Top 20 Messiest Band Breakups

Check out our featured song: "Worry Wings" by Motorcycle Display Team! • Motorcycle Display Tea...
From physical fights to lawsuits, these breakups make us wonder how these acts got together in the first place. For this list, we’ll be looking at music groups that had a difficult separation or lineup change. Our countdown includes Oasis, Pantera, Deep Purple, N.W.A., Rage Against the Machine, and more! Did we miss a memorably messy breakup? Please let us know in the comments below.
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#Music
#Bands
#Breakups
#BandBreakups
#Songs
#Fights
#Oasis
#TheBeatles
#FleetwoodMac
#Eagles

[@WatchMojo]

Did we miss a memorably messy breakup? Please let us know in the comments below. Check out our featured song: "Worry Wings" by Motorcycle Display Team! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHLJm6qGm7Gba8U

[@whitleysdollhouse877]

Genesis

[@michaelmonthey5974]

The White Stripes and The Sex Pistols had pretty messed up break-ups.

[@Gordanovich02]

No mention of The Police? A massive barney culminating in Sting pulling a knife on Stewart Copeland.

[@apocalypsenotquiteyet2471]

The Jesus and Mary Chain

[@cyritag.5986]

Ike and Tina Turner. You should also do the same list for groups.

[@henryhayth3303]

One of my parents got into a drinking contest with Paul Westerberg (lead singer of The Replacements)... on two separate occasions. Career alcoholism at its worst, which is why I'm a lifelong teetotal.

[@WhiteTeeTurnip]

Please say it was your mum, that would be cool as. Yeah booze sucks

[@sub-zero710]

Good for you. Me too!

[@marcb.cardlab6750]

Westerberg's been sober since 1990, relapsing briefly in 2016. Not really a career alcoholic as much as an alcoholic with 30 yrs in recovery.

[@henryhayth3303]

@@marcb.cardlab6750 true, but his drinking was DEFINITELY alcoholism.

[@marcb.cardlab6750]

@@henryhayth3303 OH, no argument there, he drank problematically, and had a dependency issue until the All Shook Down tour, when his recovery began. His career continued, and continues as a sober artist.

[@DVCMiller]

The Eagles was definitely more ugly of a breakup than The Beatles. They physically assaulted each other multiple times and smashed their instruments in pure rage whereas The Beatles just kind of grew tired of each other and disolved

[@suekelley2109]

Then they sued each other.

[@rogerrhodes90]

for the eagles, it all started when glenn frey and randy meisner had a fistfight because randy was alleged to be too hungover. joe walsh and don felder tried to convince meisner to stay but he made up his mind.

[@andrewpappas9311]

It does not surprise me that Oasis is number one, it’s honestly just sad that the brother will never reconcile…

[@davidc5820]

Spoiler alert?

[@georgeprice4212]

@@davidc5820naw. Basic knowledge.

[@Sweet_2D_Volcano]

And now that they have?

[@nomnom9992]

​@@Sweet_2D_Volcano Update: No.

[@eversobritish1335]

Well

[@eduardoravelo403]

As I always say, these lists are pretty subjective, but a huge omission is The Police, other messy break ups that should have been on the list: Mötley Crüe, The Sex Pistols, Poison and Black Sabbath

[@loosecannon9301]

Mötley Crüe was to be sued of they got back together

[@tysonwilliams4467]

Does poison really count? I mean cc was fired in 91, and the band went on with two other guitarist before he rejoined a decade later.

[@georgeprice4212]

The Police was on the original Top 10 list.

[@MusicOrLoseItTV]

If only Gal Gadot had been alive to sing Imagine for them.

[@srvfan25]

Lol

[@susancullimore5643]

Brilliant idea!

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

Meanwhile Genesis breakup was probably the most amicable of all time.

[@RadioLaPrincess]

I was listening on the radio to that Replacement show. It was a 4th of July show at Taste of Chicago being simulcast on WXRT 93.1 FM. All of a sudden they left the show and the DJs were speechless. Oddly the next year was there in person in case something like this happened with those acts (Squeeze, Robert Cray and They Might Be Giants) but nothing eventful happened.

[@richardwagner4460]

I was there too, on my honeymoon in Chicago.

[@jamalvargas6146]

Three Days Grace Without Adam Gontier Is a Shadow of It's former self he was the anchor to that band

[@marcen12]

But was it a MESSY breakup?

[@ARIXANDRE]

Man, as the biggest Oasis fan here (sorry other commenters), it breaks my heart to see the thumbnail from the 2009 break up. I went to 5 Oasis gigs and met the band a couple times at the airport. Love them to death.

[@dane279]

The Verve were a messy one. Broke up after nearly every album.

[@juancarlosherrera2485]

Probably they are the 21th band from the list 💁🏻‍♀️✨

[@michaelkerner3072]

I would've placed Genesis on the list, because of Peter Gabriel's departure in the 70's & again with Phil Collins in 1996.

[@manchesterunitedno7]

But, were it a messy breakup though? Seems both breakups and eventual dissolved of Genesis was an amicable affair.

[@MateusHonrado]

Gabriel and Collins left on good terms and all of the classic five members are still good friends to this day.

[@PoohbearPlus]

As much as I adore Kiss, I would put them in there. I heard that Gene and Paul are still on decent terms with Ace. But Peter will not even talk to the others.

[@markstansbury6795]

That was so funny how that worked out. I love reading or watching the interviews and all the trash talking.

[@BigFella117]

If I was ever in a band and if we had to split, I'd want it to be as friendly and amicable as possible

[@frankieseward8667]

like REM. or hall and oates.

[@BigFella117]

@@frankieseward8667 yeah

[@nerdygoth6905]

This is because clearly you're a nice person. Sadly not everybody's the same. And external pressure can destroy the best of friendships.

[@BigFella117]

@@nerdygoth6905 thanks for saying that, and I know not everyone’s the same. I just try to hope people can separate with friends or colleagues on good terms

[@MateusHonrado]

@@frankieseward8667 Or Genesis. All of the members are still good friends to this day.

[@catherinewilliams9680]

Speaking of Oasis, The Kinks should've been included on this list as well.

[@juansolo1030]

The Agonist split with their original singer, when she became the replacement in Arch Enemy would be a good honorable mention. But this list might be a little too mainstream for deep cut metal bands like that lol. Good video though interesting. 👌

[@anniesanta4328]

I’m surprised Jefferson Airplane did not make the list😧

[@olvialee7221]

“Hello darkness, my old friend”

[@tysonwilliams4467]

"I've come to talk with you again"

[@DudeStone]

Please make a Top List of when WatchMojo screwed up!!! Thanks

[@patrickdepew4976]

"Wah Wah" or "Run of the Mill" would have been a better pick for a George Harrison solo song to exemplify The Beatles airing their grievances with each other, especially since "Not Guilty" was originally recorded during The White Album sessions.

[@CrimsonNineTail]

Richie Blackmore now plays guitar with his wife, Candace Night, on Blackmore's Night. Great stuff too.

[@sanfordgray5699]

The Clash was f**king awesome!

[@olvialee7221]

260: I’ve seen Creedence Clearwater Revisted in a concert with my dad

[@JPM1942]

You forgot Cream broke up after 3 years. Clapton, Bruce, Baker

[@jamesheath7601]

I’m surprised Cream or the Police didn’t make the list

[@preethyawesome8278]

I wish you guys would have also talked a little about the complications Fleetwood Mac faced during the Peter Green era. That is my favourite version of Fleetwood Mac. That band would have been so different if not for Peter Green leaving in 1970. Cannot help but wonder sometimes what would have been....

[@glyjack]

One of the true great guitarists

[@michaelmonthey5974]

The White Stripes and The Sex Pistols had pretty messed up break-ups.

[@marcen12]

The White Stripes were amicable in their breakup.

[@MateusHonrado]

@@marcen12 Correct.

[@traviskoontz4796]

Insightful stuff 👏

[@AlexysB]

Being in a band is like being in a marriage with a load of people. you need compromise and harmony. I worked in a handful of bands over the decades and I completely understand what a messy break up is all about 😑

[@kathyr6314]

TEARS FOR FEARS breakup was a real disappointment for me. Glad they're back now.

[@divinemrsq]

Best reunion ever! That new album is awesome ❤️❤️❤️ I swear I'm tearing up😭🥺

[@tehteh25]

man, way too many bands I love in this list...

[@gabrieloksa1578]

Liam Gallagher actually want to reunite Oasis. He's said it numerous times over the years. But it's not going to happen unless Noel finally decides to give in, which seems unlikely.

[@deadshot4245]

Noel would be smart not to do it unless Liam has changed enough to make it viable

[@Fixxer315]

These breakups would probably be at least an honorable mention, if not on the list proper: Styx: Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung differed quite a bit on the musical vision of the band, with the differences culminating with the disastrous Kilroy Was Here album. Dennis would bring the band back without Tommy in the late 80's, and the entire band would reunite again in 1996. However, Dennis would split with the band again in 1999, with not only artistic differences, but a medical issue potentially causing a touring delay. Van Halen: You mention the split between VH and David Lee Roth was acrimonious, but perhaps just as bad, if not worse was their split with Sammy Hagar--twice (1996 and 2004 following a tour that ended with Hagar and the Halen Brothers not even talking to each other by the end. RattL It seems like this group broke up and reunited more than Ross & Rachel, but their final breakup in the late 2000's seems to be permanent. Queenryche: Never a good sign once the lawsuits over name rights start.

[@gars129]

The Sammy Hagar breakup was a lot more tragic, because Sammy was actually very close to the rest of the band. By contrast, Roth was more of a coworker that just so happened to have insane chemistry when playing with them.

[@georgeprice4212]

Ummm….Ratt didn’t exactly fully split up. There were lawsuits between Pearcy and Blotzer over the use of the Ratt name. And, as far as I’m aware, DeMartini basically got tired of not performing and split.

[@eerieeric834]

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

[@darshin95]

Oasis would be so happy, they are over The Beatles on a list!

[@Vincentxxxxx]

The Sisters of Mercy

[@thebeatleshelp5834]

The Beatles are amazing whether there together or not!

[@bennymora3086]

I wonder what my grandpa's reaction was when he heard the Beatles were breaking up?🤔

[@nicoleknight9412]

I've heard that John and Paul buried the hatchet shortly before John's murder.

[@tysonwilliams4467]

@@nicoleknight9412 at least they left on good terms

[@DavidS4209]

I meant Dime Bag Darell and Vinny. When they played with damage plan. When they came to Norfolk. I was shocked to hear bout what happened to Dime Bag Darell

[@jakejonas7366]

I had a roommate who was there that night dimebag was killed. He still says to this day he can’t get that scene out of his head.

[@alten1974]

20 bands and you don't have the Police on this list, you're crazy!!

[@JanetMarieRose73]

Savage Garden-- Daniel Jones didn't want to go on before they released their follow up album due to issues with constant travel. Darren Hayes chose to be the face of the duo for promo for the Affirmation album. The tour of the world to support it went on even though Daniel didn't want to be there and was not always present for some of its promotions. The split was wrongly blamed on Hayes. Darren has gone on to be a solo singer & songwriter while Daniel has left the industry for the most part.

[@COMPFUNK2]

Daniel is still a producer. But Darren said in an interview that he would only put the band back together if it cured cancer.

[@TheBooshBabe]

Who's here after the Oasis reunion announcement? ❤🍾😊😀

[@petercena9497]

The Cult had a nasty breakup, although Ian Astbury doesn't get along with anybody. Anyway it's still weird seeing The Beatles in second place whatever the countdown.

[@whenfatkillsfat803]

How the fuck are The Police not there? They should be in the top 5 ffs.

[@georgeprice4212]

In the original Top 10 video.

[@srbrant5391]

Fictional example: Gorillaz’ temporary break-up, which was triggered by Russel’s exorcism, Noodle’s search for her past, Murdoc’s arrest for counterfeiting in Mexico and 2D being _strangled_ by Murdoc.

[@paulteja7811]

"Thanks for watching and good job on winning this lottery! Telegraph me your credit card numbers and SSN for details on how to get a map that will lead you to your prize!" 🥦🎁🔮🎭

[@SteakBoss1]

Blink is my favourite band of all time, though only the original guys. The new stuff isn’t the same. I can’t only pray one day they could reunite

[@luffyxo2320]

with the orginal drummer aswell

[@Joshuadgog]

yeah dammit is my favorite song by them

[@felipetheodoro7]

Same here! I like Matt Skiba and Blink’s last 2 albums, but sometimes they sound like a different band. I miss Tom.

[@telena5042]

Ice cube did the best diss track of all time with Vaseline though.

[@williamsummerson1204]

No vaseline, and no it's not the best that title belongs to Tupac's diss track called Hit'em up.

[@brucepulver8358]

Cold Chisel ? Spit Enz? OK! BUT ABBA!?!? How can you not include ABBA?

[@l.salisbury1253]

The Jan. '78 implosion of the SEX PISTOLS should be included! ("Ever get the feeling you been cheated?")

[@maxsredditreadingclub8353]

RIP To All The Dead 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@zachhuffman1178]

Ok Van Halen didn’t break up they just replaced singers idk if that counts

[@kaleoy7584]

The Police and Heart should be on this list.

[@freya8133]

Heart??

[@delinellychan]

Spandau Ballet should be there, their drama between Tony Hadley and his ex-bandmates keep strained

[@MexicanFlower77]

Pantera is “reuniting” with only the lead singer and the bassist coming back. With Dimebag Darrel and Vinnie Paul both dead, this is just insincere. Even with Zakk Wyldd being included, this is just a bad idea. RATM reuniting is a great thing though because all the members came back

[@op0614]

Pantera is not reuniting, they are only getting together to play pantera songs as a tribute. They are not going to be recording or writing any new stuff. Even they have said it over and over again, this is not reuniting this is a tribute.

[@Rjensen2]

Nobody ever said the were reuniting. Except their fans.

[@Jenifer_R_]

Can somebody tell me who was murdered on stage and how?

[@freya8133]

@@Jenifer_R_ Dimebag Darrell Abbott. Some deranged "fan" came on stage and shot him 8 times in the back before getting killed by a cop (how was somebody allowed into a concert arena with a GUN???)!!

[@eduardoravelo403]

They are not reuniting, it's a tribute band, everybody involve has been saying that since day one in multiple interviews

[@allenpedrick6502]

KISS should be on this list.

[@oweeenie1754]

Noel and Liam must be grinning so wide that their breakup tops the Beatles lmao

[@TheCommenterDragon]

I once read somewhere that apart from the John and Yoko thing, another one of the many reasons why the Beatles broke up is because apparently one or two of the other band members wanted to try their hand at being a solo act, but i don't 100% believe that.

[@jimy_rizu]

John and Yoko broke the band and also Paul McCartney's baseless ego

[@Juandon1989]

I don’t fuck with Yoko but John was a groooooown Ass man when he met her. No way we can blame her for his decision to leave. If you’re a man with balls and you don’t want your woman there cuz it causing a rift with your mates you leave her out of it or leave her.

[@DS-gg1pb]

@@jimy_rizu It was Paul McCartney's ego that broke up The Beatles.

[@jimy_rizu]

@@DS-gg1pb I can't even decide which is my favorite Beatles song

[@DS-gg1pb]

@@jimy_rizu My favorite Beatles song is, "A Day In The Life," the mono mix version. Do you have, The Beatles: In Mono, CD box set? A lot of the songs, that were released in mono, sound different than the stereo versions. For example, the song, There's A Place." The Mono version has the harmonica sound far away, Which gives the song a haunting effect. The stereo version has the harmonica close to the microphone. I like the mono versions, of The Beatles CDs, than the stereo CDs.

[@darrylmars]

Great video, mostly great bands. Band BS is inevitable. Fun while it lasted

[@snakebitepellehue]

Moral of the story: Don't work alongside your siblings.

[@minenoturs4271]

-jonas brothers- YUP

[@justincopple8222]

No mention of Heart?

[@BLWard-ht3qw]

Lol, I don't know whether to be grateful that their break up isn't considered messy enough (though they looked like they were practically taking shots in some vids), or outraged that they didn't even get a mention, but it feels like the Police should've made it somewhere on this. Eh, regardless, I still love the band.

[@rbdz29]

I would have put CCR higher on the list if not number 1. These lists constantly cite stuff like, the Gallaghers as brothers in Oasis. John and Tom Fogerty were also brothers who would not reunite, even to play for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame or the inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1993. Tom Fogerty died from AIDs and some of dying words to John were 'Saul Zaentz is one of my best friends.' I don't remember the exact quote but, basically, Tom was dying and his dying words to his brother was a giant screw you. John hated Zaentz to the point their legal feud is Supreme Court precedent - Fogerty vs. Fantasy Records where Zaentz had sued Fogerty on the claim that Fogerty as a solo musician had plagiarized a CCR song that Fogerty had written. Fogerty lost the rights to CCR songs in order to get out of his contractual obligations to Fantasy Records after Tom, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford left the band. Also, the bitter lawsuits between the former members of CCR were because Zaentz had told them to put all their money in an offshore account that was controlled by Paul Helliwell of the CIA. This is why they had to sue each other to get their money. John Fogerty was the band manager, Zaentz exploited John's naivete and inexperience in knowing what he was doing. John thought his intentions were right and the band should support him but they did not, instead opting to side with Zaentz. Zaentz was also a film producer - producing Mosquito Coast, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The English Patient, and Amadeus and owned the rights to Lord of the Rings (meaning, when Peter Jackson wanted to film LOTR, he had to go through Zaentz). The rivalry between Mozart and Salieri in Amadeus was likely inspired by the rivalry in CCR - most historians will say, the rivalry in Amadeus was exaggerated and distorted if not fabricated (a reality of biopic films about musicians that Weird Al spoofed in his biopic for FunnyOrDie).

[@Anguirus2012]

KISS........'nuff said.

[@amherst88]

For the record, Glenn Frey's name is pronounced "fry.'

[@tag1462]

Oasis has nothing on The Kinks.

[@goodwoodBD]

Most of these bands did us a favor by breaking up. The fact that Oasis is number 1 says a lot.

[@christophermerlot3366]

The Police had a pretty nasty break up.

[@darshin95]

Not Guilty by George Harrison was supposed to be on The White Album

[@chicochi3]

IMO Styx should be included on the list. And Badfinger.

[@barrydutton9056]

Yeah, the band still doesn't get along with Dennis DeYoung, even though they still profit off his songs. I still love 'em both, though.

[@chicochi3]

@@barrydutton9056 Dennis is being well paid for the use of his songs. As it stood, either Dennis was fired or the other four members of Styx were quitting. It would still be 4/1. Not as bad as Badfinger where one band member is being accused of causing the suicide of another band member.

[@speedygonzales378]

I can't stand oasis but I wish the brothers would start taking again for the sake of their poor mother who has to put up with it all.

[@ThatOneRockerGuy]

The Dislike is for making oasis number 1 and The Beatles number 2

[@mathieuleader8601]

bet Beatles or Black Sabbath will be on here

[@gordonjamescowiest]

I'll be surprised if Lost Prophets aren't on this list, their breakup was messy.

[@senor_ghost0]

Why isnt crosby still and nash on this list? They broke up because of crosbys drug problems and graham nash couldnt tolerate him anymore

[@jimschleich8753]

Crosby Steals the Cash and Runs!!

[@maxsredditreadingclub8353]

Aphrodite forbid for going solo xxxx

[@laurencewimpee6395]

The Beatles were cursed from the beginning. After they start on Ed Sullivan they were constantly asked how long do you think you guys will be together. They stayed together 10 years as a famous fan and many years before that I would say it's pretty good but I still wish they were still around but that'll never happen now that John and George are both dead they are my favorite band.

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

The Beatles breakup was absolutely the right thing for them to do..from 62-70 they had already become Living Legends and there wasn't really anything left for them to prove as a band..they released more than enough material in that time and me personally i much rather something Great stop before it inevitably wears out it's welcome...the fact that they all went on to successful solo careers is something i don't think had ever happened before or since

[@maxsredditreadingclub8353]

Aphrodite forbid for being single xxxx

[@duaneullery2133]

Sorry, but unless The Eagles are at #1 on this list, it's inaccurate. Their break up was so toxic that it's become a cautionary tale of what can go wrong. Their reunion tour was named the "Hell Freezes Over" tour because of statements made at the time that they would play together again when hell froze over. No other band has been that publicly hostile - not Fleetwood Mac, not G & R ...no one. It's something of a miracle the Eagles ever reunited to begin with.... and even then it went sour again regarding Don Felder.

[@BlackHammer0891]

The Clash had the most underrated front man of all time

[@dsuch81]

Black Sabbath???

[@olvialee7221]

The Beatles

[@maxsredditreadingclub8353]

Aphrodite forbid for moving on xxxx

[@crutchead]

it so happens that theyre mostly whar i listen to

[@williamkelly6319]

Don Henley and Glenn Frey should have just gone on tour together and kept all the money for themselves. And the eagle's documentary they act like they kept the Eagles alive during the 80s. That's really stupid because the Eagles weren't a band in the 80's.

[@maxsredditreadingclub8353]

Aphrodite forbid for a break up xxxx

[@mlkoenen]

As the list went on and they still didn't show up, I was certain The Talking Heads would be number 1.

[@xx7secondsxx]

Guns..... Bill Bailey killed it!!! Soooo sad!! Its heartbreaking once u hear the facts.

[@Jenifer_R_]

A band member was murdered on stage... but let's not talk about that and move on. Aw, come on! Where the hell were The Sex Pistols?!!

[@manchesterunitedno7]

What are you talking about? The Sex Pistols breakup is the least messy affair compared to everyone on this list. No one throwing punches or screaming at each other. They just did. Only Sid died, after the band dissolved.

[@TurdfurgusonJr]

You put the Eagles high, but pay no mind to Hell Freezes Over and their massive success after that reunion. Biggest breakup and $$$ reunion ever

[@terricunningham6810]

my 1st thought was jefferson airplane...who later became Jefferson Starship and broke up again then became starship.

[@cadeevans4623]

A lot of bands and up messy

[@rbarnett3200]

“Most brothers bicker”. I’ve never had any substantial arguments with my brother. He’s actually an awesome older brother. My dad is a twin and him and his brother are substantially (and somewhat weirdly) cool about each other and everything. Brothers aren’t always in combat with each other. My brother and I have kinda opposite personalities, but we rarely disagree. Brothers fighting with each other is more of an anomaly, in my experience.

[@nerdygoth6905]

Not quite the same musically but ... Shakespears Sister. Allegedly Marcella Detroit found out she was no longer in the band from a tv show.

[@mztweety1374]

GNR should have been in therapy. Holy shit! I’ve no clue how they’re all still alive. Especially Steven bless his heart….ok and Slash ….if the FF never tour again I wouldn’t blame them. 2022 has aged Dave…it’s enough to break a man. RIP Taylor and Mrs. G.

[@matthewbaduria]

The bangles,police,go-go-go's,to name just a few.

[@dosboss7589]

Not mentioning the The Police or Sex Pistols is quite bizzare.

[@dasbez3116]

It was like you guys were psychic when you listed RATM. However there was another band I was thinking of at that moment that I thought surely you guys were gonna list. Alas that didn't happen and I'm left asking... ...How could you forget SYSTEM OF A DOWN!?

[@angiescott9692]

The Pixies singer needs some help poor guy 😢

[@GetYourCrayCray-On]

The Pixies sound so much like Aerosmith IMO!

[@philpants44]

Nope

[@dylanwesley3964]

What