Bands that took a long time to make it

[otherman]

I was thinking, most bands that make it big, catch attention with the first album. I came up with three bands that took ages, although in all three cases caught it super big when they got it right.

REM. Automatic For The People was their 8th album, 12 years after their first. After that, they were pretty much the biggest band in the world for a few years.

Fleetwood Mac. Rumours is one of the best selling albums of all time, but it was their 10th attempt.

ZZ Top. Finally hit it with Eliminator, also the 8th album and 12th year. They know it's their best stuff, the whole set is based on it when they play. Before that, they were an obscure american blues band, known mainly for their unusual name.

Who can think of some more?

[Martin350]

AC/DC made quite a few albums (not unsuccessfully, mind) with Bon Scott before Brian Johnson joined and Back In Black was released.
It's often quoted as being the second best selling album of all time.


Maybe not a band as such but Seasick Steve took his time a bit!

[conkerman]

Elbow floated around for a decade, waiting for something to happen.

For REM, I would argue that Green was the album that broke them, specifically Orange crush.

[technodup]

Pulp.

Formed in 78, several albums before hitting it big with Common People and Different Class in 94/95.

[malks222]

biffy clyro were doing the rounds for a long time before hitting where they are now. I remember seeing them playing support to the deftones on a tour in 2003! I reckon they didnt start to get mainstream air play until maybe 2005 ish?!?!

[malks222]

and if you watch the video for 'questions and answers' (i think its that one anyway) simon 'breaks' his ankle in the video....... but actually they had a video shoot arranged, he broke his ankle in real life so had to write it into the video!

[Lucas CAV]

otherman said:

I was thinking, most bands that make it big, catch attention with the first album. I came up with three bands that took ages, although in all three cases caught it super big when they got it right.

REM. Automatic For The People was their 8th album, 12 years after their first. After that, they were pretty much the biggest band in the world for a few years.

Fleetwood Mac. Rumours is one of the best selling albums of all time, but it was their 10th attempt.

ZZ Top. Finally hit it with Eliminator, also the 8th album and 12th year. They know it's their best stuff, the whole set is based on it when they play. Before that, they were an obscure american blues band, known mainly for their unusual name.

Who can think of some more?

I think the Peter Green era could very much be considered to be successful!!