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These Bands Broke Up at the Peak of Their Fame

These Bands Broke Up at the Peak of Their Fame

Source: 2011 Redferns / Redferns via Getty Images

Creedence Clearwater Revival

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Guns N' Roses

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The Beatles

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Fleetwood Mac

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Rage Against the Machine

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Van Halen

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Alice in Chains

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Sex Pistols

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Pink Floyd

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The Smiths

Source: 2014 Redferns / Redferns via Getty Images

Creedence Clearwater Revival
Guns N' Roses
The Beatles
Fleetwood Mac
Rage Against the Machine
Van Halen
Alice in Chains
Sex Pistols
Pink Floyd
The Smiths

Even the greatest bands aren't always built to last. That special, ineffable magic that brings certain individuals together to create a sum greater than its parts is just that, ineffable, fickle, and prone to dissolution. There are plenty of bands who at the peak of their fame broke up, unable to reconcile internal disputes with external fame and glory.

Artists are often mercurial; prone to shifting moods, sensibilities, and sentiments. It doesn't matter how much fame they've found or how many records they've sold, even the most connected bands can grow apart amidst the cheers of ardent fans. Be it a clashing of egos, royalty disputes, or one member getting too big for their britches, several great bands couldn't weather the storms of fame and fortune. Let's explore 10 bands who broke up at the peak of their fame. Some of these splits are mutual, while others drag on for years with petty, ugly feuds and lawsuits.

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