14 1960s rock artists that found a way to disappear

Once upon a time, you could easily lose track of artists who had left their mark, be it through the charts, their audience, or both, as there was no internet, social media, or streaming platforms back then in the 60s. Some even vanished without any trace left behind.

Many possible explanations might account for their vanishing act, ranging from personal issues to a shift in audience preference that led them to become less favored.

A significant number of individuals faced health problems, substance issues, or were exhausted from the demands of the music business; they desired a change, whether musically or in another field. Additionally, it’s important to note that audiences can be unpredictable, as their preferences in music (like any other interest) might shift unexpectedly.

These 1960s rock musicians disappeared (though some were found again)

Each of these artists mysteriously vanished at one time, with some eventually reappearing in a different form, while others have remained hidden for various reasons.

Del Shannon

In the swinging ’60s, I was simply known as Shannon – a name that echoed far and wide, largely thanks to my smash hit “Runaway,” a song that’s been covered countless times yet none could quite match its original magic. Among other hits like “Hats Off to Larry” and “Little Town Flirt,” I left an indelible mark on the music scene – until the wave of Beatlemania and the British Invasion swept over, effectively concluding my career as a chart-topper. Instead, I became just a fascinating footnote in the annals of rock history.

Johnny Rivers

In the mid-sixties, Rivers was widely recognized as one of the most thrilling live performers. The majority of his successful tracks (primarily albums) were derived from his live performances. On stage, he effortlessly transitioned between pop, rock, and blues genres. However, as psychedelic music gained traction towards the end of the decade, Rivers virtually disappeared from public view and soundwaves.

Barry McGuire

A popular and controversial song can significantly impact an artist’s career, either positively or negatively. For McGuire, it had a dual effect. His “Eve of Destruction” is still reverberating today, but ironically, by the 1970s, he faded into obscurity, failing to leave a mark even in the Christian rock music genre that he joined.

Syd Barrett

Today, tales of Barrett’s departure from Pink Floyd due to his unpredictable conduct resulting from drug abuse and mental health struggles are reminiscent of rock folklore. Although he made a short-lived comeback for two disorganized yet exceptional solo albums, he eventually withdrew from the spotlight, focusing on painting and gardening instead.

Brian Wilson

Another well-known vanishing act occurred when Wilson succumbed to a mental breakdown during the creation of Smile, the masterwork that never came to fruition for The Beach Boys. His subsequent participation in the band’s albums was minimal, with Wilson predominantly holed up in his bedroom as other members gathered his unfinished Smile compositions from the archives. He refrained from live performances with the band until the late seventies and continued to make intermittent appearances over time.

Grace Slick

In the ’60s, Slick stood out as one of the strongest vocalists, while Jefferson Airplane was yet to reach stardom. When they transformed into Starship, their hits grew even larger. However, following an Airplane reunion tour in 1989, Slick felt she had achieved enough and chose to leave music behind altogether, instead focusing on visual art.

The Association

During the height of Baroque and Sunshine Pop’s popularity, this seven-member band was extremely popular due to their massive vocal harmonies. Their hits such as “Windy” and “Cherish” were nearly ubiquitous in any collection of Baroque/Sunshine Pop music, and they even had the honor of opening the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, drawing sizable crowds from the dedicated fan base.

Paul Revere & The Raiders

Many enthusiasts enjoyed the popular song “Kicks” by this band, and additional hits graced the charts, but as time passed, their style – which included American Revolution-inspired attire and pop rock tunes – became less trendy. Consequently, they were unable to regain their momentum and have largely faded into obscurity in today’s music scene.

Skip Spence

Initially, Spence served as the drummer for Jefferson Airplane before transitioning to Moby Grape, where he penned their most successful single, “Omaha.” His open displays of drug use led to severe mental health problems that resulted in his confinement in a psychiatric hospital for six months. Upon his discharge, he produced an album often recognized as a lo-fi classic, marking the end of his recording studio endeavors.

The Beau Brummels

These musicians are often referred to as the pioneers of San Francisco’s ’60s sound, with their massive debut hit “Laugh, Laugh” (produced by Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly Stone) being a key factor in this label. They went on to produce more hits, but as they shifted towards folk and country genres (as showcased in the albums TFrancisco and Bradley’s Barn), their fanbase grew into a dedicated cult following.

The Lovin’ Spoonful

Few ’60s bands could boast as much chart-topping success as The Lovin’ Spoonful, with seven straight top 10 hits to their name, including “Summer in the City” which remains one of the defining singles of the era. However, the band’s triumph didn’t prevent them from disbanding. Only John Sebastian managed to carve out a modest solo career, especially during his Woodstock performance, but this brief period of success also came to an end.

Arthur Lee

Lee was the leading figure of the iconic Love band, one of the pioneers in proto-punk music, who later evolved into masters of psychedelic rock, producing a timeless classic rock album titled “Forever Changes.” As he began delving into progressive rock, he spent approximately two decades in relative obscurity and faced legal complications.

In the ’90s and beyond, as more people re-embraced the album “Forever Changes“, his fate experienced another reversal. Tragically, this resurgence was cut short by his untimely demise.

Peter Green

The man responsible for the initial Fleetwood Mac lineup was primarily focused on their bluesy sound, however, he contributed significant hits like “Oh Well,” “Albatross,” and more during his tenure. Unfortunately, Green departed from the band due to severe drug abuse and mental health issues. Later in the 90s, he made a comeback with a less prominent group, known as a Splinter Group.

Sly Stone

In simpler terms, Sly & the Family Stone were among the most popular studio and live acts during the late 1960s and early 1970s, but drug problems took their toll, causing Stone to disappear from the music scene for many years. However, his erratic behavior resurfaced, leaving him living in a trailer and largely forgotten until recently, when he was featured in a new Questlove documentary.

2025-02-21 14:00