Pick a Day

Music History Events: Band Breakups

September 21, 2011 R.E.M. announce that they're calling it quits after more than 30 years. In a post on their website, the band members write, "To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening."More

February 2, 2011 The White Stripes split up after six albums, ending their run as one of the most successful rock duos.More

August 28, 2009 After the latest in a series of incidents between feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis finally split, with Noel walking out for good. "It is with some sadness and great relief... I quit Oasis tonight," he says. "People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."More

December 8, 1995 Four months after the death of founding member Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead announce their breakup, stating, "The 'long strange trip' of the uniquely wonderful beast known as the Grateful Dead is over." Members Bob Weir and Vince Welnick continue as Ratdog.

October 7, 1986 The Police release their final single, "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86," and then call it a career. They had hoped to reunite and record another album but injury and conflict lead to Stewart Copeland declaring they can no longer work together.More

July 14, 1973 The Everly Brothers break up in very public fashion, fracturing in the middle of a concert at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.More

October 16, 1972 Creedence Clearwater Revival calls it quits, announcing in a press release: "We don't regard this as breaking up. We look at it as an expansion of our activities." The band never reforms, but John Fogerty emerges with a successful solo career.

April 10, 1970 In publicity materials released to promote his first solo album, Paul McCartney indicates that he's done with The Beatles.More

April 5, 2008 Toto breaks up after performing its final concert in Seoul.

April 17, 2007 Arcturus officially announces they are splitting up.

May 13, 2006 Ryan Vandeberghe announces that the Suicide Machines have broken up after 15 years.

May 25, 2004 In a letter to fans, Phish frontman Trey Anastasio says that after 21 years together, the band is splitting up. "We all love and respect Phish and the Phish audience far too much to stand by and allow it to drag on beyond the point of vibrancy and health. We don't want to become caricatures of ourselves, or worse yet, a nostalgia act." They wrap things up with a show in Coventry, Vermont, in August, but it is not the final curtain: In 2009, the band reunites.

April 21, 2003 British pop group S Club 7 announces it is splitting up after five years.

November 1, 2000 Ben Folds Five announce their breakup. Folds continues as a solo artist.

May 23, 2000 Billy Corgan announces that The Smashing Pumpkins will break up at the end of the year, saying they are tired of "fighting the good fight against the Britneys of the world."

May 4, 2000 Letters to Cleo play their last concert in Boston; they disband the following month.

March 21, 2000 Soul Coughing disbands after eight years and three albums.

November 27, 1999 Influential independent rock icons Pavement announce they have broken up. During their show at London's Brixton Academy, bandmember Stephen Malkmus tells the crowd that the show will be the band's last.

April 28, 1999 Members of The Verve release a statement announcing their second breakup (their first was in 1995). The band reunites in 2007, but that only lasts two years.

September 22, 1998 White Zombie calls it a night. Bassist Sean Yseult confirms that the 13-year-old hard rock group has decided to break up.

May 31, 1998 Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) announces that she is leaving Spice Girls, releasing a statement saying: "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best... PS, I'll be back." Halliwell was planning to leave the group in September at the end of their world tour, but grows frustrated and leaves early. The group continues as a quartet, but splits up in 2000. In 2007, they reunite with Halliwell back on board.

April 22, 1998 Faith No More announce that they are no more.

June 4, 1996 After 10 years together, Crowded House announce they are splitting up. They reunite in 2007.

September 15, 1988 Mark Knopfler announces that Dire Straits has disbanded. He re-forms the group in 1991.

February 1, 1988 After an arduous year of touring and recording, The Cars officially disband. The return in 2011 for an album and tour, but part ways for good soon after.

May 10, 1985 After three albums, The Go-Go's announce their breakup, with frontwoman Belinda Carlisle leaving to start a solo career with help from guitarist Charlotte Caffey. The first of their many reunions takes place in 1990.

November 22, 1982 The British rock group Japan announces it is breaking up.

October 30, 1982 The Jam announce their breakup. Bandleader Paul Weller forms The Style Council with Mick Talbot shortly thereafter.

April 19, 1982 Simon & Garfunkel reunite for a world tour, but split up again in the midst of it.

March 31, 1982 The Doobie Brothers announce their breakup. After a summer goodbye tour, lead singer Michael McDonald launches a successful solo career. The band regroups in 1987.