10 Rock Stars Who Were Kicked Out of Their Own Bands

Sometimes the life of a rock star can be too much to handle – even for a rock star.  When money, fame, and rock music come together they can often change things for the worst.  Some of the biggest bands in music have had to deal with this first hand when members had to make a difficult choice regarding another member’s position in the band.  As a result, several popular artists have been asked to leave their own bands, often being forced to move on while the group goes on to enjoy success.  Fortunately, some individuals are able to find success outside of the group; however, others have been left permanently broken.  Here are 10 rock stars who were kicked out of their own bands.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Steven Adler

Steven Adler rose to fame as the drummer and co-writer for the award-winning rock band, Guns N’ Roses.  However, despite his importance to the band, his drug addiction was becoming a hinderance to himself and others band members.  In 1990, Adler was fired from the band replaced with another drummer.

 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Dave Evans

Dave Evans was the original lead singer of the popular rock band, AC/DC; however, his run with the band was short-lived.  During his time with the band, Evans recorded only one single titled, “Can I Sit Next To You, Girl”/ “Rocking in the Parlour.” Over the years, Evans has maintained that he left the band, because he did not like the direction the group was taking, and was having trouble getting along with other band members.  However, many believe that Evans was fired and replaced for the better of the band.

 (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)

Pete Willis

Guitarist Pete Willis was one of the founding members of Def Leopard, which was originally named Atomic Mass.  Willis was fired from the band in 1982 after his drinking habit resulted in neglecting his responsibilities with the band.  The final straw snapped when Willis was too drunk to play during a recording session.

(Photo courtesy of Twitter)

Nick Oliveri

Nick Oliveri is best-known as being the bassist for the group Queens of the Stone Age.  The band, which was originally founded in 1996 under the name Gamma Ray, has received 6 Grammy nominations over the years.  Unfortunately for Oliveri; however, he was only with the band for two of those nominations.  Oliveri was fired from Queen of the Stone Age in 2004 after he acted aggressively towards fans and other band members. After leaving the band, Oliveri sought anger management to deal with his issues.

(Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)

Mike Starr

Best-known as the original bass player for Alice in Chains, Mike Starr was one of the most well-respected players in the industry.  Unfortunately, his rising career came to an abrupt halt when he was fired from the band in 1982. Following his departure from the band, Starr faced several personal struggles, including severe substance abuse.  In 2012, Starr appeared on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew where he achieved six months of sobriety.  Sadly, Starr was not able to fight off his addiction for good, and in 2011 he passed away from a prescription drug overdose.

(Photo courtesy of Twitter)

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson rose to fame as one of the founding members of the legendary band, The Beach Boys.  Over the years, the band has become one of the most iconic groups in the music industry, and have earned numerous accolades including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite decades success, Wilson and fellow founder, Mike Love spent years struggling to get along.  Eventually, Wilson was ‘fired’ from the band, although he remains hopeful that they will one day record new material together.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Dennis DeYoung

Rockstar Dennis DeYoung is one of the founding members of the award-winning band, Styx. DeYoung was with the band from 1961 until 1999, and is credited with writing more songs for the group than any other member.  After health issues left him unable to perform, his band members, who were under contract to complete their performances, opted to replace him.  However, this incident is not the first time DeYoung was snubbed from the group, in 1979 he was also asked to leave after tension grew between the band’s members.  Fortunately, the band could not find a replacement for him at that time.

(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Best Buddies)

Dave Navarro

The Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ list of past members is almost three times as long as its list of current members.  Among that long list is guitarist, Dave Navarro, who was with the band from 1993 to 1998.  According to sources, Navarro did not get along with the other Chilli Peppers which resulted in his departure from the group.  Some say that the decision was mutual, but others say that Navarro’s attitude and drug habits resulted in him being asked to leave.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brian Jones

The Rolling Stones is one of the most well-known and well-respected music groups of all time.  Unfortunately; however, founding member Brian Jones was not able to witness all of the group’s success.   After working to help the band establish its name and sound, Jones was asked to leave in 1969 and was replaced by Mick Taylor,  Sadly, Jones passed away less than a month after being outed from the band.

(Photo courtesy of Twitter)

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne’s reputation is larger than life.  Over the years he has become an almost mythical character.  However, everyone wasn’t always a fan of Ozzy’s craziness. In 1979, Osbourne was fired from the group after he and fellow band member, Tony Iommi, were unable to get along.

 (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

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