Top 10 Songs Written About Former Bandmates

[@MsMojo]

Of all the friendships and feuds between bandmates, which one warms or breaks YOUR heart the most? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Stories Behind Famous Songs - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZovOiK17d85-q80

[@trinaq]

"Goodbye" by the Spice Girls always makes me cry. Talk about the end of an era.

[@kamsismith]

Even though the song is about Geri, I feel like it would be suited for a funeral because I bet people picked this song for funerals in the months and years after this song came out.

[@trinaq]

​@@kamsismithI agree, it seems like the top pick for a funeral song, along with "Tears in Heaven."

[@shellc]

@@kamsismith Goodbye was originally written when Geri was still part of the group and they reworked it when touring the US in 98 after she left. This is probably why it works for Geri quitting and them wishing her well but also other situations like you suggested. I'm not sure if the original was ever recorded but I would love to hear it just to see the changes that were made.

[@Theintroverted_traveler]

Same

[@andrewharper1609]

Every Spice Girls song made me cry. I hated their music.

[@Victoria_Ti]

I'd also include 'So far away' by Avenged Sevenfold, which is a tribute to the band's original drummer Jimmy Sullivan.

[@DFPWeaponX]

Should have been in the top 3

[@matthewbaduria]

"Goodbye " by the Spice Girls was emotional it was the end of an era, second is Queen's "No One But You'' is emotional the end of an era.

[@WelcomeApathy]

I would include Mike Shinoda's EP Post Traumatic, written about the aftermath of the loss of Linkin Park's frontman Chester Bennington.

[@theimpossiblemary]

The Pink Floyd one should be #1. It is not negative or shady, it is just a wonderful song written about a friend they miss and love. RIP Syd Barrett

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Disagree, "Wish You Were Here" was a all-time great on it's own AND a better tribute to Syd.

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

"Alone" (1987) - Heart 💔

[@CatsOverBrats]

If you make a part 2 for this list, remember "Bye Bye Beautiful" by Nightwish.

[@christoventer9873]

I 2nd this! That chorus is 3rd degree burn in ink

[@nicolam7430]

This was definitely my first thought when I saw the title

[@richardrussell7082]

@@christoventer9873 👍 She deserved it for putting fans at the bottom of her priority list

[@DukeHalliday-cv4fx]

It's About Tarja

[@lindaevans8804]

“Here Today” ~ Paul McCartney

[@stevegallo8483]

You could have included George Harrison's 1981 song "All those Years Ago" written as a tribute to his friend John Lennon who was killed in December 1980.

[@tonillewalsh7796]

Wait! John Lennon was KILLED?

[@lucone2937]

All Those Years Ago" by George Harrison included Paul & Linda McCartney on backing vocals and Ringo Starr on drums.

[@lullybowillys5787]

Also "when we were fab" in 88 or so, from Georges, for the 4 of them, with Ringo in the clip

[@coffee4dayz19k4]

@@tonillewalsh7796are you serious

[@AgnessaMo]

"Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival can sort of be seen as being about Tom Fogerty, as tensions were arising within the band and he was on his way out while recording that album and that song.

[@mewmew88]

No One But You never fails to bring a tear to my eye whenever I hear it. The love you can hear and feel in that song is overwhelming ❤

[@OmarBhoo]

I was expecting you to miss them but Liar by Megadeth about former guitarist Chris Poland. Also In My Darkest Hour by Megadeth again about Cliff Burton when he passed away.

[@karlsmith2570]

No One But You (Only The Good DieYoung) Not only is this paying tribute to Freddie's legacy, it's also showing how sorely he's missed by everyone from his bandmates to his fans

[@savyxxr]

Lighthouse- G.R.L. Was a good one to add on here

[@TheXion92]

I was expecting this one to be on here tbh.

[@maddartist]

“I’ll never forget you, but I’ll be gone. I’ll always respect you and life goes on” ❤️

[@colettecarroll9371]

Knock me down by Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Written for Hillel Slovak, their original guitarist who died in 1988..

[@hkl614]

something about Diana Ross she always looks kinda doped out. oh and you forgot Ex Factor by Lauryn Hill

[@brianagrzybowski4734]

One big omission: Bobby Jean, by Bruce Springsteen. He included that song on his Born in the USA album, right when his E-Street Band co-founder and good pal Steven Van Zant was leaving to go solo. It was his goodbye to him. ❤️

[@stormy4812]

There really needs to be Little Feat's Hanging on to the Good Times in talking about Lowell George; the lyrics are so amazing! It's a fabulous tribute

[@cruisematt8585]

With Freddie Mercury being my favorite ever, “No one but You” makes me so emotional every time I hear it.

[@twilafan]

"Dear John" by Styx, which concerns then recently deceased drummer John Panozzo. It was written by guitarist Tommy Shaw and features as a studio track on the Return to Paradise live album.

[@Paul_Simon]

White Lightning, From The Inside and Blood Runs Cold, all by Def Leppard for Steve Clark

[@andrewharper1609]

Great choice.

[@jonathanmartin8113]

My Lovely Man - a tribute to late Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar player Hillel Slovak. I used to shout Across the room to you And you'd come dancin' Like a fool Shuffle step You funky mother Come to me All warm as covers Rest with me My lovely brother For you see There is no other Memory so sad and sweet I'll see you soon Save me a seat Oh, well I'm cryin' Oh, now my lovely man Oh, yes I'm cryin' Oh, now and no one can We never fill the The hole you left my man I'll see you later My lovely man if I can In my room I'm all alone Waiting for you To get home Listen to Roberta Flack But I know you won't come back Oh, well I'm cryin' Oh, now my lovely man I'll see you later My lovely man if I can Just in case You never knew I miss you slim I love you too Oh, see my heart It's black and blue When I die I will find you Oh, well I'm cryin' Oh, now my lovely man Oh, yes I'm cryin' Oh, now and no one can We never fill the The hole you left my man I'll see you later My lovely man if I can Well I'm cryin' My lovely man Well I'm cryin' Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I miss you When I die my lovely man I'll see you later My lovely man We have some good time My lovely man

[@benjaminA.stantonpun]

I once thought that “Bye Bye Beautiful” by Nightwish was about Tarja’s departure. ☺️

[@eb00jpp]

No Regrets by Robbie Williams is a vicious swipe at Gary Barlow

[@thebeatlesloveisallyouneed]

The Beatles forever ♾️

[@yermomdotcom1]

As goofy as it sounds, Gwar's tribute to Oderus Urungus, "Phantom Limb", was a bit of a tear jerker.

[@thebeatlesloveisallyouneed]

There are probably a lot of Beatles songs that could be on here!

[@eduardoalfonso4509]

The story when Syd Barret visited his former mates while they were recording, is a bit sad and moving

[@midnightwitch606]

Didn't know back in black was about bon, wow, nice 😁 RIP bon. Shine on you crazy diamond gets my top vote 🖤

[@RyzeandFall]

How can you make this list and not add "Bye Bye Beautiful" by Nightwish?

[@Studio_Rae]

I personally would like to talk about Our Page by Shinee as that was written about Jonghyun

[@danmccarthy4700]

A lot of songs on The Story of Light could probably fit here.

[@mistermattmoose]

crazy diamond is epic, but i always thought wish you were here was a better tribute.

[@matz4440]

Man overboard by blink 182 and solsberry hill by Peter Gabriel should be honorable mentions

[@happybob1441]

Sticking Blink 182 members, +44's No It Isn't could also get a mention.

[@scottbakanumba1heathen313]

"Tell My Why" by Spice Girls about Geri.

[@daretodream9765]

I would add: 1) Nightwish "Bye bye Beautiful" 2) Helloween "Mr Ego" 3) Tears for Fears " Fish Out of Water"

[@lindacebrowski9639]

How could you not list "Don't Speak" by No Doubt??

[@TheAmarok87]

Because Tony Kanal was and still is an official member of the band.

[@hypnometal]

@@TheAmarok87Wasn’t it about a band member who had died, though?

[@TheAmarok87]

@@hypnometal No, you're confusing "Don't Speak" with "Dear John", which was a tribute to the late John Spence (former No Doubt singer who was replaced by Gwen Stefani after he passed away.) "Don't Speak" was written originally as a positive love song by Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric Stefani (also a former No Doubt member.) The song went through several rewrites and new versions. Gwen modified it into a breakup song about her bandmate and ex-boyfriend Tony Kanal, shortly after he ended their seven-year relationship.

[@Mrs_Bonnee]

Kelly Rowland’s Dirty Laundry was not about being in Beyoncé’s shadow. It’s about a domestic violence relationship she was in and how the man she was with would put those thoughts in her head.

[@missmounquiearmstead43]

That's what I was thinking cause i know I'm not mistaken but girls by destiny child is what had kelly Rowland's Responsed with dirty laundry

[@toddbeaton1512]

Where Fleetwood Mac they have hole album about each other

[@coco2.2]

cause they were all still in the band?!?

[@hypnometal]

They were current band members who wrote songs about each other, not former band members. 😏

[@keithkoenig5320]

...a WHOLE album too...

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

But they didn't break up during the Rumours sessions, or for years after.

[@ClareCG]

Roger Taylor of Queen also wrote Old Friends about Freddie. It's on his 1994 solo album Happiness.

[@bjorndamrong3289]

Hi Kirsten have a great day and love your voice 😍

[@danieldumitru5804]

HONORABLE mention- LITTLE mix -a mess for jesy nelson

[@TheXion92]

Shocked this was not included!

[@veearce3384]

The video of the rolling stones when they're younger remind me of John mulaney and his time writing with mick jagger on snl. I just realized how much mick and John look alike. 😂 John looks like a young jagger.

[@midnightfury4584]

No Doubt stands in my mind for these kind of songs: Don’t Speak and Ex-Girlfriend and Gwen Stefani’s Cool

[@MsBadJedi]

"Only the Good Die Young" was also the last involvement of John Deacon as an active member of Queen.

[@shaunblake2215]

Shine by Take That was directed to Robbie Williams before they reunited

[@A7XGD7]

Avenged Sevenfold - So Far Away

[@nicklemming2556]

Two opposite ones - Bro Hymn by Pennywise and Come Up and See Me (Make Me Smile) By Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel

[@felipevargaspineda5982]

No Regrets - Robbie Williams

[@kirilvelinov7774]

Morning Musume(ΜΟΝΙΨΓΥ ΜΥΣΥΜΕ) Namida Ga Tomaranai Houkago(ΝΑΜΙΔΑ ΓΑ ΤΟΜΑΡΑΝΑΙ ΛΩΚΑΓΟ) For W(Japanese duo)

[@tinoemakuwe6142]

Zimbabwé 🇿🇼 approves

[@OddPastyChick]

“Mean Street” by Gary Numan

[@crimson_sky]

For me it’s Wally by SVT and Dear Dream by NCT. For completely different reasons

[@shaunreinert5202]

"Cyberwaste" by Fear Factory... now THAT'S how you do it.

[@natalielidster7551]

Never without you Ringo wrote that song after george died and its such a sweet and sad of the fact that because of george no longer with us his songs will be with us forever

[@DrJekyll38]

I'm surprised you didn't include "Solsbury Hill", in which Peter Gabriel tries to explain why he had to part ways with Genesis.

[@harrynori907]

Though their names are a bit mistressed here, it's so heart-warming to see you mention tatu

[@cyrilronseaux6460]

Nightwish - Bye Bye Beautiful.

[@tammylynnbeatricedoyle4500]

Shine on you crazy diamond 💎

[@trippyboi91]

I hate Geri Halliwell to this day. I def understand her need to do her and fly on… BUT YOU KNOW GOOD AND DAMN WELL YOU COULD HAVE LASTED ONE MORE ALBUM!!!!! ONE MORE DAMN IT!

[@i.l.george2025]

That’s not what dirty laundry is about…, that’s incorrect…..

[@Miss_swagtastic]

Thank you I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows what this song is in reference to Dirty Laundry is about being in a DV relationship while tryna hide it from the rest of the world including her sister she mentioned it in her song but the only reason she mentioned it was bcuz her husband at the time made her feel like she was living in her sister shadow there a lone in the song that says "don't nobody love you but me, not your mama, not your daddy and especially not Bey"

[@i.l.george2025]

@@Miss_swagtastic that is exactly what dirty laundry is about, granted she did Reference Beyonce in the song; saying that situation basically almost drove a wedge between them (her & Beyonce)

[@lindaevans8804]

Never Without You ~ Ringo Starr

[@matthewhoward-white463]

Robbie Williams - No Regrets was a good'n

[@erickteodorakis]

Goodbye by the Spice Girls left frozen a legion of fans and what became like a social movement with the departure of Geri, it’s a perfect a healthy way to let go and wish them well, honoring the path walked together

[@Zzzsleepzzz]

Post traumatic deserves to be on this list. Rip Chester Bennington

[@rs8461]

ROGER DALTREY UNDER A RAGING MOON

[@CGAWFA]

“Too Many People” should be on the list. It is like a stiletto and the only reason it was known as a dis track is because Lennon outed it as such. Lennon later regretted the vitriol of the song saying that it over shadowed a great track.

[@whirab3556]

Nightwish - Bye Bye Beautiful was written after their original singer Tarja Turunen was fired, and this song was dedicated to her departure only. It was a hit though I despise the idea of this song and the lyrics.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

How do you sleep. Happy friday morning, Jen, take care and God bless you. Greetings from Colombia to you as well.

[@DukeHalliday-cv4fx]

You Forgot Don't Speak By No Doubt

[@bryanesbertgo4718]

"More Than A Friend" - Introvoys "Tulad ng Dati" - The Dawn

[@Scottwilkie18]

Lighthouse

[@anaybarrad]

Where's Shine by Take That?

[@user-yomama182]

Man overboard by blink 182 should be on this list. It was a big f u to their former drummer

[@hkl614]

something about Diana Ross she always looks kinda doped out.

[@welcometothemovies9157]

She probably was lol

[@christophermerlot3366]

Kind of amazed that something by Fleetwood Mac isn't on here. And 'Liar' by Megadeth is about their former guitarist Chris Poland. It is not complimentary.

[@audioacc]

What about “You Can Go Your Own Way”??

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Band didn't lose anyone for years before or after that point. RELATIONSHIP breakup =/ "former band member"

[@chrisizzy1801]

Whats about Nightwish - "Bye bye beautiful"?!

[@JohnSimpson36]

Should have included 'Forever As One' by The Vengaboys

[@usuckthereturn]

“I disappear” Metallica “Have a drink on me” AC DC

[@tracyconnor6166]

To me it always seems like beyonce and her backing singers and not a group.

[@jackkolero]

True

[@DinGrogu16]

Freddie ❤

[@superben790]

George Harrison- All Those Years Ago

[@lorettaaa_reacts]

GRL lighthouse should’ve been on this list it’s about Simone battle

[@ketanfernandes4094]

Man Overboard by blink-182 could have been an honourable mention.

[@kendra.1]

Man Overboard by Blink-182

[@hallson2917]

GERI

[@jayross3]

How did Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” not make the list

[@fabiangomez7853]

No Hey Jealousy, by The Gin Blossoms?

[@sassie7284]

goodbye from the spice girls was not for geri but it was at the end of the gruop when they all desitate to quit for then fans..at least i thought so.

[@amandarose4469]

You Know I'm Right from David Gilmour's albulm About Face where he has a go at Roger Waters and the legal tussel they were in.

[@rony41165]

The winner takes it all talks about the members who were married who would eventually divorce

[@hypnometal]

I was expecting to see at least one of the diss tracks the former members of NWA wrote about each other.

[@mylsyl]

Metal band megadeth wrote a song my darkest hour about cliff Burton

[@TwistedE13]

Bruh not even 2NE1's "Goodbye" for Mimzy?? Shame! Hell not even "So Far Away" by Avenged Sevenfold. Damn. Q n Q

[@shayes88able]

Growing Pains by Omarion

[@RandomCrapUK]

How is Ice Cube - no vaseline not on here?

[@thetoshiapoundstoneshow373]

I like AC/DC the best

[@paulmoody7059]

Interesting!