Having put out at least one solo album prior to joining or forming a band they were perhaps better known for. Bands named after or including the artist’s name don’t count (e.g. if they initially recorded solo and then added members but kept recording under their name, or added “and the…” to their name, or like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, etc.)
Can’t think of many without digging. Can you?
Only know David Coverdale before he joined Whitesnake, and I only learned that recently. He released two albums before forming the band, the first being called White Snake.
I assume you’re not counting Supergroups here?
Bloke from the vaccines was Jay Jay Pistolet beforehand I think
Yer man from Eels released a couple of solo albums before forming Eels
I read that he called the band Eels so that the albums would end up next to his E albums in shops (forgetting that The Eagles existed)
Maybe Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie nicks before they joined flertwood mac?
(never listened to it)
Do the leg work mate. Google a few album covers, cut/paste. you know the drill.
Yeah Supergroups don’t count.
Tempted to say if they had a solo stage name or pseudonym it wouldn’t count but that would exclude a lot of otherwise perfectly fair submissions. Like rappers and electronic musicians. So it’s fair.
Then all I’ve got is the indiest of answers:
Rodney Allen released his Happysad LP & a couple of EPs before joining The Blue Aeroplanes
According to RYM, the only album either released before joining Fleetwood Mac was a collaboration.
David Bowie in Tin Machine
Sammy Hagar and Van Halen
Oh Adrianne Lenker has some teen country pop, then some very good proto big thief stuff (but that’s a split with Buck Meek so might not count). Some lovely songs on that record too
Not solo but Meat Loaf released this 6 years before Bat Oit Of Hell ….
Both released records in bands before going solo
You go ahead pal, I’ve made a half arsed attempt alright? It’s been a long day
Drummer from M(h)aol has been gigging solo for years and released her debut album back in 2021 (released a few singles much earlier)
