Bands That Broke Up and Got Together Again
4 min read
Many of music’s most legendary bands call it quits only to get back together in the future. Fortunately, some get back together after years, even decades, apart.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic bands that broke up only to reunite later on.
Fleetwood Mac
One of the most groundbreaking bands ever suffered a significant blow thanks to a turbulent relationship between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Neither of the two were founding members of the group, which formed in 1967. Buckingham was asked to join in 1974 and agreed—but only on the condition that his girlfriend, Nicks, could also join. While the love affair increased tensions in the group, it wasn’t responsible for its demise.
Multiple band members endured personal struggles throughout the years, leading to several hiatuses and quasi-break-ups. The group never fully called it quits, although there were lengthy periods of turmoil where they didn’t create music together.
ABBA
While one failed marriage can put a strain on a band, two divorces led to ABBA’s ultimate demise after 10 years of chart-topping hits. The Swedish pop rock group tried to push through the tensions, but were unable to reconcile their differences in the immediate aftermath of the splits.
The popular group was spotted together in public at the launches of the Mamma Mia! musical and the films—there’s even an online slot based on it that’s accessible through Casinos.com. In 2021, ABBA recorded a pair of songs and released a full album, nearly 40 years after they broke up.
Oasis
Oasis is one of the most successful British musical exports, selling upwards of a staggering 75 million records worldwide. Songs such as ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Champagne Supernova’, and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ remain top karaoke picks and still get plays on radio. As many siblings are, the brothers in the band, Liam and Noel Gallagher, were notorious for quarrelling, ultimately leading to the break-up.
Following the iconic band’s 15-year separation, fans were delighted when they announced they were reuniting to play live shows in 2024. They played at London’s Wembley Stadium and several other cities, including their native Manchester. While fans appreciated the brothers’ solo work, hearing Oasis hits without the rest of the band never quite felt the same.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan’s voice stands out on the air waves, oscillating between lullaby-like to gritty to primal screams. He’s also a poet and is known for his iconic looks, evolving from a younger, more indie appearance to almost vampiric with ghastly-pale skin and a clean-shaven head. Naturally, the anomalous frontman was a focal point of the group and was the only remaining member after the group split in 2000.
Corgan and another original member, Jimmy Chamberlin, reunited roughly six years later to record the band’s seventh album. After the album was recorded, some members of the group played select shows in various cities around the world. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the group finalized a full lineup and embarked on the highly anticipated ‘Shiny and Oh So Bright’ tour.
Spice Girls
Many women remember the Spice Girls fondly, as the fivesome introduced many children and preteens to themes of ‘girl power’ and the importance of friendship. Each member had her own distinctive style, including Ginger Spice, Baby Spice, Sporty Spice, Scary Spice, and Posh Spice. They each wore clothing reflecting their ‘theme’, producing a compelling blend of unique characters and, of course, catchy tunes.
While the strong personalities were part of the group’s success, they ultimately led to its demise as individuals quarrelled. Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice) left the group in 1998, and the group broke up in 2001. They reunited for a massive tour in 2007 and again in 2019. However, Victoria Beckham/Posh Spice did not join them on the final tour. yeah
The Eagles
Anyone listening to a classic rock radio station for a full day has a high chance of hearing ‘Hotel California’. The Eagles experienced tremendous success through the ‘70s, with chart-topping hits on several albums. Their first hit, ‘Taking it Easy’, catapulted them to success with their debut album, aptly titled Eagles.
While guitarist Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in 1975, the band remained largely stable, releasing their greatest hits album in the late 1970s. Unfortunately, creative difference and tensions between group members led to their break-up in 1980.
After a lengthy hiatus and multiple solo offshoots, the Eagles reunited in 1994 and recorded another album, Hell Freezes Over.
Blink 182
While many people find punk music intense, Blink 182 offered a palatable intermediary between the genre and pop. The trio catapulted to the top of the Billboard charts with hits such as ‘What’s My Age Again?’, ‘All the Small Things’, ‘First Date’, and ‘Adam’s Song’. Despite being punk rockers, each group member has a unique style, although they all leaned into humour during interviews and in their catchy lyrics.
The popular group split in 2005, citing personal differences and a desire to focus on other projects. They were also burnt out from years on the road and putting out several albums. In 2009, the group reunited, releasing new music for fans. Tom DeLonge left in 2015 and was replaced by Matt Skiba, though he returned in 2022.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
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