When Hell Freezes Over: 3 Bands That Broke up and Never Looked Back

Many prominent bands have broken up over the years, but not all of them stay that way. From reunion tours to sneaky collaborations, many bands find ways to bury the hatchet for the sake of their fans (or a paycheck…). And then, some bands have broken up and never gave it a second thought. They may be few and far between, but the defunct groups below have gone their separate ways and never looked back.

Videos by American Songwriter

The White Stripes

The White Stripes endured a lot—things that would’ve indeed sunk other duos. After suffering a divorce and ongoing anxiety attacks, Jack and Meg White managed to beat the odds, continuing in the name of music. However, in 2011, the band decided it was in the best interest of their legacy to break up. “It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way,” they said at the time.

It was a message that broke many hearts. Fans of the duo were sorely disappointed when they heard they wouldn’t be getting any more music from this era-defining pair. However, they, at the very least, haven’t had to make sense of any half-baked attempts at a reunion. Both Jack and Meg White have stood firm in their decision to part ways. The only time they’ve been in a united front since 2011 was to sue the President for using “Seven Nation Army.” It’s not much, but it’s something…

The Smiths

To see Morrissey and Johnny Marr sharing a stage again would be a sight. They haven’t minced their words when discussing their animosity towards one another. Morrissey once said he would rather “eat [his] own testicles than reform The Smiths.” It leaves little room for hope in the Smiths fandom.

Although there was a small potential for a reunion in 2025, it ultimately didn’t pan out, firmly closing the door on any semblance of reconciliation. Moreover, the death of bassist Andy Rourke further puts a Smiths reunion out of sight. At least for the foreseeable future, The Smiths’ career will be reduced to just five, era-defining years before the band’s break up.

Cocteau Twins

Though many in the shoegaze crowd would love to see it happen, the Cocteau Twins have never officially reunited since their break up in 1997. Two members of the trio, Robin Guthrie and Elizabeth Fraser broke off their romantic relationship, leading to the band’s demise. There was a plan to reunite for Coachella in 2005, but Fraser pulled out at the last minute, citing issues with sharing a stage with Guthrie.

Since that time, no other reunion has been publicly announced, and it is unlikely that one was orchestrated in private either. Though not the most well-known band by mainstream standards, The Cocteau Twins are one of the most heavily sought-after reunions.

(Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage)