The former Rainbow vocalist described rapid frontman swaps in modern rock as a “circus.”
Former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner criticized the trend of constant frontman swaps in modern rock acts during an appearance on Cassius Morris Official. Turner pointed to Sebastian Bach joining Twisted Sister, Skid Row employing five or six lead singers over the years, and The Dead Daisies alternating between vocalists John Corabi and Glenn Hughes. Comparing the frequent swaps to playing chess and calling short singer tenures a “circus,” Turner argued that bands should write an album together before deciding if a lineup arrangement works.
While acknowledging his own history as a “hired gun” with groups such as Rainbow, Deep Purple, and Yngwie Malmsteen, Turner stated that creating great music is what ultimately matters. He also linked the issue to broader industry changes, recalling a promoter’s observation about a shortage of true headlining acts and noting that the modern rock industry feels increasingly corporate and manufactured.
