Famous band breakups

Things to Do

Famous band breakups

Famous band breakups, from R.E.M. to the Beatles.

IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: Alternative rock band R.E.M., from left, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, and Peter Buck are shown when they released their new album "Monster" in 1994. The band announced Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 on their website that they are breaking up.

While Yoko Ono is often cited as the reason The Beatles broke up, it was much more complicated than that. Each band member became interested in pursuing individual interests, and Paul McCartney was the first one to make the breakup official in 1970. While many supergroups reunite in time once old wounds heal, the legendary Fab Four lost that opportunity when John Lennon was murdered in 1980.

The Supremes had many lineup changes before their official breakup in 1977. Diana Ross left for a solo career in 1970. The Motown group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

The Smashing Pumpkins broke up in 2000, after a 12-year run that saw lineup changes due to personality conflicts and drug abuse. Corgan declared in 2005 that he wanted to revive the group and carried out his promise, first with former drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and then with new band members.

The Pixies had an unusual breakup. While the alternative rock band had been unraveling for awhile, lead singer Black Francis made an official breakup announcement during a 1993 BBC radio interview, then faxed some of the other band members to let them know the news. The band reunited in 2003.

Oasis may be known as much for their catchy music as they were known for their fighting band members, mainly brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. After several physical altercations and the loss of other band members, Oasis broke up officially in 2009.

New-wave band Blondie had an acrimonious breakup. They first split in 1982, partially in response to a band member who was dealing with a serious medical condition. They reunited in 1997, but that's when things got ugly. A former band member sued over use of the band name, and then showed up for the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Awkward.

The Sex Pistols were always a volatile band, and the announcement of their split came onstage during a concert in 1978. The band responded to Johnny Rotten's breakup announcement by abandoning him in L.A. Fun fact: Atlanta was where the band played their first American concert.

1/8

IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: Alternative rock band R.E.M., from left, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, and Peter Buck are shown when they released their new album "Monster" in 1994. The band announced Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 on their website that they are breaking up.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

More Galleries

the weeknd

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

4th Annual Rick Ross Car Show

PHOTOS: Rapper Rick Ross holds 4th annual car show in Fayetteville