Top 10 Tribute Songs To Members of the Band

If any goodbye song was to resonate strongly with emotions of pain, heartache and loss, then Slipknot have it perfectly covered here. Along with their track “Goodbye”, “XIX” lyrically mourns the death of founding bassist Paul Gray, who died of a morphine overdose in 2010. The haunting bagpipe sound fuses with a fierce combination of bass and emotionally rich vocals, courtesy of Corey Taylor. Moving past a band member's death when you’re among the most recognised metal bands in the world is no easy task, but Slipknot succeeded in honouring the memory of Gray, while retaining their unique sound.

Founding member Hillel Slovak helped lay the foundations for the eventual success of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, adopting an experimental approach toward the art of guitar playing. He would blend rock with more alternative genres such as funk for years, until he lost control of his heroin addiction and overdosed in 1988, prompting this tribute a year later. Lyrically, “Knock me Down” is driven by the bands desire to turn back the clock and see Slovak again. The song relays important messages about the dangers of drug abuse to all who hear it, all while paying tribute to one hell of a guitarist.

It’s common for Australia to be known as the land down under, and is was the ideal destination for the Manic Street Preachers in 1996. Its subject matter circulates the 1995 disappearance of founding member Richey Edwards, who was eventually presumed dead in 2008. The song voices the bands desire to escape from the,hardships and personal difficulties associated with his sudden disappearance, desiring to be free from it all in Australia, to them the furthest place possible from home. It’s a perfectly executed track that is highly relatable and sentimental at the same time, deserving a well warranted spot on our list.

The life of Steve Clark was one for the history books. He was unstoppable on stage and renowned for his incredible ability to run around while playing guitar as fast as lightning strikes. This was until 1991, when Clark tragically passed away at the hands of a prescription drug and alcohol overdose. Def Leppard penned this song as a tribute to their fallen bandmate, referring to him as white lightning. With its untamed use of electric guitars, combined with some powerful drums and vocals, we take our hats off to Def Leppard for pulling off such an incredible tune less than a year after Clarke’s death.

Break out the tissues mojoholics, because this song is bound to make you shed a tear. Queen frontman Freddie Mercury tragically lost his life to AIDS in 1991, prompting remaining band members to bravely grieve his loss through song. The music video showcases footage of Mercury as one of the greatest frontmen of all time. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor do their late band mate proud, providing unforgettable vocal performances. It was truly the perfect way to say goodbye to not only a great singer, but a great man as well.

This moving tribute pays an honest homage toward founding drummer, James Sullivan, better known as TheRev, who was found dead from an overdose in 2009. It wasn’t the band's only tribute to the late drummer, however, as they would revisit their loss with “St. James”. The music video reveals the four original members growing up together as friends to eventually become famous as Avenged Sevenfold. While the song deals with sorrow and heartbreak for their lost brother, it is contrasted by footage of The Rev enjoying life. With memorable guitar solos and passionate lyrics, this is truly a tribute for the ages.

The versatility of Metallica is simply unquestionable. As demonstrated here, this track begins with an easy listening vibe, gradually morphing into their classic metal sound. Along with Megadeth’s “In My Darkest Hour”,the song honors the late Cliff Burton, who served as Metallica’s bassist from 1982 until his unfortunate death as a result of a bus accident in 1986. This track uses elements taken from Burton himself, featuring the title as a quote he was commonly known to use, alongside previously unheard riffs he himself had written before his untimely passing.

The death of John Lennon rocked not only the music industry, but the entire world when he was assassinated on December 8, 1980. This moving tribute by fellow Beatle George Harrison, serves as an appropriate trip down the very nostalgic lane of Beatlemania. It paints a picture of one former band mate missing another, reminding all of their unique, brotherly bond. Featuring fellow bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the tune is unabashedly cheery, while the song's lyrics see Harrison documenting the life and friendship of the former Beatle.

Five months following the death of lead singer Bon Scott, AC/DC released this now iconic track to incredible commercial acclaim and success. Not only did it establish the band’s new front man Brian Johnson as the ideal replacement, but it did not deter from the sound that made the Bon Scott lead AC/DC tracks memorable- that is to say, it rocked! The band pay tribute to his legacy without sounding morbid or melancholic, instead channelling his iconic stage presence and voice through through its headbang friendly vibe, just how Bon would have wanted it.

Before we pay tribute to our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

“Melissa” (1972)
Allman Brothers

“Above and Beyond” (2013)
Deep Purple

“Winter” (2006)
Bayside

“Elgia” (1985)
New Order

Floyd's original bandleader Syd Barrett shone brightly but owning to his fragile mental state, he was deserted by the band in 1968. Years later, Syd's tragic fall inspired much of the band's Wish You Were Here album including, most notably, “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”. Strangely, a completely unrecognisable Barrett actually turned up at the studio while the band was working on the project intent on recording his guitar lines. Passionate, heartfelt, while unmistakably Pink Floyd, “Shine On” captures much of Syd's character and the band's feelings towards him. Syd may not be mentioned by name but he's there in spirit, and, sneakily, in the song's title.

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