There were plenty of songs that sounded like Giant on that album, cos Dann Huff and Mark Spiro demo's were used, and they (along with Alan Pasqua and Van Stephenson) wrote the bulk of Giant's material. People just didn't want to hear it. Because, as I say, fans on here take ownership of their little "genre classic" bands and make them untouchable.
It wasn't a bad album, it wasn't really a Giant album, and I still think terry was the wrong choice of vocalist.
But yeah my point was proven. Because all the bands you mention it being ok for are the huge bands, and the bands that should never do it, are "our little bands".
That's why i'm confused by the new Hardline, which Johnny just sang on, and an Italian backing band did everything else, being ok with so many here.
The two albums that the Gioeli's and Josh Ramos wrote were completely panned.
I think everyone is replaceable in a band, it just depends whether you want to replace them with an impersonator or go in a new direction with them. Bon Jovi have replaced Richie to tour a few times, and I don't think it made a dent in their wallets.
I also think it opens the door for new talents to emerge. Most of the world wouldn't know who Jeff Scott Soto is if it wasn't for his stint with Journey which showed his talents to a much, much bigger audience. Likewise Blaze Bayley. The latest guy will be Nic Maeder, now's his chance to sink or swim. Brian Johnson, Steve Augeri, even Jimi Jamison and Mickey Thomas back in the day...
Niv