Guide
Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE
The Smiths (1987) – The British Legends Who Could Have Conquered the World (Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE)
Under the legendary Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, the Smiths are generally considered as among the most important British bands of the 1980s. With successes like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “How Soon Is Now?” earning critical praise, their music helped to define the indie rock scene. But the band sadly split up in 1987, mostly because of conflicts between Morrissey and Marr, even while their fame was at its height and still growing.
Many fans and music historians conjecture that the Smiths could have gone on to attain the worldwide fame they so missed if they had stayed together. Fans were heartbroken by the split since they never saw the whole potential of what may have been among the most influential bands in rock history.
The Stone Roses (1996) – A Rising British Phenomenon That Couldn’t Last (Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE)
Pioneers of the ‘Madchester’ scene, the Stone Roses were ready to sweep over the globe by the middle of the 1990s. With songs like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “She Bangs the Drums” gathering a devoted fanbase, their self-titled debut album became a classic. Their combination of psychedelic, dance beats, and alternative rock made them the successors of the British rock throne.
However, just as they were set to release their follow-up album, tensions between guitarist John Squire and frontman Ian Brown led to the band’s breakup in 1996. While the band briefly reunited in the 2000s, they never reached the heights many had expected in the ’90s. Fans still wonder what might have been if the band had maintained their unity during their prime.
The Sex Pistols (1978) – Punk Rock’s Short-Lived Revolution (Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE)
Many credit the Sex Pistols with starting the late 1970s punk rock revolution. The band came to represent British punk with its raw energy, rebellious attitude, and explosive live performances. Their lone album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, was a huge hit, and their provocative behaviour kept them in the public eye.
But internal strife, particularly between frontman Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) and bassist Sid Vicious caused the band to split in 1978. Though they only put one record out, the Sex Pistols had a long-lasting influence on the music business. Their brief but significant presence transformed the scene of rock music permanently and set off a fresh generation of punk bands. Who knows how far they may have travelled if they had stayed together longer?
The La’s (1991) – The Britpop Band Who Could Have Topped the Charts (Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE)
Fronted by Lee Mavers, the La’s are most well-known for their breakthrough tune “There She Goes,” which is still among the defining Britpop anthems. Though their first album was highly praised, the band suffered with internal conflict.
Also, despite their undeniable talent, the La’s never managed to capitalize on their initial success. After the band’s disbandment, “There She Goes” found its way into popular culture, and the La’s became a cult favorite. If they had been able to stick together, they could have joined the ranks of Oasis and Blur as Britpop royalty, but instead, they remain a tragic example of what could have been.
The Strokes (2006) – The Band That Almost Didn’t Make It (Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE)
Although the Strokes are today regarded as among the most powerful rock bands of the early 2000s, their ascent to popularity was not without difficulties. Following the popularity of their first album, Is This It, they were destined to rank among the top bands of the decade. But band disagreements—especially between lead singer Julian Casablancas and the rest of the group—caused a moment of doubt.
Creative difficulties and personal problems almost drove the band into breakup by 2006. Their second album, Room on Fire, failed to match the popularity of their first, and the band was barely hanging on. Luckily, they reconciled and came back from First Impressions of Earth 2006 stronger than ever. As one of the defining bands of the twenty-first century, the Strokes came dangerously near to never realising their full potential even with their ultimate success.
The Smashing Pumpkins (2000) – A Tragic Split After Commercial Success
The Smashing Pumpkins were at their height of commercial appeal when they separated in 2000. After Siamese Dream (1993) and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995) became rather popular, they rated among the top alternative rock acts all around. Their sound featured complex melodies, robust guitars and piercing vocals by frontman Billy Corgan.
However, the band’s internal turmoil, largely attributed to Corgan’s perfectionism and the band’s constant lineup changes, led to the eventual breakup in 2000. The band sporadically got back together in the 2000s, although they never recovered the same degree of success they had in their prime. Many fans still mourn the loss of what could have been one of the most enduring and influential alternative rock bands of all time.
What Can We Learn From These Bands Who Split Up Just Before Getting HUGE?
These tales of bands who split just before reaching the stratosphere provide insightful lessons. Often at the same moment success is within grasp, creative disagreements, personal problems, and inadequate management can ruin great careers. While some of these bands kept cult following, others disappeared and left fans wondering what may have been.
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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