Musicians you forgot were ever in certain bands.

[powderfinger]

So I was reading an article today which mentioned Gary Cherone's tenure in Van Halen back in 1998. And immediately, my first thoughts were, "ooohhhh yeah, he *was* in Van Halen". So who are some other notable musicians who had forgettable tenures in popular bands?

I'd say I typically forget Dave Mustaine was ever in Metallica. It slips my mind too that Jimmy Page was in The Yardbirds.

Any other notables ?

 

[tangentmusic]

Tony Iommi was in Jethro Tull for about 2 weeks. He appears with them on the Rolling Stones Rock 'n Roll Circus.

John Wetton was in Uriah Heep for a bit when Gary Thain left (and ultimately passed away)

 

[rtav]

Gavin Harrison was in Renaissance in the 80s (briefly).

 

[Feral Feline]

Gary Moore was in Thin Lizzy, sure, but Skid Row? No, the other Skid Row.

 

[Richland123]

Michael McDonald was in Steely Dan

Rudy Sarzo has been the bassist in many well known bands; but, here are two you may not know about - Blue Öyster Cult and Geoff Tate's version of Queensrÿche

Stu Cook (Creedence Clearwater Revival bassist) was a member of the country band Southern Pacific for a few albums

 

[elgecko]

Kenny Rogers was somebody's bass player.

 

[remainthesame]

Tom Petty played bass for a band named Mudcrutch

 

[fishdreams]

Eric Dolphy with Charles Mingus. Mick Avory with the Rolling Stones. Jack Bruce with Tony Williams Lifetime. Charles Mingus with Duke Ellington (in the Ellington band and later on Money Jungle).

 

[Richland123]

Kenny Rogers was somebody's bass player.

That would be The First Edition (later known as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition)

However, he was also a one time member of The New Christy Minstrels

Kim Carnes and Karen Black were also members of The New Christy Minstrels

 

[powderfinger]

One of my favorite, "huh" moments when it comes to this is the fact that Ed King from Lynyrd Skynyrd (composer of Sweet Home Alabama) was in The Strawberry Alarm Clock.

Donnie Iris was in Jaggerz. That's easy to forgot.

 

[Richland123]

Robin Trower was in Procul Harum

 

[Kragnorak]

I'm always interested in group activities from people that prefer to work solo:

Allan Holdsworth - UK, Soft Machine

If there are pairings I forget, I can't remember because I'm busy forgetting. I guess sometimes I forget that Tony Choy was the first bassist to record with Cynic.

I'm sure many people forget that silly person Richard Christy was excellent drumming for Death and Control Denied.

Most people forget that Tony Williams's last album was the Arcana album "Arc of the Testimony" with Bill Laswell, Buckethead, and Pharoah Sanders. The result of this recipe is amazing...

 

[Rohoja]

Ripper Owens being in Judas Priest slips my mind sometimes, but I guess being a vocalist may not necessarily count as a musician.

J.J. Righteous from Mushroomhead.

And Steve Bolognese from Into Eternity.

 

[SteveC]

Michael McDonald was in Steely Dan.

Are you sure? I know he sang backing vocals on recordings but I'm not sure he ever toured with the band.

 

[electracoyote]

Are you sure? I know he sang backing vocals on recordings but I'm not sure he ever toured with the band.

He joined after they were up and running, was a recording and touring member, and wrote/sang lead on a couple of their hits.

Much to the consternation of old-school Doobie fans.

Not that he stinks, but his style is sooo much different. Open road cross country USA traveling rock and roll versus elevator music. And mumbling.

Speaking for myself, I will never forget that Michael McDonald was a member of The Doobie Brothers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doobie_Brothers

 

[KPJ]

Bill Bruford was in Gong and Genesis for very breif periods.

 

[elgecko]

Bill Bruford was in Gong and Genesis for very breif periods.

Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel both did time in Genesis too!

 

[bassman69]

David Coverdale was in Deep Purple for 3-4 years, although i never forgot, a lot of people do.

 

[Richland123]

Andy Summers of The Police was a member of The Animals at one time

Mick Jones of Foreigner was a member of Spooky Tooth

Gary Wright was a member of Spooky Tooth

Ian McDonald of Foreigner was a member of King Crimson

 

[tangentmusic]

Denny Laine of Paul McCartney's Wings was in the early version of the Moody Blues. "Go Now" was his hit with them.