6 Rock Bands That Kicked Out Their Own Founding Member
via Andria Rogava / YouTube
Many rock bands have faced internal conflicts that led them to remove founding members from the group. In some cases, creative differences and personal issues resulted in a split that changed the band’s direction. The following examples show six instances where a founding member was removed from the band, each leaving a mark on rock history.
1. The Rolling Stones – Brian Jones
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Brian Jones was one of the founding members of The Rolling Stones and played many instruments that helped shape the band’s early sound. He contributed to classic hits and was known for his experimental style. However, his growing personal problems and differences with the rest of the band led to tension. In 1969, the group decided to remove Jones, and he was replaced by Mick Taylor.
His firing marked a dramatic shift in the band’s dynamic. Fans remember his innovative contributions, while the band continued to thrive with a new lineup. The decision to part ways with Jones remains one of the most talked-about events in rock history, reflecting both loss and change.
2. Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne
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Ozzy Osbourne, the original lead singer of Black Sabbath, played a crucial role in establishing the band’s heavy sound. His distinctive voice and stage presence defined the group’s identity in its early years. Over time, personal issues and disagreements among band members led to his removal in 1980. The decision to fire Ozzy was a major turning point for Black Sabbath.
This split altered the band’s musical direction and divided fans and critics alike. While some embraced the change, many missed the raw energy Ozzy brought to the stage. Despite his firing, Ozzy went on to achieve great success as a solo artist, and his time with Black Sabbath remains a significant chapter in rock music.
3. AC/DC – Dave Evans
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Dave Evans was the original lead singer for AC/DC when the band was first formed. His early contributions helped set the foundation for the group’s sound. However, his vocal style did not fit the harder rock image that the band later developed. In 1974, AC/DC replaced him with Bon Scott, a move that changed the band’s trajectory.
Evans’ departure marked a turning point in AC/DC’s history. The change in vocal style allowed the band to form a stronger identity and reach wider audiences. Though Evans was a founding member, his removal enabled the band to grow into the global rock phenomenon they are known as today.
4. Van Halen – Michael Anthony
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Michael Anthony was the founding bassist for Van Halen, known for his solid bass lines that helped define the band’s early sound. He contributed to many of their hit albums and was a key part of their rise to fame. In 2006, internal conflicts led Van Halen to fire Anthony, a decision that shocked many fans.
The removal of Michael Anthony changed the band’s chemistry. The group hoped that a new lineup would bring fresh energy to their music, even though it meant losing one of the original members. His contributions continue to be celebrated, and his firing remains one of the most discussed events in Van Halen’s history.
5. KISS – Ace Frehley
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Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, helped shape the band’s sound with his unique guitar work and memorable stage persona. His style became a defining element of KISS’s early music. In 1982, following growing creative differences and internal disputes, the band decided to part ways with Frehley, replacing him with Vinnie Vincent.
Frehley’s departure left a lasting impact on KISS. Although he was a founding member, his removal marked a shift in the band’s musical direction. Many fans still regard Frehley as the true original voice of KISS, and his influence on the group’s early years remains significant.
6. Fleetwood Mac – Danny Kirwan
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Danny Kirwan joined Fleetwood Mac during its early years and was an important part of the band’s blues-rock sound. His guitar work added a distinct flavor to their music, contributing to their early recordings. However, personal issues and conflicts with other members led to his removal in 1972. The decision to fire Kirwan was made in an effort to stabilize the group during turbulent times.
Kirwan’s departure changed the band’s style and marked a new chapter for Fleetwood Mac. Although his time with the band was brief, his contributions left an enduring mark on their early work. Fans and critics remember him for his talent, and his firing is considered a notable moment in the band’s long history.
