10 Classic Rock Bands We Wish Were Still Together

Some bands just hit the perfect vibe together, but sometimes, differences lead to separation. Some of these legendary groups reunited for a brief time, while others remained apart since they disbanded. Here’s a list of 10 classic rock bands we can’t help but wish were still rocking together.

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd was at the peak of their rock career when an awful tragedy struck. On October 20, 1977, their plane crashed, claiming the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and his sister, backup singer Cassie Gaines. The loss was devastating, and though the southern rock band continued with replacements, it was never quite the same without its original members.

Talking Heads
Talking Heads defined the art-rock movement in the ’80s with their unique sound. But with tensions rising between David Byrne and the rest of the band, it became too much to handle. After their 1988 album, Byrne went solo while the others tried to keep the name alive. The band members who were left even releasing an album without him. They briefly reunited in 2002 for their Hall of Fame induction, but it seems unlikely we’ll ever get the full reunion we all hoped for.

R.E.M.
R.E.M. ended their 30-year career in 2011. Since then, fans have been dreaming of a reunion. However, Michael Stipe and the band have made it clear: there’s no point in getting back together. Stipe himself put it best when he said, “It doesn’t make sense” in a CBS interview. Guess we’re left to reminisce with R.E.M.’s unforgettable songs, and a reunion doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

The Smiths
The Smiths may have only lasted five years as a band, but their impact on alternative rock was enormous. They disbanded in 1987 when Johnny Marr left due to creative differences with Morrissey. Though there were numerous reunion offers, the members have repeatedly turned them down. Both Morrissey and Marr are successful in their solo careers, but fans can only dream of seeing them together again on stage.

Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were the face of punk rock, but their explosive chemistry came to an end in 1978. Lead singer Johnny Rotten walked away after accusing the band of exploiting him. The group had a rough tour, and Rotten’s departure marked the end of their brief, chaotic career. While they’ve had a couple of reunions, it’s clear they were never meant to last.

Genesis
Genesis had a legendary run that spanned over three decades. However, after their 1998 breakup, the band’s future seemed uncertain. In 2007, they reunited with the classic lineup of Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks for a tour, but Collins’ health problems have made future performances unlikely. Collins has even suggested the band could return with his son, Nic, on drums.

Dire Straits
Dire Straits were known for their hit tracks “Money for Nothing” and “Sultans of Swing.” Unfortunately, their journey ended in 1995. In 2018, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Mark Knopfler didn’t show up, leaving fans hoping for a reunion that never came. Since their breakup, Knopfler has continued to perform the band’s songs, but a full reunion tour seems unlikely.

Pink Floyd
One of the most infamous breakups in rock history is that of Pink Floyd. The looming tensions at that time between bassist Roger Waters and guitarist David Gilmour led to a power struggle over the band’s name. While they briefly reunited in 2005 for a charity concert, the relationship remains fractured, especially after the 2011 reissue of Animals, which reopened old wounds. With no reconciliation in sight, a full Pink Floyd reunion seems impossible.

Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s run came to an end in 1980 following the tragic death of drummer John Bonham. Despite this, the band reunited twice—once in 1985 for Live Aid, and again in 2007 for a one-off concert in London. While the band still has a huge following, frontman Robert Plant has resisted further reunions, despite the wishes of guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones.

The Beatles
The Beatles are the most iconic band in history, but their split was inevitable due to internal conflicts. Legal and financial issues, along with creative differences between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, ultimately tore the band apart. The result was a breakup that changed the music world forever, with each member pursuing solo careers. Though their music still brings people together, we’ll never see the Fab Four reunite.