10 Hard Rock Bands That FIRED Members
Dave Mustaine might have Megadeth, but his Metallica past must sting...
The band as a whole is almost like a marriage for all the members involved. Not only do you have to tour with the same group of people all the time, but you have to make major decisions when it comes to money, creative contributions, and songwriting credits. Add to that inflated egos getting in the way and it becomes a recipe for disaster.
While all the bands on this list went on to greater things in the rock world, they had to sever ties with tremendous musicians to get to where they are today. On the surface, playing music together doesn't seem too hard, but the way a band gels sometimes leaves a band with an ultimatum: cut the loose end or be destined for obscurity. It's never an easy decision, but it has to be made regardless.
These bands may have conquered the hard rock landscape, but it had to come with a price. Whether it be through drug use, creative differences, or just plain rock star ego, these are some bands that had to sack some of their own bandmates.
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dave Navarro
Fans were absolutely gutted when master guitarist John Frusciante announced his departure from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Frusciante's unique melodic style of playing helped take the band to unforeseen heights. However, there was initially no need to worry as Dave Navarro from alt-rock pioneers Jane's Addiction stepped in to fill his shoes.
While the Peppers only release with Navarro, One Hot Minute, was still incredibly well-done, the band's chemistry just didn't seem to flow in the natural way it did with Frusciante. As opposed to laying down a simple foundation of funk and rock, Navarro was more on the rock-centric side whose talents didn't necessarily lend themselves to funkier material.
In addition to legitimate creative differences, Navarro was getting strung out on heroin during the band's rehearsals, where frontman Anthony Kiedis was already fighting his narcotic demons. This led to rehearsals being brought to a staggering halt as the band struggled to maintain a coherent groove. The final straw came when Navarro showed up so strung out at one session that he fell over onto his equipment.
Not long afterward, The Peppers made up with Frusciante and released the slamming Californication, but one can only wonder what a sequel with Navarro might have sounded like.