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Being in a band is hard enough, dealing with egos, personality clashes and general disagreements on everything from musical direction to women. However, being in a band with your brother can be an even more daunting task. Dealing with your own familial problems in addition to the music can lead to lasting feuds that sow deep hatred and, in some cases, awkward family holiday dinners. This is the story of several bands featuring brothers who absolutely hate each other.
The Beach Boys: Brian Wilson Vs. Mike Love
What started out as a family affair with the three Wilson Brothers, Brian, Dennis, Carl, the group soon included cousins Mike Love and Al Jardine. Led by Brian Wilson’s songwriting, the band became an overnight success, singing about girls, cars, surfing, and sun. Despite the lightheartedness of the music, there was darkness that slowly crept into the band. Mike Love and Brian Wilson feuded on everything from ego, personality differences and ideological disputes. Mike Love wasn’t a fan of the band’s direction with Pet Sounds and that he was derived of songwriting credits by Brian. Their decades long feud, fueled even by fans who had thought Mike Love was just along for the ride in the band, came to a head at the 50th anniversary in 2012. The two band members came out dueling tell-all memoirs. It was anything but “Good Vibrations” going forward in the Beach Boys.
Heart: Ann Vs. Nancy Wilson
While this band primarily concerns the sister duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson, their rivalry has led to the band never getting back together. As the first ladies of classic rock, Heart have sold over 30 million records worldwide. Despite their success, Ann would never get back onstage with her sister Nancy again. The Seattle based band had a falling out over a family affair. Anns husband had assaulted Nancys twin sons backstage at a concert. He pleaded not guilty in a 2017 court case to avoid jail time, but the bad blood couldn’t be averted. The band reunited in 2019 but lingering issues remained, and they separated again.
Oasis: Noel Vs. Liam Gallagher
While Oasis may be known for writing some of some of the best pop songs of the 90’s, it’s their rivalry that gave them a dour legacy. The brother’s real-life version of Celebrity Cage Match is well known and documented. With everything ranging from assault by a cricket bat from Noel to Liam, to trading barbs on live TV, they make music writers everywhere feel like sports commentators. In 1996, Liam decided that he didn’t feel like touring America, leaving Noel to front the band. He later joined Noel on the tour, but the tour was cancelled after 3 weeks. More verbal abuse occurred over the years between the two. The two brothers finally called it quits in 2009 after refusal to attend a festival appearance due to sheer hatred of one another. They now tour solo with Noel Gallagher having released a solo record this year.
Dire Straits: Mark Vs. David Knopfler
The band, formed 55 years ago in 1977, became overnight sensations with their self-titled debut album. Featuring hits “Sultans of Swing” “Wild West End” and “Down to the Waterline”, they were destined for great things. However, after being uncredited on an album, David Knopfler decided to walk away as his brother was about to go solo. The band whose music defined a decade, who had fans including Princess Diana, were suddenly no more. The band cited “creative differences” as a reason for their split. Though Mark has gone on record to say David “lacks commitment” to the band. Despite other rivalries, David has come to terms with his departure from the band. Mark continued to lead the group, until their disbandment in 1988. The group never performed together again.
The Kinks: Ray Vs. Dave Davies
Born to the youngest of 8, 6 of which were girls, the Davies brothers found kinship in each other and their love of rock music. In 1964 at the height of the British Invasion of Rock Music they formed The Kinks. In 1996 the band ceased activities over rising tensions between the two brothers. One instance took place a year later, at Dave Davies’ birthday. Ray made the whole affair about himself and proceeded to stomp his foot into his brother’s cake. Dave, when asked about a Kinks reunion, had some less than pleasant remarks about his brother. “He’s (Ray) an a$$-hole, he sucks me dry of emotions, ideas, creativity.” Dave went as far as to call Ray a control freak and label him as toxic. The Kinks announced a reunion planned for 2017, though nothing ever came of it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival: John Vs. Tom Fogerty
Forming what was arguably the biggest band to come out of rock and roll since The Beatles, CCR had it all. A great musical output, adoring fans, and a charismatic front man in John Fogerty. The band formed with John and his brother Tom. In the band’s early days, Tom oversaw the group. John eventually took charge of the songwriting process, a change in which Tom became ok with. Though as the band began ranking in hits, resentment started to form in Tom. This led to the band having a meeting dubbed “The Night of The Generals”. The meeting was to stress that songwriting was not limited to one person in the band. Despite having gotten their way, Tom was still dissatisfied with the way John ran the band. He left shortly before the release of the record Pendulum.
The Black Crowes: Chris Vs. Rich Robinson
You know you feud too much when even the Gallagher brothers think you’ve gone too far. When the drummer of your band writes most of his memoir on your feud with your sibling, you know you have issues. The Robinson brothers, have fought each other on everything, nearly killed each other even in the name of a sibling rivalry. They have since squashed their beef due to input from Chris Robinsons new girlfriend. They continue to tour and record music, though no original band members have returned.
Bonus: Nigel Tufnel Vs. Derek St Hubbins
While not directly related, Nigel Tufnel and Derek St Hubbins have shared a brother like bond throughout their storied musical career. Starting out in The New Originals because the name The Originals was already taken, the duo has been the driving force behind each other’s music before forming Spinal Tap. The problems in the band arose with the presence of Davids girlfriend, who had previous history with Nigel. During this period, the two got along like “oil and lukewarm water” this division led to a falling out over her. Since their reunion in Japan in the early 80’s things have been going relatively smoothly ever since.
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