Which Notable Rock and Metal Bands Have Experienced Multiple Breakups and Reunions?

When considering rock and metal bands that have notoriously split and reunited, many groups likely spring to mind. However, the reality is often more complex than it appears. Among the bands that seem to have disbanded numerous times, many have simply undergone extensive lineup changes rather than actual breakups.

For instance, take Guns N' Roses as a prime example; despite the multitude of musicians who have come and gone over the decades, the band has never formally disbanded. At one point, Axl Rose was the sole remaining original member, but he never officially declared the band defunct.

During the late 1990s, while Axl was largely absent from the public eye, he was busy collaborating with various musicians on the early stages of what would eventually evolve into the ambitious album Chinese Democracy, released many years later.

READ MORE: The 10 Biggest Rock + Metal Bands With the Most Lineup Changes

This context highlights that Guns N’ Roses, along with several other bands that have merely undergone lineup transformations, are not the focus of our discussion. Instead, we aim to explore bands that have genuinely broken up (or gone on a “hiatus”) and subsequently reunited on multiple occasions.

In various instances, bands have disbanded due to internal conflicts, personal issues, or the untimely death of a member. Conversely, some groups have announced their “retirement,” only to make a triumphant return years later—much to the delight of fans who invested heavily in farewell tour tickets!

Ultimately, reunions tend to generate significant excitement among audiences. So, continue reading to discover some of the most prominent rock and metal acts that have experienced multiple breakups and reunions throughout their careers.

Follow Loudwire on YouTube for the latest updates and music news!