Conversation so far:
Who were the original members of the American band Exodus?
Exodus' initial lineup was formed in the late 1970s by guitarists Kirk Hammett and Tim Agnello, drummer/vocalist Tom Hunting, and vocalist Keith Stewart, while they attended high school together.
How or why were some members in the American band Exodus changed?
Keith Stewart soon left Exodus and Tom Hunting became the band's sole vocalist for some time. Carlton Melson was replaced in 1981 by bass guitarist Geoff Andrews
Did any other members leave the American band Exodus besides Keith Stewart and Carlton Melson?
Tim Agnello and Geoff Andrews also left the band Exodus.
Why did Geoff Andrews leave the American band Exodus?
Geoff Andrews left to start an early incarnation of pioneering death metal band Possessed.

Question: How succesful were they in their early years?
Self-contained rewrite: How successful was the American band Exodus in their early years?