When is a band no longer a band?
 

When is a band no longer a band? How many members have to leave or die before the band is no longer the band?
Part of the answer is – It depends which members.
The Who – When Keith Moon died it was a major loss but when they played in the 80’s it was still The Who. Now they will tour without Entwistle. Is it still The Who? I would hesitate to see them because I don’t want to overshadow my memories.
Another issue is age. In this case specifically Roger’s voice. I have see other older acts lately and they have been very enjoyable.

The New York Dolls are touring with 2 original members. Is it the New York Dolls?
Further is running around playing Dead music with two key members and a Garcia clone. Fans seem to be happy.
If Guns N’ Roses came to town with one original member (obviously the most key member) would you say to yourself you saw Guns N’ Roses.

I imagine when they aren't making anymore music and they split up.

I also want to add that a band will more than likely switch their name if they don't want to be noticed under their previous name. Nightwish is a good example, they have a new vocalist, but they still call themselves Nightwish. If they were to have changed their name, Nightwish would no longer be a band even though they are still a band under a different name.

I hope that makes sense.

Interesting question.

I think it ultimately boils down to how substantial the band became before it started falling apart. If it was never more than a few friends rocking out on the weekend and entertaining the locals downtown then the band lasts as long as the most dominant personality in the group wants to make it last for.

On the other hand if the band has achieved a viable level of commercial success they almost become a brand at which point it's all about who controls the legalities tied with the name of the group. Kind of like how the guys in Metallica say the band owns them just as much if not more than they own it.

I'll get into this further later but to answer this question if those two members were David Johansen & Johnny Thunders then yes because they were the main songwriters and the focal point of the band.

I don't have a problem with Johansen and Sylvain touring & playing those songs again but I'm not really interested in hearing new material without Thunders.

While I think you can still say you "saw a band" regardless of the members, I'm sure big fans will ask you to clarify which "version" you saw.

For me personally, I managed to see the Pumpkins when Jimmy was still in the band. Since I consider Billy and Jimmy to be the guys mainly responsible for that Pumpkins sound, I feel like I can say I saw the Pumpkins live. I don't feel comfortable doing that now.

I saw The Who on their 'first' farewell tour after Keith died, in the early 80's. Kenny Jones did a good job but it just wasn't the same. Some band members are interchangeable or even downright disposable and some are not.

i think only Led Zeppelin and Nirvana got it right - integral member dies, break up

otherwise - Pink Floyd, lost Syd, already different but Gilmour made up for it, then Waters left, you still call that Floyd? (i like The Division Bell, though)

The Who? - in it for the money - i don't think Moon was that good a drummer, but Entwhistle wrote a lot of songs

the only proper Manics was the one with Richie

That's crazy talk, Howard. Keith Moon was an AMAZING drummer. There has never been a drummer like him. He played the skins like a freakin' lead guitarist. You may not like The Who, and that's fine, but respect must be paid. Rent 'The Kids are Alright' movie and watch that little bugger play. Listen to 'Who's Next' and focus on the drum/bass interplay. John Entwistle and Keith Moon are one of the most unique and powerful drum/bass combo's in the history of rock.

Moon is just banging on the bongos like a chimpanzee

Bill Bruford is where it's at