18 notable bands who are still touring without any original members

Despite the fact that this storied, jazz-fused rock act features upwards of a dozen members on stage and remains highly active on the road, nobody currently in Blood, Sweat & Tears was there prior to 1987. However, the roster of band members seems endless. Of note, none of the members with the Grammy Award-winning band, which released classics "And When I Die" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy," during its formation in 1967, remained in tow past 1977.

Canned Heat earned acclaim via memorable performances at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, then solidified its collective success at Woodstock two years later. Led by singer Bob "The Bear" Hite, who had the voice of a songbird, Canned Heat has been a rather steady presence as a touring outfit, even after his death in 1981. Drummer Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra," who joined the band in '67, two years after it formed, continues to carry the Canned Heat flag on the road. 

Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foreigner is probably the most prominent band that still tours without any original members. That said, legendary guitarist and co-founder Mick Jones is still involved in the band, but health issues prevent him from touring. Meanwhile, iconic singer Lou Gramm will join the group on stage from time to time. Veteran bassist Jeff Pilsen (Dokken) is the most notable current touring member of Foreigner. 

This iconic harmonic quartet from Indiana was formed way back in 1948. And, despite a myriad of comings and goings in terms of membership, The Four Freshmen are still pleasing audiences on a regular basis. Of course, the torch of the band's sound and legacy has been passed down generations as far as the members go, but as is the case with most of these bands, the music is all that matters.

Primary singer Levi Stubbs, along with Duke Fakir, Obie Benson and Lawrence Payton have all passed away, but the music of this legendary Motown outfit is still alive. Lawrence Payton Jr. has been part of the band since 2005, while Ronnie McNair has provided lead vocals for the group since he became an official member in 1999.

The Grass Roots have been actively touring without at least one original member. However, Rob Grill, who joined the group in 1967 — a couple of years after its formation — carried the torch until passing away in 2011. But Grill had a say in picking those members who would carry on the legacy of the group known for hits "Let's Live for Today and "Midnight Confessions." Interestingly of note, Creed Bratton, who performed with The Grass Roots from 1967-69, essentially played a character based on his musical background, in the American version of The Office. 

Science-fiction, shock rock-theme metalers Gwar formed in 1984, and have featured a revolving door of musicians and on-stage performers. David Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, was the longest-standing member until his death from a heroin overdose in 2014, and since then, Mike Derks (Balsac the Jaws of Death) and Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha), who each came aboard in the late 1980s, have been the most steady members of a band that remains popular and a Riot Fest staple.

For those fans who need to hear all 17 minutes (or more) of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," you're in luck. A version of Iron Butterfly is still out there and, according to its official website, will be playing its brand of classic acid rock into 2026. In 2024, co-founder and organist Doug Ingle passed away, though he had not been touring with Iron Butterfly for several years.

Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds formed this iconic folk and pop group that was among the most influential groups to ignite the musical movement of the former. Shane, however, was the last of three originals to perform with The Kingston Trio, 2004. All three have passed away, but a licensed version of the group is still performing hits like "Tom Dooley" and "At Large."

Armed with adult contemporary classics like "Help Is on Its Way," "Reminiscing" and "Lonesome Loser," Little River Band has been celebrating 50 years of soft rock goodness in 2025 — all without any original members, or even those long-time participants who were there during parts of the 1980s, in the mix. Through the years there have been several legal disputes about membership and use of the band's name, but Little River Band is still rolling along. 

One can make the argument that current Skynyrd guitarist Ricky Medlocke is an original member since he was a second drummer with the band in the early days before the band's debut record came out in 1973. However, the original group lineup was generally considered to consist of Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). Rossington, who passed away in 2023, was the last original member or part of the classic lineup to continue playing with the iconic band. Meanwhile, Johnny Van Zant, brother of legendary frontman Ronnie, has been manning lead vocals since 1987.

The southern rockers, who brought us classic rock favorite "Flirtin' with Disaster" and those highly graphic and visually detailed album covers, can still be found playing state fairs and community festivals around the United States. Sadly, none of the band's original members are alive. However, guitarist Bobby Ingram and keyboard player John Galvin were there in the 1980s and continue to drive Molly Hatchet in the present day.

Another important metal act, England's Napalm Death has released 16 studio albums, with the most recent coming out in 2020. However, the band has not played with an original member since 1986, roughly five years after it had formed. Yet, 2025 proved to be a big year for the band, which has toured the United States and Europe, packing houses and keeping the band's legacy alive.

Fans of progressive heavy metal should be well aware of this acclaimed Swedish band. Opeth has been active and celebrated since 1990. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Mikael Åkerfeldt has been the face of the band and its leader since founder David Isberg left in 1992. But, still none of the original members are part of the present day Opeth, which remains a force in the prog metal movement, especially in Europe.

Fans of 1980s hard rock and metal might remember that late great guitarist Randy Rhoads co-founded Quiet Riot in 1975, along with longtime singer Kevin DuBrow. Rhoads played on the band's first two records before leaving to play with Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. Bassist Rudy Sarzo joined the band prior to Rhoads leaving, and joined DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo and drummer Frankie Banali as part of the classic lineup that produced the groundbreaking Metal Health (1983) album. DuBrow and Banali both have since passed away, while Cavazo is no longer in the mix. Sarzo, though, returned earlier this decade and is the closest thing to an original member of Quiet Riot, which is still out there playing.

Sepultura's time as a band is about to come to an end as the Brazilian-based, groove/alternative metal favorite is currently amid a farewell tour. Of course, it's always wise to take such declarative tours with a grain of salt. Regardless, brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, who formed the group in 1984, have not been involved or touring for nearly 20 years. However, Paulo Jr. is only the second bassist in the group's history, while Andreas Kisser has been shredding on the guitar for Sepultura since 1987.

This iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame R&B vocal group from Detroit was first heard in 1954. In 2024, John Edwards, the last surviving member of The Spinners, passed away at age 80. However, the legacy of The Spinners' music had been kept alive for years, and continues to be heard throughout the country with current configuration. Of the four current members, none were with the group prior to 2009.

Veterans Steve Howe and Geoff Downes continue to keep these progressive rock legends going in full force. And, that's a pretty good pair considering their status as respected staples of the genre. However, neither are original members, though Howe joined a couple years after the group was co-founded by Jon Anderson and Chris Squire. The latter has since passed, but Anderson has not been a full-time member of these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers since the mid-2000s.