The changing of bandmembers

Every once in awhile a band changes it's lineup. The reason for this might vary a lot, but some repeats itself more than others.

The lack of motivation is a very common one. One of the members are either getting bored or preoccupied with other things. A fall out with the other members are not unusual either. Another reason, who are less common, is the realisation that the member just doesn't fit musically.

Sometimes the break can be smooth, and the members still remains friends. This of course are the best ways to end it. Unfortunately, it often ends on bitter terms. That can be very ugly.
Now, whether you like it or not, a change in the lineup changes the bands sound. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worst. This of course also depends on who it is that steps in as a replacement.

After a band has had its break-through, the original lineup is defined. No matter what happens, the fans will look at this as "the real deal". That being said, there are many bands who have changed there lineup after becoming famous, without much problem. The argument about which lineup is the best, will forever continue.

What you can't escape from is however that sound will change. Whether you like it or not. So no matter if it turns out to be for better or worse, or maybe neither, it still will be different. If this is one of your favorite bands, of course it's sad. The band you knew has died, and been replaced by something else. It's time for that band to try to win you over again.

Some band of course manages to stay somewhat close to their original sound. This depends both on who the replacement is, and what instrument we are talking. The change of frontman and lead singer, is always drastic. I'll give you one example:

Mötley Crüe has one two occasions had a change in their lineup. If we are talking "permanent" changes, that you can find on a record. The first one happened in 1994 with the album "Mötley Crüe". This was when Vince Neil had quit and was replaced by John Corabi. Now, it's a good album, but it's not Mötley Crüe. Corabi has got a totally different voice than Neil, and of course this affects the way the sound pretty heavily.

The second time they made a change was in 2000 on the album "New Tattoo". This time Neil was back, leading the ship, but the engine of the band, Tommy Lee, was replaced by Randy Castillo. This change didn't effect the band in the same way. This album is actually one of Mötley Crüe's best albums, and if you are not a complete Mötley-geak, I'm not sure if you will be able to tell that it's not Tommy back there.

Regardless of the reason, and the effect, changing members does mark and end, as well as a new beginning. And when a band you love makes this kind of change, it is sad. No matter what the outcome might be.