4 Famous Rock Stars Who Almost Joined Famous Rock Bands

Sometimes one can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the lineups of famous rock bands were just slightly different. The four rock music legends almost joined famous bands during their heyday, and it would have been wild if they actually got in. Let’s take a look!

1. Terry Reid and Led Zeppelin

Before Robert Plant became one of the most recognizable members of the rock band Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page was considering someone else. That someone else was rock vocalist and guitarist Terry Reid.

Reid was originally asked to become the band’s singer, and it makes sense why. His raspy, almost bluesy, and iconic voice would have suited Led Zeppelin beautifully. However, Reid wasn’t very interested in what Led Zeppelin was working on, and the role went to Plant.

2. David Ellefson and Metallica

This example of rock stars who almost joined famous bands isn’t exactly surprising. David Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth) would have suited Metallica beautifully. This bassist and vocalist for the legendary thrash metal outfit was going through a pretty rough split with Megadeth and was asked by Metallica if he wanted a spot in the band. 

Ellefson, unfortunately, was not entirely comfortable with getting into another band immediately after leaving Megadeth. The Metallica-Megadeth rivalry was difficult enough, but adding more bad blood into the situation was not something Ellefson was interested in.

3. Zakk Wylde and Guns N’ Roses

Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne’s own Zakk Wylde came quite close to joining up with Guns N’ Roses. He might be known for metal now, but when he was first coming up, he could have easily gone in the direction of hard rock with Axl Rose. 

When most of the members famously left Guns N’ Roses back in the day, Wylde was asked to join. While he said he enjoyed their jam sessions together, Wylde opted to stick to previous commitments he had with Osbourne.

4. Buckethead and Red Hot Chili Peppers

This instance of rock stars who almost joined famous bands would have been fascinating to see happen. Legendary experimental guitarist Buckethead once auditioned to join Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

It’s not exactly surprising, considering the revolving door of members that have been in and out of the band. Buckethead wasn’t asked to join after John Frusciante left (the first time, specifically), but he did audition for the role and was denied on the grounds that he wasn’t exactly “funky” enough. The job went to Dave Navarro instead.

Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

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