' desire to keep...rolling (couldn't resist). Yes, it can be a little painful sometimes, but nowhere near as brutal as a solo Mick Jagger record, which are all self-conscious affairs packed with forced collaborations alongside the hot younger star of the moment. As much as he hates it, Mick needs Keith kicking him in the ass.
STING
Sting's commercial success is undeniable, but I liked him better when he had the personal tension of the rest of the Police around him. When you're a solo star and the band is on the payroll, it's hard to get anyone to challenge you. Sting's solo records reveal that fact. Back when he was in the Police, Stewart and Andy weren't afraid to knock him off his pedestal, and it made for some inspired rock.
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