The Most Epic Rock Career Comebacks

Imagine being at the top of your game, acing every goal at your prime years. Then life takes you on a detour, a sudden jolt of reality stinging you. That’s exactly what happened to these rockstars, who were suddenly robbed of all their glory in the midst of their career. This broke some of them, but others were resilient, striving to reclaim their rightful throne in the industry. Here are some of the most successful career comebacks in rock music, proving that perseverance pays off.

Aerosmith

Aerosmith was one of the top rock acts of the seventies, until they hit a road bump by the eighties. The band’s worsening reputation with drugs, especially the Toxic Twins, was taking a toll on their live performances. From arenas, Aerosmith venues downsized to mere bar gigs, the stark contrast in their downfall evident. The bad boys were saved by an unlikely hero though, with hiphop group Run-D.M.C. reviving their hit “Walk This Way” with a hiphop twist. Ever since, Aerosmith has been back on track, still carrying the same energy from their debut.

Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath

Both Black Sabbath and Ozzy suffered a major hit when Osbourne was booted from the band due to his drug problems. Luckily, Black Sabbath got hold of Rainbow’s Ronnie James Dio, and produced the iconic Heaven And Hell. Ozzy was picking up the pieces, when manager and future wife Sharon saved him from the lowest points of his life, rebuilding his career with best friend Randy Rhoads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy1V5LHXWbg

The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band was one of the greatest live acts in rock history, until a string of member deaths caught the band off guard. Duane Allman and Berry Oakley left the band in shambles, because even if they managed to push Brothers and Sisters to be released, they were never the same band, concluding in a sudden break up. Some years later however, the band got together again, with the help of new recruits Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on board, continuing until 2014 before resting their instruments for good.

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The southern rock act had fate play a practical joke on them when the tragic plane crash in 1977 that killed three of their members, including vocalist Ronnie Van Zant. All has not ended, though, when they reunited a decade later, this time bringing in Ronnie’s brother, Johnny, for a one-off show. Turns out, Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on for years, even with Gary Rossington being the sole original member left in the band.

Eagles

The harmonic legends, the Eagles, were enjoying a successful run until internal issues wore the members out, forcing them to break up in 1980. Drummer Don Henley has always been dismissive of future reconciliation (with each member becoming successful in their solo ventures), saying the band would only reunite if hell freezes over. The joke was on Henley, when it became the title of their comeback album in 1994. Ever since, the bestselling band has seen numerous concerts year after year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRiSMXFpWIg