3 Founding Members Who Exited Iconic Rock Bands Too Early

Regrets are not something typically worth the worry, but every once in a while they cement themselves into an individual’s psyche. Whether it be a relationship, financial decision, or career choice, life offers many instances that can create regrets. On the contrary, some of those regretful decisions might not be an individual’s fault, thus there is no need for regret. Well, for these three musicians, both those notions are potentially applicable thanks to their early exit from some of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic bands.

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Syd Barret and Pink Floyd

The story of Syd Barret is rather tragic, as it involves substance abuse and mental illness. Barrett, who is a founding member of Pink Floyd, was kicked out of the band in 1968 given his heavy LSD use and the behavior that ensued. Primarily, Barrett’s mental disorder made him unreliable, sporadic, and essentially, incredibly difficult to work with.

Barrett’s mental disorder has never been officially diagnosed to the public. Nevertheless, before he departed from the band, Syd Barrett played a major musical role. Particularly in Pink Floyd’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Despite Barrett’s removal, Pink Floyd members still looked at him as a dear friend, and they paid homage to him by releasing, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”

Tony Chapman and The Rolling Stones

Tony Chapman’s decision to leave the Rolling Stones is admirable, yet entirely self-induced. As the Stones’ first drummer, Chapman’s style was traditional and not conducive to the new wave style the group sought to achieve. That being so, Chapman disagreed with the band’s musical approach and interpretation of the blues. Thus, he split from the then-not-so-successful Stones and started his own career.

Following his departure from the Stones, Chapman played with the Alphabeats and formed his own band called, The Preachers. Both bands were good in their own right, however, none of them ever came close to touching the legacy of the Rolling Stones.

Pete Best and The Beatles

The story of Pete Best and The Beatles is one that many have already heard. That said, you know it wasn’t Best’s decision to depart the band. Rather, it was an executive decision from The Beatles and then manager, Brian Epstein to part ways with Best due to his lack of talent and inability to keep up with their inovational sound.

Shortly after, Best was replaced by, well, you know who. Best went on to have a minimal music career after his removal, as his bands, The Beat Brothers and Lee Curtis and the All Stars, didn’t find much commercial success. Regardless, Best has seemingly made quite the life for himself being known as “The Fifth Beatle.”

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