Replacement Singer Syndrome

Replacement Singer Syndrome, or RSS, is the disorder that befalls a singer that replaces a favourite singer in a band. This syndrome is the opposite of The Second Singer Effect.

Why Does It Happen?

Most of the time, RSS is not the fault of the singer. He is put into the impossible shoes of replacing an integral member of a band, and the singer of a band is usually the most well-known. Fan complaints of the band sounding different stems from a) The new singer having an effect on the writing process, or b) the band writing different/inferior material. Those affected by RSS usually don't last more than two albums with the band.

Notable Sufferers of RSS

• Gary Cherone, replaced David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar in Van Halen.
• John Corabi, replaced Vince Neil in Motley Crue.
• Blaze Bayley, replaced Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden.
• Tim 'Ripper' Owens, replaced Rob Halford in Judas Priest.
• Ian Astbury, sorta replaced Jim Morrison in The Doors.
• Tony Martin, replaced Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath.
• Derrick Green, replaced Max Cavalera of Sepultura.
• Johnny Solinger, replaced Sebastian Bach in Skid Row.

Disputed Sufferers

• Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath
• Sammy Hagar in Van Halen
• David Coverdale in Deep Purple
• John Bush in Anthrax
• Steve 'Zetro' Souza in Exodus, as well as his replacement, Rob Dukes

Exceptions to the rule

• Brian Johnson, replaced Bon Scott of AC/DC.
• Bruce Dickinson, replaced Paul Di'Anno of Iron Maiden.
• Joey Belladonna, replaced Neil Turbin of Anthrax.
• Phil Anselmo, replaced Terry Glaze of Pantera.