Ticket 2 Ride

Steve Howe – Yes

Progressive rock band Yes, has seen members come and go, and sometimes return, ever since they formed. In 1980, Jon Anderson and Chris Squire left, to be replaced by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. After this new lineup released Drama (an apt title), the band split.

Steve Howe went on to form ASIA with Downes, Carl Palmer and John Wetton. A very successful debut album was followed by a lesser album and while touring, internal strife caused that lineup to dissolve. However then formed GTR with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. That duo released their self-titled album before breaking up. Howe engaged in a variety of projects until he was asked to rejoin members of the old and new lineup of Yes to record Union. Howe has remained with the band ever since, is the undisputed leader of the band, has blocked lead vocalist Jon Anderson from returning to Yes, and is now the longest serving member.

Christine McVie – Fleetwood Mac

Christine Perfect joined English blues band Chicken Shack in 1967. Sometime afterwards she began a romance with John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, played some sessions, married McVie and joined the band in 1970. The lineup changes of Fleetwood Mac were many, even in the early years. Christine would handle the band’s keyboards, become one of the main writers and add vocals. By the time Nicks/Buckingham joined the band in 1975, the McVies marriage was in trouble, and would divorce a year later, helping to provide great content for the album Rumours.

McVie dated Dennis Wilson for several years before his drowning death.

This lineup of the band would stay intact until 1987, when Buckingham first left the band. Nicks would leave in 1991. In 1997, Fleetwood Mac would reunite with Nicks and Buckingham joining the three others to record The Dance, and embark on a world tour.

McVie surprised many by quitting the band in 1998, and surprising us again by rejoining in 2014. She had married, relocated back to England, and then divorced. Fleetwood Mac had continued without her, sort of.

McVie and Buckingham released an album of new material, with backing from Mick Fleetwood and John McVie; Nicks was doing her own thing. Buckingham was dismissed from the band, replaced by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn. They toured the world for a couple of years.

McVie passed away in 2022.

Al Jardine – Beach Boys

Jardine knew Brian Wilson from their high school days and reconnected later on with the idea of forming a band. At first, Jardine played bass and then guitar. He left the band in 1962, replaced by guitarist David Marks.

Jardine rejoined in 1963, again playing bass. He and Brian Wilson were tight. Marks left that year, having issues with band manager Maury Wilson. Jardine moved to guitar as Brian Wilson took over playing bass again.

Brian Wilson would stop touring and eventually almost completely disappear from providing new material and playing in the studio. Jardine assumed a larger role in the band, and the leadership dynamics would continue to shift. Bruce Johnston would leave, Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar would join for several albums, then leave. Brian Wilson would return for several albums, then fade. Johnston would return and take a more active role. Dennis Wilson would tragically die in 1983. Brian’s involvement fluctuated until he left the band completely and signed his own solo deal. Beach Boys albums of new material ground to a halt as they essentially relied on touring. Carl Wilson died in 1998, at which time Jardine left the Beach Boys.

In 2012, the Beach Boys reunited to release That’s Why God Made the Radio to celebrate their 50th anniversary and tour. When that was over, Mike Love dismissed Brian Wilson and Al Jardine; Love held rights to use the Beach Boys name. Jardine would join Brian Wilson’s band and tour with him until Wilson’s death. At age 83, Jardine continues to perform with the Pet Sounds Band.

Ron Blair – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

From 1976 to 1981, Ron Blair was a vital part of the rhythm section of Tom Perry’s band. A quiet man, he has been considering leaving the band as his orbit and those in the band were not in sync. There are various other reasons attributed to his departure, but stepping away was good for him and the band.

In 2002, Blair rejoined, replacing Howie Epstein, who had replaced Blair. Epstein had descended into a series drug habit and was no longer a dependable member of the band, despite his great talent and congenital spirit. Blair stepped back in occasionally, joined the tour and played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for the band. Blair would fit comfortably back in fold, 20 years after he left, and remain until Petty’s unexpected death.

Robin Gibb – Bee Gees

The Bee Gees‘ first period lasted until 1969 when Robin Gibb left the group after disagreements with brother Barry. Robin began a solo career that started off well, with several of his songs released by himself and others, and recorded a solo album that did not do well. Barry and Maurice recorded Cucumber Castle as The Bee Gees to mixed reviews.

While recording his second solo album in 1970, Robin brought brother Maurice in to help. That led to Robin and Maurice wanting to use the Bee Gees’ name. Brother Barry joined the mix, apparently on friendly enough terms.

The first two songs released by the group after reforming were “Lonely Days” and “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart”, two major hits.

Stylistically, The Bee Gees would struggle for the next several years until they landed on a funk-R&B infusion changed their sound. The rest is history.