10 Musicians Who Left Major Bands

With KISS fast becoming one of the most successful acts of the 70's, it truly felt like the hard rock version of the Beatles would go on forever. Even though the camaraderie seemed secure during every show, the blood between these musical superheroes was boiling behind the scenes.

After the disco-infused Dynasty album, drummer Peter Criss was halfway out the door. While it was a heavy blow to the hardcore fans, the arrival of monster drummer Eric Carr seemed to put everything back in place. On the other side of the stage, Spaceman Ace Frehley was going through a personal hell fueled by alcohol and depression.

As the band went into their next record Music from the Elder, Frehley found himself unable to contribute the band's cinematic vision. Whenever Frehley spoke up about the direction that the band should go in, he would always be outvoted due to the leading hands of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Though the band encouraged him to stay, Frehley figured that he would work better as a solo act and quickly cut off ties with the group. KISS eventually went on to the hard-rocking Creatures of the Night, but despite having his photo on the cover, Ace Frehley's time with the hottest band in the land was over.