Who makes the band what it is?

[SO]

AC/DC - Drummer Phil Rudd left because of problems. Never noticed a difference with the new guy, but if Brian Johnson were to go (even though his voice is garbage now) it would never be the same.

Don't forget their first 7 albums were done with Bon Scott, but after his death they recorded their most successful album, <i>Back In Black</i> with new singer Johnson.

Rush - While Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson are good musicians, do you think Rush would be anything without Geddy Lee?

Rush is one of those bands where every member is an equal. If Neil or Alex were to leave, the band would be no more. Really Neil is the heart and soul of Rush, so hypothetically he'd be the least replaceable if it were possible to replace any of them.

The Beatles - How many would miss Ringo or George, but if John or Paul went it probably would have been the end.

Well it WAS the end when John left. Had it been Harrison, I think they would've broken up as well. They could've replaced Ringo though, he was the weak link.

Iron Maiden - Bruce Dickinson, nuff said.

Their first two albums had Paul Di'Anno as the vocalist, and they were very good. They did come into their own with Bruce at the front though. Then there was the Blaze Bayley period, which did suck, but the band survived and Bruce did return for <i>Brave New World</i> (and if you haven't heard Dickinson's solo stuff, I can't recommend it enough).

Metallica - I know, most don't care for them anymore, but I had to add them. You could get rid of Lars, Kirk and the new guy Robert Trujillo, but if you didn't have James Hetfield singing it wouldn't be Metallica. (I just know 420319208197 will rebut this one )

It's been said a million times, they were never the same band after Cliff died.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - All I have to say is if Anthony Kiedis left, you could say goodbye to the band as well. Who would carry them with Kiedis gone, Flea?

It was all downhill after Mother's Milk...but I can't imagine the band continuing if Flea were to leave.

And good call on the Dio-era Sabbath. I really think they improved as a band after Ozzy left.