There've been quite a few groups out there who've made the big time on the back of one individual. Without that one person they'd have probably flunked big time. How about these for starters:

U2 - plodding rhythm section, dork vocalist - innovative 6-string fretwork
Level 42 - Mark King plus others
Primus - obvious
Dire Straits -obviouser
Van Halen - most obvious

Am I being unfair or are there many examples of 1 genius plus passengers?