Just off the top, do you notice anything special about this picture?

Okay, it’s true. None of these guys are smiling … and it looks like an alien spaceship is hovering only meters above the band. But that’s not what I’m talking about. This photo of U2 is interesting because Bono (the lead singer) is standing so prominently in front. Is he the leader of this band? Or is he just trying to get a better look at the camera?

Of course, some people might say this picture is framed like this because lead singers get all the attention these days. And I’d have to agree. But U2 isn’t alone. A lot of other bands make a big fuss about their vocalists, too. For example, check out groups like The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, and Coldplay … who all seem to thrust their frontmen into the spotlight.

Could the other guys in The Killers look any smaller in their photo? And what about Chris Martin? Even though he seems to be telling us there are “FOUR” people in his band, Coldplay, the other boys are a little hard to see way back there in the distance.

Today more than ever, modern bands feel lopsided. So while the lead singers get to bask in all the glory, everybody else gets pushed aside—literally. It’s crazy. Sure, the music industry seems to think this new formula is the key to success. But history shows there are other (possibly better) options. Exhibits A, B, and C:

Probably the most obvious example of a band that did just fine without glorifying any one member is The Beatles. (You may have heard of them.) Also known as “The Fab Four,” this band made it a point to feature John, Paul, George, and Ringo as four equal sides of a solid square. In fact, they even resisted “expert” advice at the time to turn one of them into band leader. And, as a result, they’re still known as the most successful band of all time.

Coincidence? I don’t think so. Apparently, people like the idea of a close-knit group. It’s what fans respond to. So even though you may be tempted in your own band to focus on the singer (or the guitarist, or whatever), think again. Your listeners just might like to see your whole group—rocking out as equal friends.