Spin-offs, Side Projects, and Superbands: Bands Formed from Other Bands
The music world thrives on constant creation, and sometimes, that means branching out from established bands. These bands formed from the ashes (or alongside) of other bands. From side projects that explore new sonic territories to supergroups uniting musical titans, these band offshoots left their own unique mark on the musical landscape.
The Dirty Mac
- Year Formed: 1968
- Biggest Song: Yer Blues
- Members Came From: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream
The Dirty Mac was a short-lived supergroup formed for the 1968 TV special The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. Featuring Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell, John Lennon, and Keith Richards, they became instantly iconic for their unique lineup. The song they performed was called “Yer Blues.” Despite their brief existence, their performance remains a fun highlight in rock history.
The Firm
- Year Formed: 1984
- Biggest Album: The Firm
- Members Came From: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Blue Murder, AC/DC
The Firm, a British rock supergroup from the 80s, featured former members of iconic bands, including Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Their most popular album, The Firm, included hits like “Radioactive” and “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” They’re known for their high-energy performances and blending of hard rock and blues-infused rock.
GTR
- Year Formed: 1985
- Biggest Album: GTR
- Members Came From: Yes, Asia, Genesis
This British rock supergroup, formed in 1985, featured Steve Howe and Steve Hackett. They gained popularity with their blend of progressive rock and melodic hard rock. Their self-titled debut album, GTR, featured the hit single “When the Heart Rules the Mind.” Known for their intricate guitar work and sophisticated arrangements, GTR became a standout in the 80s rock scene before disbanding 2 years later.
HSAS
- Year Formed: 1983
- Biggest Album: Through the Fire
- Members Came From: Journey, Montrose, Santana, Stories, Van Halen
Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve, aka HSAS, was formed in 1983. It was a rock supergroup featuring Sammy Hagar, Neal Schon, Michael Anthony, and Kenny Aronoff. They gained popularity with their hard rock and blues-influenced style. Their most notable album, Through the Fire, included songs like “Win Some Lose Some” and “I’m on Fire.”
Bad English
- Year Formed: 1987
- Biggest Album: Bad English
- Members Came From: Journey, The Babys
Bad English, formed in 1988, rose to popularity with its melodic rock style, blending powerful vocals and guitar-driven sound. The band’s self-titled debut album and its hit singles, “When I See You Smile” and “Price of Love,” propelled them to fame. Known for their polished rock ballads and catchy hooks, Bad English achieved significant commercial success before disbanding in 1991.
Mr. Big
- Year Formed: 1988
- Biggest Album: Lean Into It
- Members Came From: Racer X
Mr. Big was created in 1988 by guitar player Paul Gilbert from Racer X and Billy Sheehan. They gained popularity with their blend of hard rock and technical skills. Their hit single “To Be with You” from their 1991 album Lean Into It became a massive success, showcasing their impressive musicianship.
Chickenfoot
- Year Formed: 2008
- Biggest Album: Chickenfoot
- Members Came From: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Montrose, Van Halen
Chickenfoot, formed in 2008, is a rock supergroup featuring Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith. They became a band after jamming together and quickly gained popularity with their self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “Oh Yeah” and “Soap on a Rope.” Known for their energetic performances and strong chemistry, Chickenfoot blends hard rock with bluesy, funky undertones.
Gorillaz
- Year Formed: 1998
- Biggest Album: Demon Days
- Members Came From: Blur
Gorillaz, formed in 1998 by former Blur band member Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, is a virtual band featuring animated members. They blend alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, rising to popularity with their self-titled debut album. Hits like “Clint Eastwood,” “Feel Good Inc.,” and “On Melancholy Hill” made them global icons. Known for their innovative concept and genre-blending sound, Gorillaz redefined modern music.
Coverdale Page
- Year Formed: 1993
- Biggest Album: Coverdale Page
- Members Came From: Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin
Coverdale Page was a brief collaboration between David Coverdale from Whitesnake and Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. They gained attention due to the members’ legendary status. Their self-titled album Coverdale/Page featured hits like “Pride and Joy” and “Shake My Tree.” Known for their bluesy hard rock sound, the band garnered critical acclaim but only released one album before disbanding.
Paul Natkin/Archive Photos/Getty Images; dana wullenwaber/Jimmy Page/CC BY-SA 2.0/Flickr
Cream
- Year Formed: 1966
- Biggest Album: Disraeli Gears
- Members Came From: The Yardbirds, the Graham Bond Organisation, Manfred Mann
Cream, formed in 1966, was a British rock supergroup featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. They pioneered the power trio format, blending blues, rock, and psychedelia. Cream quickly rose to fame with hit songs “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads.” Known for their virtuosic musicianship and improvisational live performances, they are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Asia
- Year Formed: 1981
- Biggest Album: Asia
- Members Came From: Yes, King Crimson
Asia, a British rock supergroup formed in 1981, was created by members who had previously left prominent bands such as Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band is renowned for its self-titled debut album, which includes hits like “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell,” both of which became defining tracks of the early 1980s rock scene.
Whitesnake
- Year Formed: 1978
- Biggest Album: Whitesnake
- Members Came From: Deep Purple
Whitesnake, a renowned British rock band, was formed in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from Deep Purple. Known for their powerful blend of hard rock and blues, Whitesnake achieved massive success with hits like “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night,” solidifying their place in rock history.
The Band
- Year Formed: 1967
- Biggest Album: The Band
- Members Came From: Were backing band for Ronnie Hawkins (as “The Hawks”), backing band for Bob Dylan
The Band, originally formed by members who left Ronnie Hawkins’ backing group, The Hawks, is renowned for its unique blend of rock, folk, and Americana. They achieved significant acclaim with hits like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” which have become timeless classics in the rock music canon.
Wings
- Year Formed: 1971
- Biggest Album: Band on the Run
- Members Came From: The Beatles
Wings, formed by Paul McCartney after the Beatles’ breakup, is known for their melodic pop-rock sound. The band created a more diverse sound than The Beatles, incorporating rock, pop, and even touches of country music. Their success proved that McCartney’s songwriting skills remained strong after he left the success of his previous creative partner, John Lennon. Their popular hits include “Band on the Run,” “Mull of Kintyre,” Silly Love Songs,” and “Listen to What the Man Said.”
Foo Fighters
- Year Formed: 1994
- Biggest Album: In Your Honor
- Members Came From: Nirvana
Formed by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after Kurt Cobain’s death, Foo Fighters found massive success with catchy rock anthems like “Best of You,” “Everlong,” and “Learn to Fly.” Their blend of alternative rock and hard rock has made them one of the most successful rock bands of the past few decades. Founding drummer Taylor Hawkins unfortunately passed away in 2022.
Pearl Jam
- Year Formed: 1990
- Biggest Album: Ten
- Members Came From: Mother Love Bone
Emerging from the Seattle grunge scene of the early 1990s, Pearl Jam became known for their raw and emotional music, powerful vocals from Eddie Vedder, and socially conscious lyrics. They challenged the commercialism of the music industry and helped usher in a new era of alternative rock.
Bad Company
- Year Formed: 1973
- Biggest Album: Bad Company
- Members Came From: Free, King Crimson, Mott the Hoople
Bad Company is known for their straightforward rock sound and hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.” Their self-titled debut album was a commercial success, solidifying their place in rock history. Bad Company’s influence lies in their ability to create timeless rock songs that remain popular decades after their release, showcasing their enduring appeal to rock fans worldwide.
New Order
- Year Formed: 1980
- Biggest Album: Brotherhood
- Members Came From: Joy Division
New Order rose from the ashes of the influential post-punk band Joy Division after the death of singer Ian Curtis. Pioneers of electronic rock, they incorporated synthesizers and dance beats into their music, influencing countless artists and achieving mainstream success with songs like “Blue Monday” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.”
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
- Year Formed: 1968
- Biggest Album: Crosby, Stills, & Nash
- Members Came From: Buffalo Springfield
Formed by David Crosby (The Byrds), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield), and Graham Nash (The Hollies), this supergroup brought together legendary folk-rock musicians. Known for their beautiful vocal harmonies and introspective songwriting, they influenced countless singer-songwriters in the folk-rock genre. Their song “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” is considered a classic, and their revolving cast of members (sometimes including Neil Young) produced even more iconic music. Interestingly, the band never had a drummer as a member, instead using session musicians to fill the role.
Rainbow
- Year Formed: 1975
- Biggest Album: Straight Between the Eyes
- Members Came From: Deep Purple
Rainbow, formed by Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple, is known for its blend of hard rock and heavy metal. They achieved success with songs like “Man on the Silver Mountain” and “Since You Been Gone.” Rainbow’s impact on the development of metal music is significant, with their powerful guitar riffs and theatrical style influencing many metal bands that followed.
Dio
- Year Formed: 1982
- Biggest Album: Holy Diver
- Members Came From: Black Sabbath, Rainbow
Dio, led by Ronnie James Dio, is known for its operatic vocals and fantasy-themed lyrics, creating a distinct sound within the metal genre. Songs like “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark” exemplify their epic and theatrical style. Dio’s influence on metal is profound, inspiring future generations of metal vocalists and bands with their powerful, anthemic music.
Megadeth
- Year Formed: 1983
- Biggest Album: Countdown to Extinction
- Members Came From: Metalllica
Megadeth, formed by Dave Mustaine after leaving Metallica, is known for its complex musical structures and politically charged lyrics. Hits like “Symphony of Destruction” and “Peace Sells” showcase their thrash metal style. Megadeth’s influence on the thrash metal genre is immense, solidifying their place as one of the “Big Four” of thrash alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Damn Yankees
- Year Formed: 1989
- Biggest Album: Damn Yankees
- Members Came From: Styx, Night Ranger
Damn Yankees, a supergroup featuring members of Styx, Night Ranger, and Ted Nugent’s band, is known for their blend of hard rock and glam metal. They achieved success with songs like “High Enough” and “Coming of Age.” Damn Yankees’ impact lies in their ability to create radio-friendly rock songs that were popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, showcasing the talents of seasoned rock musicians.
Velvet Revolver
- Year Formed: 2002
- Biggest Album: Contraband
- Members Came From: Guns N’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots
Velvet Revolver, formed by former members of Guns N’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots, is known for their hard rock sound. Hits like “Slither” and “Fall to Pieces” exemplify their edgy, guitar-driven music. Velvet Revolver’s influence lies in their ability to bring together rock veterans from different bands, creating a new sound that appealed to fans of ’80s and ’90s rock.
Audioslave
- Year Formed: 2001
- Biggest Album: Audioslave
- Members Came From: Rage Against the Machine, Sound Garden
Audioslave, formed by members of Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden, is known for blending hard rock with alternative rock and grunge influences. Songs like “Show Me How to Live” and “Like a Stone” showcase their powerful sound. Audioslave’s cultural impact stems from their ability to unite members of two influential bands, creating music that resonated with fans of both groups.
Jefferson Starship
- Year Formed: 1974
- Biggest Album: Red Octopus
- Members Came From: Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Starship formed from members of Jefferson Airplane. They are known for their psychedelic rock sound and hits like “Miracles” and “Count on Me.” Their music embodies the spirit of the 1970s, reflecting the era’s experimental and free-spirited nature. Jefferson Starship’s influence on rock music is tied to their role in the evolution of Jefferson Airplane’s sound and their own contributions to the rock landscape.
Wilco
- Year Formed: 1994
- Biggest Album: Sky Blue Sky
- Members Came From: Uncle Tupelo
Wilco is known for their innovative blend of alternative rock, country, and experimental music, creating a unique sound. Songs like “You Never Know” and “Impossible Germany” showcase their diverse musical style. Wilco’s influence lies in their ability to push boundaries and defy genre conventions, inspiring a new wave of alternative and indie rock bands.
Son Volt
- Year Formed: 1994
- Biggest Album: Trace
- Members Came From: Uncle Tupelo
Son Volt, formed by Jay Farrar after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo, is known for their alternative country sound. Songs like “Drown” and “Windfall” exemplify their blend of folk, country, and rock influences. Son Volt’s impact on the alternative country genre is significant, influencing the sound of Americana music and inspiring a new generation of alt-country artists.
Blind Faith
- Year Formed: 1969
- Biggest Album: Blind Faith
- Members Came From: Cream, Traffic
Blind Faith, formed by Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech, is known for their short-lived but impactful career. Hits like “Can’t Find My Way Home” and “Presence of the Lord” showcase their blues-infused rock sound. Blind Faith’s cultural influence lies in their ability to bring together highly talented musicians from different bands, creating a supergroup that left a lasting legacy on rock history in its short existence in 1969.
Led Zeppelin
- Year Formed: 1968
- Biggest Album: Led Zeppelin IV
- Members Came From: The Yardbirds
Led Zeppelin is known for their pioneering blend of blues, rock, and heavy metal, creating a sound that redefined rock music. Hits like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love” showcase their epic sound. Led Zeppelin’s cultural influence is immense, shaping the direction of rock music and inspiring countless bands with their innovative approach to songwriting and performance.
