Have any rock supergroups ever really looked like amateurs during their careers?

I’m currently struggling through yet another painful indie rock opening act. You know the drill: not the most “polished” sound, amps strewn about the stage, and most of all, a horrible stage presence. Yes, the venue isn’t a stadium, but they look like they’re performing in their garage.

Whenever I’ve seen a supergroup, they are riveting to watch. They interact with the audience. They are amazing, and it’s not just because they have a rockin’ lightshow.

I’m always struck by the fact if you just watched a band without any sound you’d me able to tell the opener from main act.

Did the coldplays, radioheads, and u2s ever look like a crappy garage band? Or is that part of the reason they are where they are?