9 Rock Legends with the Messiest Divorces
via BeatlesWives / YouTube
Divorces can be tough for anyone, but when you’re a rock star under the spotlight, things can get pretty wild and public. Here are nine rock legends whose divorces turned into big, messy dramas.
1. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
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Paul McCartney, a member of the Beatles, married Heather Mills in 2002. At first, it seemed like a fairytale. But by 2006, their marriage was falling apart. The divorce was filled with drama, and both sides threw accusations at each other. Heather Mills claimed Paul was cruel and violent, while Paul’s side argued that Heather was only interested in his money.
The media had a field day with their headlines, making the private details of their lives public for all to see. In the end, Heather Mills received a settlement of about $48.6 million. This divorce showed just how complicated things can get when a lot of money and public attention are involved.
2. Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
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Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, had a long relationship with Jerry Hall. They started dating in the late 1970s and had four children together before getting married in 1990. However, Mick’s lifestyle and infidelity strained their relationship over the years.
By 1999, Jerry had had enough and wanted out. The divorce was messy because their marriage was annulled, with Hall claiming it was never legal in the first place. Their split highlighted the difficulties of maintaining a relationship amidst the chaos of rock and roll fame.
3. Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd
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Eric Clapton, a legendary guitarist, married Pattie Boyd in 1979. Pattie was previously married to George Harrison of the Beatles, who was also Clapton’s friend. This love triangle added drama to their story. Eric’s heavy drinking and drug use made things even worse, causing a lot of tension in their marriage.
Eventually, in 1989, Pattie filed for divorce. The split was painful, and both struggled with their own issues. Their story is often remembered for the complicated emotions and the way fame can affect personal relationships.
4. Phil Collins and Orianne Cevey
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Phil Collins, the drummer and singer for Genesis, married Orianne Cevey in 1999. They seemed happy and had two children together. But by 2006, their relationship fell apart, leading to a very public divorce.
Orianne received a settlement of £25 million, one of the highest in the UK at the time. Years later, they briefly reunited, only to split again in 2020 under more dramatic circumstances. This relationship showed how breakups can be an ongoing struggle, even after the initial divorce.
5. Neil Young and Pegi Young
Neil Young, known for his soulful music, was married to Pegi Young for over 36 years. They seemed to be a strong couple, sharing a deep connection, especially through music. Pegi even inspired some of Neil’s most famous songs.
In 2014, Neil shocked everyone by filing for divorce. The reason was kept private, but the news still made waves. Neil quickly moved on with actress Daryl Hannah, adding more speculation and gossip to the story. This breakup was a reminder that even long-lasting marriages can come to an unexpected end.
6. Axl Rose and Erin Everly
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Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, married Erin Everly in 1990. Their relationship was stormy right from the start. They had intense arguments and passionate reconciliations, making for a tumultuous marriage.
By 1991, their marriage was over, and Erin filed for divorce, citing abuse and violent behavior. The split was quick but left a lasting impact, reflecting the volatile nature of Axl’s lifestyle and their brief, fiery union.
7. Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli
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Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist, married actress Valerie Bertinelli in 1981. Their marriage was initially filled with love and happiness, amplified by their public personas. However, Eddie’s struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame began to take a toll on their marriage.
In 2001, after 20 years together, they decided to divorce. They remained close friends for the sake of their son, Wolf. Despite the end of their marriage, they supported each other through various personal battles, showing that sometimes love can remain even after a relationship ends.
8. David Bowie and Angie Bowie
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David Bowie, the iconic rock star known for his unique music and ever-changing persona, married Angie Bowie in 1970. Their relationship was unconventional and filled with drama, mirroring David’s flamboyant lifestyle. They had one son, Duncan Jones, before their marriage began to fall apart.
By 1980, they divorced under acrimonious circumstances. Angie later wrote about their turbulent marriage, and the details of their split became public domain. Their divorce was a reflection of the chaotic and often contradictory world of rock and roll.
9. Peter Gabriel and Jill Moore
Peter Gabriel, famous for his unique music and voice, married Jill Moore in 1971. Their marriage lasted until 1987, but it faced many challenges. Peter’s career required long periods away from home, which put a strain on their relationship.
Jill eventually felt neglected, leading to their divorce. The breakup was tough for Peter, who channeled his emotions into his music. Their story highlights how the demands of a music career can affect even the most personal aspects of life.
