The death of the band is the precursor of the death of the album. Who plays bass for Kelly Clarkson? MTV killed the band because everyone wanted to be a diva and musical talent became secondary. Great bands make great albums. No bands, no albums.
My standard joke for years was -- "If you want to be a famous singer, take A LOT of dance lessons." The whole Madonna, Paula Abdul, Britney Spears thing ... music became very visual and focused on one person. The bands were invisible.
Nobody's ever seen him. Or the drummer. Or the drum riser, for that matter.
Our Kel's a big gal.