3 Incredible Songs That Were Made as Bands Were on the Verge of Breaking Up

If a band is going to break up, they might as well go out with a bang. Many bands have created their best work despite being on the brink of calling it quits. The three bands below certainly secured that legacy. Revisit three incredible songs made as bands were primed to break up, below.

“The Long Run” (Eagles)

First up on our list of songs made as bands were primed to break up, we have the Eagles‘ “The Long Run.” Shortly after the release of The Long Run, the Eagles called it quits. The success of Hotel California was insurmountable. It seems the band failed to keep their heads while making its follow-up. But, that doesn’t mean they didn’t secure some equally as beloved tracks on The Long Run as they did on that earlier work. The title track to this album rekindled some of the magic from the band’s earlier, breezy albums. It’s hard to imagine the band bickering while listening to the soothing melody of “The Long Run.” Revisit it, below.

I used to hurry a lot
I used to worry a lot
I used to stay out ’til the break of day
Oh, that didn’t get it
It was high time I quit it
I just couldn’t carry on that way
Oh, I did some damage
I know it’s true
Didn’t know I was so lonely ’til I found you

“Little Lies” (Fleetwood Mac)

Despite Fleetwood Mac being on the brink of breaking up, the band delivered one of their best efforts to date: Tango in the Night. The album is rife with insatiable hits and brooding anthems, but we’ve chosen to highlight “Little Lies.” Written by Christine McVie and her then-husband Eddy Quintela, this track became a staple for the band, despite being created under unideal circumstances. Fleetwood Mac continued to be at each other’s throats a decade after the release of Rumours. It ultimately became too much for the group. Lindsey Buckingham was asked to leave–not that he missed the in-fighting anyway. But, before the band fractured, they managed to deliver this McVie powerhouse.

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies
Tell me lies
Tell me, tell me lies
Oh no-no, you can’t disguise
You can’t disguise
No, you can’t disguise
Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies

“Let It Be” (Beatles)

Abbey Road was the last album the Beatles recorded. Yet, it was followed up by an album of previously unreleased material: Let It Be. The title track remains one of the Beatles’ most enduring songs. However, the process of creating this album was futile, given the band’s tenuous relationship. In the end, they decided to move on from Let It Be in favor of their actual Swan Song. Nevertheless, this album did produce a number of timeless tracks, including McCartney’s ode to his late mother.

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)