The Top 10 Bands Who Changed Guitarists and Stayed Great

03/30/2011
. (Gibson) Would The Beatles have been The Beatles without George Harrison? Would Led Zeppelin have been Led Zeppelin without Jimmy Page? The answer to both questions is "no." Remarkably, however, other noteworthy bands have managed to carry on despite upheavals in the six-string position. Below are just 2 of the 10 such bands that Gibson singles out, each of whom has boasted a varied lineup of guitar greats.

2. Metallica: Founding Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine was ousted by the band � allegedly over substance abuse issues -- just prior to the start of sessions for their debut album in 1983. Kirk Hammett came in that very same afternoon, on April 11, 1983, and has remained with the group ever since. Seemingly with much to prove, Mustaine subsequently formed Megadeth, and he's since garnered a reputation as one of speed metal's greatest guitarists.

1. The Allman Brothers Band: Out of respect, following Duane Allman's tragic death in 1971, The Allman Brothers Band carried on without a replacement guitarist for many years. Dan Toler came on-board in 1978, but the group disbanded (for a second time) in 1982. Warren Haynes joined a reconstituted Allmans in 1989 � a alongside the legendary Dickey Betts � and remained with the band until 1997. Jack Pearson then stepped in for a brief run, before being replaced by Derek Trucks in 1999. Haynes rejoined the band full-time in 2001. The Haynes/Trucks lineup remains intact. See the full top 10 list here

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