15 Epic Bands Born from Legendary Breakups

Sometimes, the end of one band marks the beginning of something even greater. When creative differences, breakups, or shake-ups occur, musicians don’t stay silent for long. Here are 15 bands that rose from the ashes of their predecessors to prove that the story was not over for them!

Foo Fighters

When Nirvana tragically ended, drummer Dave Grohl was not done making music. Foo Fighters started as his solo project before evolving into a full-fledged band. With massive hits like “Everlong” and “Best of You,” Foo Fighters became a global rock phenomenon, carrying Grohl’s legacy forward.

Audioslave

Formed from the remnants of Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden, Audioslave brought together Zack de la Rocha’s former bandmates and the legendary Chris Cornell. Hits like “Like a Stone” and “Cochise” from their triple-platinum debut established them as a standout supergroup of the 2000s.

Them Crooked Vultures

This supergroup showcased the powerhouse talents of Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). Born from a jam session, their self-titled debut packed a punch with explosive rock energy that left fans craving more.

Velvet Revolver

After Scott Weiland’s Stone Temple Pilots fell apart and Guns N’ Roses faced lineup changes, members of both bands joined forces to create Velvet Revolver. Their hard rock sound and edgy presence led to hits like “Slither” and has left their distinct mark on the 2000s rock scene.

Chickenfoot

Composed of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Chickenfoot was pure rock royalty. Known for their electrifying live performances and a mix of hard rock and blues influences, Chickenfoot quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-octane rock that fans loved.

Bad Company

Free and Mott the Hoople’s breakups led to the formation of Bad Company, featuring Paul Rodgers on vocals. The band quickly established itself as a ’70s rock icon with timeless anthems such as “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.” Their hard-hitting style made them a staple of classic rock that influenced subsequent decades.

Asia

A lineup shake-up in Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer gave rise to the prog-rock supergroup Asia. Their 1982 hit “Heat of the Moment” showcased their successful blend of progressive rock with arena-rock flair. Known for their melodic hooks and polished production, Asia became a significant influence in the early ’80s rock scene.

A Perfect Circle

Seeking a new creative outlet, Tool’s Maynard James Keenan teamed up with guitarist Billy Howerdel, who had previously worked as a tech for Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins, to form A Perfect Circle in 1999. Their emotional depth and complex arrangements carved out a unique niche in the rock genre.

Zwan

After the Smashing Pumpkins’ temporary disbandment, frontman Billy Corgan formed Zwan. Though short-lived, this band allowed Corgan to experiment with a lighter, more melodic sound. While they didn’t reach the Pumpkins’ fame, Zwan still produced memorable tracks like “Honestly.” Their time together marked a significant creative phase in Corgan’s career.

Arcade Fire

Emerging from the disbanded indie acts The Unicorns and Les Angles Morts, Arcade Fire was founded in Montreal in 2003 by Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, and a rotating lineup of musicians. With an orchestral style that was rarely heard before, the band quickly gained fame. Their hit “Suburbs” (2010) earned a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. 

Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age was started by Josh Homme after his previous band, Kyuss, dissolved. Drawing members from bands like Screaming Trees and Eagles of Death Metal, QOTSA created a heavy, psychedelic desert-rock sound. Their album, Rated R (2000), gained significant attention, making them one of the most influential rock bands of the 2000s.

The Raconteurs

Following a hiatus from The White Stripes, Jack White sought new creative avenues and formed The Raconteurs with Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler of The Greenhornes. Debuting in 2006, their bluesy rock sound was epitomized by the infectious track “Steady, As She Goes.” 

Fountains of Wayne

This band gained fame for their sharp, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and catchy melodies, perfectly captured in their breakout hit, “Stacy’s Mom.” Amid member changes in Ivy and The Caulfields, Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood founded Fountains of Wayne in 1996. Their 2003 album, Welcome Interstate Managers, featured this iconic track and other memorable songs. 

The Dead Weather

The band’s distinctive style earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, with subsequent releases such as Sea of Cowards (2010). During breaks from The White Stripes and The Kills, Jack White, and Alison Mosshart united to create The Dead Weather in 2009, along with Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence. 

Temple of the Dog

Formed as a tribute to the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone, members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam came together to create Temple of the Dog. Their powerful ballad “Hunger Strike” became an iconic anthem. Though the band was initially a one-off project, they reunited for a successful tour in 2016.