Sometimes it seems nearly impossible to keep a band together. Like any relationship that puts people in close proximity for extended amounts of time, members of rock bands must deal with egos, stubbornness and the occasional general incompetence. It's no surprise that drama within bands like Kiss and Motley Crue has provided a steady stream of headlines for years now.
Still, a handful of groups have found a way to keep a stable lineup for decades, including Rush, who was interrupted by the 2020 death of drummer Neil Peart, and ZZ Top, whose long history together ended when bassist and singer Dusty Hill died in 2021.
Some bands make lineup changes so subtle that fans may not even notice. Like Green Day, who made touring guitarist Jason White an official member from 2012-2016, and Styx, who similarly bumped Will Evankovich from touring musician to full-fledged member in 2021.
Then there are the legacy acts who are currently caught in states of flux. Like Aerosmith, who has been going through an elongated stretch without Joey Kramer. The drummer is still an official member, but won't be participating in the band's 2023 farewell tour. Similarly, U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. will miss concerts in 2023 for health reasons, however his situation with the band is seemingly on stronger footing, as he will reportedly be welcomed back the moment he feels physically ready.
For argument's sake, we've included both U2 and Aerosmith in the below list of Rock's 23 Longest-Lasting Current Lineups, along with plenty of other bands that have been around for years.
Rock's 23 Longest-Lasting Lineups
It's not easy to keep a band together.
Gallery Credit: Matt Wardlaw
U2 (Formed 1978)
Ever since guitarist Dik Evans ceremoniously walked offstage at his final show with the band in 1978, U2 has maintained its four-piece lineup of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. That makes them the longest-running steady lineup in rock history. Their secret? "Songs are indestructible. Bands have to be broken and rebuilt every time you go make an album," the Edge told Extra in 2023. "We stay together because we know we shine brighter when we're working with each other."
King's X (Formed 1979)
These progressive metal veterans formed in 1979 and cycled through several different names before landing on King’s X in 1985. After guitarist Kirk Henderson quit in 1983, bassist and singer Doug Pinnick, drummer Jerry Gaskill and guitarist Ty Tabor soldiered on as a power trio, sticking together for 40 years and 13 studio albums. "Nobody's going to quit because we're not going to take the blame for breaking the band up," Pinnick told VWMusic in 2022. "Our egos are too big, and we're too good to do that. So, somebody's gonna have to die, and then that's it. [There'll] never be another King's X that exists without the three of us."
Aerosmith (Since 1984)
As the story goes, in 1970 Steven Tyler was in one band while Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton played in another. Recognizing their combined talents, Tyler suggested forming a new group. Drummer Joey Kramer was brought on board and Aerosmith was born. Ray Tabano, a childhood friend of Tyler’s, was the band’s first guitarist. After a year, he was replaced by Brad Whitford. Aerosmith went on to huge success throughout the ‘70s, but things began to wane as the decade came to a close. With drug use, egos and warring spouses all playing a role, Perry departed the group in 1979. Whitford followed two years later. They were replaced by Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay, respectively. In 1984, Perry and Whitford returned, and Aerosmith proceeded to launch a massively successful second act. Though the recent separation of Kramer from the band complicates the picture, Aerosmith have not had an official lineup change since ‘84.
Radiohead (Formed 1985)
Radiohead's future has been as unpredictable as their music at times, but their lineup has stayed the same ever since Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien and Philip Selway met at Abingdon School and formed in 1985. Yorke and Greenwood formed the Smile in 2020 and released their debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, in 2022, raising questions about Radiohead's future. "I think at the moment, because we've done it for so long, we're all reaching out and having different experiences," O'Brien said in 2022. "The thing with Radiohead [is] we could do something in a couple of years. We might not."
Def Leppard (Since 1992)
Def Leppard has endured only two lineup changes in their 40-plus years together. The first shift came in 1982, when guitarist Phil Collen replaced Pete Willis during the Pyromania sessions. The second came in January 1991, when guitarist and songwriter Steve Clark died of alcohol poisoning. Def Leppard soldiered on after Clark's death, with former Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Vivian Campbell joining the ranks in 1992. The current lineup — Collen, Campbell, frontman Joe Elliott, drummer Rick Allen and bassist Rick Savage — has held steady for more than three decades.
Tool (Since 1995)
Although vocalist Maynard James Keenan splits his time between Tool, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle, his main band has stayed stable for nearly 30 years. Keenan has rocked alongside guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey and bassist Justin Chancellor since 1995, when Chancellor replaced original bassist Paul D'Amour. Despite long stretches of inactivity between albums — 13 years between 2006's 10,000 Days and 2019's Fear Inoculum — the band has never officially broken up.
Poison (Since 1996)
The secret to Poison's longevity might be separate tour buses, like so many other groups. But it also helps that they've been intermittently active for years since the original lineup reunited in 1996. Frontman Bret Michaels shuffles between solo and Poison tours depending on the year, while the other members also pursue individual projects. Still, they're in it for the long haul. "There's a brotherhood there," Michaels told People in 2023. "We're never breaking up."
Pearl Jam (Since 1998)
Guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament played together in Green River and Mother Love Bone prior to founding Pearl Jam in 1990 with guitarist Mike McCready, singer Eddie Vedder and drummer Dave Krusen. Krusen was dismissed the following year, and Pearl Jam went through several more drummers before Matt Cameron (formerly of Soundgarden) jumped behind the kit in 1998. He’s been there ever since, and although Pearl Jam has recruited other touring musicians — including ex-Chili Pepper Josh Klinghoffer — the band’s core lineup has remained the same.
Iron Maiden (Since 1999)
Bruce Dickinson's departure from Iron Maiden in 1993 marked the end of an era. After releasing several solo albums throughout the decade, the singer found his way back to the band in 1999, as did former guitarist Adrian Smith. The reunited Iron Maiden — Dickinson, Smith, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain and guitarists Dave Murray and Janick Gers — have since enjoyed a second reign that's outlasted their initial '80s heyday. "This is just brilliant what we're doing now," Dickinson told Billboard in 2017. "I love the music we're making, I love the way we're playing live, and I can't ever see a time when I would want to stop making music with this band."
Grand Funk Railroad (Since 2000)
Drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher have anchored the current Grand Funk Railroad lineup, which also features former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, keyboardist Tim Cashion and one-time .38 Special vocalist Max Carl, since 2000. Even after more than two decades together, Brewer admitted the band's current lineup and has no plans to slow down. "I’m gonna go as long as I can," the drummer told Goldmine in 2022. "I’ve always said that when my daughter and wife tell me to get off the stage because I’m making a fool of myself, then I’ll quit."
Living Colour (Since 2000)
Living Colour first formed in 1984 under the leadership and guidance of guitarist Vernon Reid. The current lineup came together in 1992 after bassist Doug Wimbish stepped in to replace Muzz Skillings. Wimbish had already racked up a serious list of credits working as a house bassist for Sugarhill Records, as well as artists like Mick Jagger and Carly Simon. Living Colour went on hiatus in the mid-'90s, but have kept the same grouping of Wimbish, Reid, vocalist Corey Glover and drummer Will Calhoun in place since their 2000 reunion.
Paul McCartney and His Band (Since 2002)
Paul McCartney is in the elite class of musicians who could play with literally anyone. While his band lineups have been fluid at times over the years, his current solo group has been rock solid and together since 2002. That statistic makes the grouping more durable than McCartney's time with the Beatles and his subsequent band, Wings. Keyboardist Paul "Wix" Wickens is the lone holdover from McCartney's initial return to touring in 1989. The present lineup fills out with guitarists Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr.
Metallica (Since 2003)
Bassist Jason Newsted joined Metallica in 1986, filling a difficult slot following the tragic death of Cliff Burton that year. He would remain with the hard rock legends for more than a decade, departing in 2001 to focus on his own interests. Robert Trujillo got the nod to replace Newsted, joining the group during an especially turbulent period that eventually produced 2003's heavily maligned St. Anger album. Though he might have joined in a challenging era, Trujillo's presence seems to have stabilized Metallica and he has formed tight bonds with the other members. Alongside frontman James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett and drummer Lars Ulrich, this lineup has enjoyed two decades together, the longest run of stability in Metallica's history.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers (Since 2003)
George Thorogood celebrated 50 years of playing with the Destroyers in 2023. The current lineup has been in place for 20 of those years, reaching back to 2003 when saxophonist Buddy Leach joined. Besides Thorogood, drummer Jeff Simon is the lone remaining original member from the initial 1973 lineup. Thorogood told UCR that he gives Simon a lot of credit for his success. "'Be George. Be what you are,'" he recalled the drummer telling him. "[Jeff] was the one who encouraged me and helped me to find myself as a performer."
Europe (Since 2003)
Vocalist Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum have been the two constants in the lineup of Europe since its formation in 1979. The group has gone through periods of inactivity over the years, most notably between 1992 and 1999. Bassist John Leven, multi-instrumentalist Mic Michaeli and Ian Haugland all have legacy roots in the band, having joined up with Tempest and Norum in 1981 and 1984, respectively. The current lineup, featuring all the aforementioned musicians, reunited permanently in 2003.
Kiss (Since 2004)
Kiss' 50 year career as a live band is winding down in 2023. For the past 19 years, that legacy has been represented by Gene Simmons and Paul Simmons, with fellow original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss permanently sidelined long ago. Guitarist Tommy Thayer joined in 2002 ad has been a mainstay ever since. Meanwhile, drummer Eric Singer is one his third tour of duty with the band, having previously been in Kiss from 1991-1996 and 2001-2002. His current, longest run with the band began in 2004, giving Kiss' current lineup 19 years of stability.
Duran Duran (Since 2006)
Duran Duran's core group of singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor have spent decades together. One role that has seen turnover is lead guitarist. Andy Taylor held the position for the band's classic years, but left Duran Duran for the first time in 1986. He returned for a second run from 2001-2006 and, more recently, came back together with the group in 2023 (as a guest, rather than an official member). Though the band has used a few other guitar players -- including Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante and Blur's Graham Coxon -- none have joined the group on a permanent basis. That leaves Taylor's 2006 departure as the band's last official lineup change.
Alice in Chains (Since 2006)
Alice in Chains was largely on ice for a number of years, even before vocalist Layne Staley eventually passed away in 2002. A 2005 benefit performance brought the members together with vocalist William DuVall, who had been working with guitarist Jerry Cantrell for several years. “We had to think about this," Cantrell explained in a 2019 interview, detailing how the reunion came together. “This is our life. We created this and just because our friend is not here, it doesn’t mean that this stuff isn’t still alive and still speaks to people and is still our work and we have nothing to be embarrassed about it. We have full ownership. This is us. This is what we do. And it took a while.” With DuVall augmenting classic lineup members Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez, Alice In Chains has forged a successful second act. The band has toured regularly for 17 years and released a pair of studio albums with DuVall behind the mic.
Gov't Mule (Since 2008)
After bassist Allen Woody passed away in 2000, guitarist Warren Haynes and drummer Matt Abts worked carefully to find a way to carry Gov't Mule forward. Performing initially with a group of various guest bassists, they eventually tapped Black Crowes alum Andy Hess to fill the role. Keyboardist Danny Louis also joined in that same relative timeframe, expanding Gov't Mule from a trio to a quartet. The band's lineup has been locked tight since 2008 when bassist Jorgen Carlsson replaced Hess.
Judas Priest (Since 2011)
Founding guitarist K.K. Downing left Judas Priest in 2011 as the band was preparing for what he believed to be their final world tour. He would eventually learn otherwise. The guitarist admitted to Blabbermouth Blabbermouth that "things and decisions may well have been different" if he had known the band was going to continue. Regardless, his position was filled by guitarist Richie Faulkner, who continues to play and record with Priest. Founding guitarist Glenn Tipton can no longer play full concerts due to a Parkinson's, but he remains an official member. Conversely, guitarist Andy Sneap has handled Tipton's role in his absence, yet remains a touring member. Bassist Ian Hill is Judas Priest's sole continuous member. The current lineup also includes legacy frontman Rob Halford and drummer Scott Travis, who joined in 1989.
E Street Band (Since 2012)
Considering the number of guests and touring musicians who are regularly welcomed to play alongside the E Street Band, it’s not easy to keep track of their lineup changes. By our count, the current official members – made up of Bruce Springsteen, bassist Garry Tallent, pianist Roy Bittan, drummer Max Weinberg, guitarist Nils Lofgren, vocalist Patti Scialfa and guitarist Steven Van Zandt – have remained consistent since 2012. Saxophonist Clarence Clemmons, who had been a mainstay in the group for years prior to that, died in 2011, marking the band’s last core lineup change.
Uriah Heep (Since 2013)
Guitarist Mick Box is the lone connection to Uriah Heep's earliest days, part of the founding lineup from 1969. But vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist Phil Lanzon have been in the band for more than three decades. Bassist Dave Rimmer is the most recent addition and joined the group in 2013. Drummer Russell Gilbrook completes the current Heep lineup, which continues to record and tour worldwide.
Anthrax (Since 2013)
The lineup of thrash legends Anthrax has seen many a member come in and out of the lineup. Guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante have been the band's backbone since the early '80s. Vocalist Joey Belladonna, once replaced by John Bush, returned to Anthrax twice, starting in 2005 and seemingly for good beginning in 2010. A rotating list of guitarists, including Dan Spitz, Paul Crook and Rob Caggiano, have come through the group. The position was seemingly solidified in 2013 with the addition of former Shadows Fall axeman Jon Donais. The current lineup, featuring Ian, Benante, Belladonna, Donais and bassist Frank Bello has been together since that time.