Band breakups

Memorable band breakups

The White Stripes have called it quits. Until they announce a reunion tour, we have our memories of their videos. But band breakups take many forms: Some have supposed villains, and some are attributable to untimely deaths. Here are some memorable band breakups.

The Beatles

This band's 1970 breakup unleashed fury upon the woman blamed for the end of one of the most popular bands in history, but it was more complicated than that. All thoughts of a reunion were buried in 1980.

Nirvana

A band that put Seattle on the map musically sold more than 50 million records worldwide. With the 1994 suicide of their leader, the band died too, but not without changing the musical landscape one distorted chord at a time.

Smashing Pumpkins

When their frontman announced their breakup on the radio in 2000, they performed a four-hour concert in their hometown of Chicago. One blog referred to their original bassist as "mean-spirited drug addict," and another member was blamed for the breakup.

The Talking Heads

Frontman David Byrne went on unofficial hiatus in 1991 so he could explore a solo career. Remaining band members Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison released the album "No Talking, Just Head" in 1996. Though no longer a band, they're still in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Supremes

Diana Ross left the group in January 1970, and one founding member died penniless in 1976. While taping the band's reunion on the "Motown 25" TV show in 1983, Ross shoved original Supreme Mary Wilson.

Pink Floyd

Their original bandleader left amid speculation of mental illness and drug use in 1968. The bass player took up the slack on some classic albums until 1983, when he left the band, then sued remaining members David Gilmour and Nick Mason for carrying on with the Pink Floyd name.

The Eagles

Part of maybe the biggest band of the '70s, in 1980 twomembers started taking swings at each other backstage during a concert. When the band broke up that year, the drummer said the group would get back together "when hell freezes over." Guess what they named their 1994 reunion tour.

One member was named Sid Vicious. Another was named Johnny Rotten. They were known to spit on fans and personified the new genre of punk rock. How did they ever stay together? They did not after their 1978 breakup, except for a 1996 tour they named Filthy Lucre.

The Kinks

Bandleader Ray Davies wanted to break up the band in 1973. He was constantly bickering with his guitarist brother.

The Clash

One of the highlights of the punk era and the second British Invasion, the Clash had a penchant for reggae, ska, rap and politics. When a band member has a heroin habit, it's hard to keep things together. RIP, Clash, 1986.

The Mamas & the Papas

Founding members John and Michelle Phillips were married, then she had an affair with a bandmate. A "secret" replacement for Michelle was briefly employed before Michelle was welcomed back. Then Mama Cass Elliot quit in 1968.

Boston

Their first record sold 17 million copies. But the band's mastermind allegedly got on the nerves of other band members to the point where they put out a record promoted as "Almost Boston" and the lawyers were called in. The band suffered a tragic loss in 2007.

Rage Against the Machine

With more than 16 million records sold and a fierce anti-corporate message, this band became one of the most influential of the 1990s. Their lead vocalist decided to call it quits in 2000.

Dead Kennedys

The quintessential hardcore punk band was tested in a battle over money. Still, they released many memorable songs that continue to inspire popular culture.

The Doors

It took 31 years after the mysterious 1971 death of Jim Morrison for members to join forces again. A year later, their drummer, who did not participate in the reunion, sued his former bandmates.