Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
Keeping a band together can be difficult. Either because of relationship conflicts, or simply because some bandmates leave the band for countless reasons. And then there's the matter of bandmates dying. Indeed, some popular groups have had numerous lineup changes over the years (not counting session musicians). Some reincarnations are more popular than others, but they all have their merit nonetheless.
Click through the following gallery and find out which bands had the most members joining and leaving them.
The American rock band have had 18 different lineups over the years. Sadly, in 1977, a plane crash killed front man Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, started to front the band in 1987, and still does so to this day. Founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington (right) had also been in the band until his death on March 5, 2023.
The original lineup of heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath remains a fan favorite, and indeed was the one that launched them into rock stardom. We're talking about Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler.
But then Ozzy Osbourne left the English group and the band had its fair share of front men, including Tony Martin, Ian Gillan, and Ronnie James Dio (pictured). As for drummers, the band can count nine of them throughout the years, including Vinny Appice and Eric Singer.
British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac have had many reincarnations over the years. Only old-time members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie remain in the band to this day.
The 1975 lineup is among Fleetwood Mac's most famous, featuring (L-R) Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, and John McVie.
The legends of English heavy metal were fronted by Paul Di'anno for their first two albums. Bassist Steve Harris and guitarist Dave Murray have been in the band since the mid 1970s. Adrian Smith (who joined and departed Maiden for a period) is also one of the oldest members in the current lineup.
Perhaps the most significant lineup change was when front man Bruce Dickinson joined the band in 1981. There have been other vocalists, including Paul Day, Dennis Wilcock, and Blaze Bayley.
The English rockers also had quite a lot of lineup changes over the years, including four vocalists. Rod Evans (far left) was the band's first front man.
The most successful lineup includes Ian Gillan as the lead vocalist. Drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover have also been present throughout most of the band's career.
The lineup that wrote the iconic 1987 album 'Appetite for Destruction' consisted of (L-R) Duff McKagan, Slash, Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler. Unfortunately, the classic G N' R lineup didn't make it to the following album.
Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler left the band, and other musicians joined, including drummer Matt Sorum and guitarist Gilby Clarke. Eventually the band as we knew it dismantled, leaving Axl Rose alone with a number of musicians at his disposal, including Buckethead (pictured). Guns N' Roses reunited with Slash and Duff McKagan in 2016.
David Coverdale's band has been around since 1978, and has since had over 30 band members.
Guitarist Joel Hoekstra joined Whitesnake in 2004 and remains a part of the current lineup.
The Aussie rockers earned their stripes with lead singer Bon Scott in command. Guitarists Angus and Malcom Young were also a constant for many years (until Malcolm's death in 2017). As for drummers and bass players, not so much.
Vocalist Brian Johnson joined the band following Bon Scott's death in 1980, and while the revolving door of bassists and drummers continued, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd were pretty consistent for a number of years.
Guitarist and front man Dave Mustaine formed Megadeth after his departure from Metallica. He has been the only original member in the band to this day. Bassist Dave Ellefson came close, but he didn't quite make it. This is one of the best-known lineups of the band, which included guitarist Marty Friedman and late drummer Nick Menza.
The band saw numerous band member changes over the years, most notably guitarists and drummers. The band's current lineup includes (L-R) bassist James LoMenzo, Dave Mustaine, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren. Former Megadeth's guitarist Marty Friedman recently rejoined the band for a few shows.
The iconic punk rock band was originally fronted by Glenn Danzig. Bassist Jerry Only and guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein revived the band in the '90s and managed to keep the name. Vocalist Michale Graves then joined the band.
The horror punk outfit saw multiple members (famously including drummer Marky Ramone), coming and going for years. At one point, Jerry Only was the only original band member.
This is probably not the Twisted Sister you know. Pictured is the second reincarnation of the group in 1975. Michael "Valentine" O'Neill (middle) was the band's original vocalist.
But then Dee Snider joined in 1976 and the band became popular. Among the many members to have joined and departed Twisted Sister are eight drummers.
The thrash metal band was fronted by vocalist Joey Belladonna for many years, and members such as guitarist Scott Ian, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie Benante have been in the band for many years.
There have been a few different vocalists in addition to Belladonna. The most famous one was John Bush. As for lead guitarists, the band has seen quite a lot of them throughout the years, including Dan Spitz and many others.
You may recognize the glam metal band's greatest hit, 'Cherry Pie.' This was their lineup, including late front man Jani Lane (middle).
Robert Mason joined the band in 2008 as their lead singer, but in the meantime Warrant saw 23 members joining and leaving!
The prog rock band was originally formed in 1968, and as of today they are in their eighth lineup (first lineup pictured). As for member changes, there have been a total of 35!
This was the 1972-1974 lineup, consisting of (L-R) John Wetton, David Cross, Robert Fripp, and Bill Bruford.
The 'House of the Rising Sun' band have had five reincarnations and a total of 33 members over the years. Drummer John Steel has been the only constant member since 1963.
The English post-punk band have see a whooping 43 band members come and go over the years. Lead singer Mark E. Smith has been in the band since its inception in 1976.
Sources: (WhatCulture) (Loudwire) (Ultimate Guitar)
See also: Bandmates who shared intimate encounters
Bands with the most lineup changes
One group had over 40 different band members!
MUSIC Bandmates
Keeping a band together can be difficult. Either because of relationship conflicts, or simply because some bandmates leave the band for countless reasons. And then there's the matter of bandmates dying. Indeed, some popular groups have had numerous lineup changes over the years (not counting session musicians). Some reincarnations are more popular than others, but they all have their merit nonetheless.
Click through the following gallery and find out which bands had the most members joining and leaving them.