Musicians Careers That Were Resurrected

We learn from history and stories that setbacks don’t always mean the end of the road. A lot of musicians have faced moments when it seemed their careers were almost over, only to come back stronger. Here are some of the most inspiring stories of musicians whose careers were resurrected after major struggles.

Roky Erickson: Madness to Masterpiece
Roky Erickson, the leader of the 13th Floor Elevators, is one of rock’s hidden geniuses. Though the band was deemed legendary, his battles with mental health almost totally derailed his entire career. While artists like Jim Morrison and Pete Doherty became iconic for their rebellious lifestyles, Erickson was the opposite. The band leader nearly lost to his struggles with schizophrenia. Despite a long period of silence, he re-emerged in the 2000s, thanks to his brother’s efforts and his incredible musical talent. Roky’s comeback released new music again. He proved that even after losing his way, his musical genius couldn’t be dimmed by time or hardship.

New York Dolls: From Forgotten to Legendary
The New York Dolls were a revolutionary glam-punk band, in the early 70s. But by the middle of the era, they had faded from the spotlight. The band eventually dissolved because of various issues like addiction and internal conflicts. However, in the 2000s, the Dolls found new life. They released several live albums, including Butterflyin’ (2015) and Personality Crisis (2018), both of which captured performances from their golden years.

Their comeback continued with Live From Royal Festival Hall in 2018 and a performance from 2004. Their spirit remained untamed and wild. They might have gone on hiatus, but their legacy endured, and they returned to remind the world of their rock ‘n’ roll magic.

The Stooges: Rock Reborn
The Stooges, fronted by Iggy Pop, were one of the most influential bands in punk rock history. After their initial run, the band dissolved. But in 2007, they came roaring back with The Weirdness, their first album in decades. Produced by Steve Albini, the album brought the Stooges back into the spotlight. The band’s 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also became a highlight. Sadly, original members Ron and Scott Asheton passed away in the years following their comeback. However, their musical legacy continued with the album Ready to Die in 2013, showing that the Stooges still had a lot of rock left in them until the very end.

Bob Dylan: A Timeless Legend Returns
Bob Dylan, a legendary figure in music, has never been one to follow trends or stay within the lines. In 2020, at nearly 80 years old, Dylan released Rough and Rowdy Ways, which included the single “Murder Most Foul,” a haunting reflection on the assassination of John F. Kennedy. After decades of influencing genres like folk, rock, and pop, Dylan’s ability to captivate audiences still remained unmatched. His music continues to evolve, showing that even after all these years, he still has something fresh to offer the industry. His ability to stay relevant as an artist across generations is nothing short of extraordinary.

Fleetwood Mac: Reinventing Success
Fleetwood Mac’s sound has changed dramatically over the years, but their transformation in the 1970s is what truly resurrected their career. With the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, the band went from bluesy rockers to pop-rock superstars. Their self-titled album in 1975, featuring hits like “Say You Love Me” and “Over My Head,” brought them back into the limelight. Then, their 1977 album Rumours exploded, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. Songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” made them one of the most influential bands in pop-rock history. Their career resurrection proves the power of reinvention.

KISS: Unmasking a Comeback
KISS, known for their outrageous makeup and theatrical shows, became a teenage sensation in the 1970s. However, by the early ’80s, their popularity was fading. In 1983, they made a bold move: they took off their makeup and released the album Lick It Up. This unmasking helped revive their career, and they quickly returned to the top of the rock world. The band embraced the change needed, and they proved that sometimes you need to strip away the gimmicks to rediscover success.

Eagles: Flying High Again
The Eagles are one of the most successful American bands, selling over 150 million albums worldwide. After lineup changes and internal struggles, they parted ways in 1980. However, in 1994, they reunited for their “Hell Freezes Over” tour, and their popularity soared once again. Hits like “Hotel California” from 1977 remain timeless classics, and their Greatest Hits album continues to be one of the best-selling records in music history. The Eagles’ return showed that even after a long break, a band’s legacy can keep them flying high. And their fans couldn’t be happier.

The Allman Brothers Band: Southern Rock Revival
The Allman Brothers Band, pioneers of southern rock, faced a series of breakups and tragedies throughout their career. By the early ’80s, the band was in decline. However, in 1989, they made a triumphant return with Seven Turns, an album that received both commercial and critical success. With a new lineup featuring guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody, the band reignited their career and reminded fans why they were the kings of southern rock.

Aerosmith: Rock’s Biggest Comeback
Aerosmith, one of America’s greatest rock bands, saw their career flounder in the early ’80s. But in 1986, everything changed when rap group Run-D.M.C. covered their hit “Walk This Way.” The collaboration breathed new life into Aerosmith’s career. They followed it up with Permanent Vacation (1987), which included hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Love in an Elevator” from their next album, Pump (1989). Aerosmith’s comeback is a classic tale of a band that refused to fade away and instead found new ways to stay relevant.

These musicians faced challenges that could have ended their careers, but their determination, talent, and passion for music brought them back from the brink. Whether through reinvention, a reunion or simply staying true to their sound, they proved that even after hitting rock bottom, a comeback is always possible.