They say you can choose your bandmates, but you can’t choose your family — unless, of course, your family is your band. From onstage harmonies to offstage squabbles, here are 20 bands that kept it all in the family.
AC/DC
Australian rock legends AC/DC were powered by the electric bond between brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. With Angus in a schoolboy uniform and Malcolm riffing hard in the background, they defined the sound of stadium-sized rock forever.
The Avett Brothers
Scott and Seth Avett built their band on roots, heartache, and harmonies that hit like handwritten letters. Their blend of folk, punk, and Americana is a family affair that feels like a porch jam that got out of hand in the best way.
Bee Gees
The Brothers Gibb — Barry, Robin, and Maurice — gave disco its heartbeat and soft rock its soul. From “Stayin’ Alive” to “How Deep Is Your Love,” they harmonized like angels… with fabulous hair.
The Beach Boys
Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson turned Southern California into a sonic paradise. Add cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, and you’ve got the most iconic family barbecue ever set to wax.
The Black Crowes
Chris and Rich Robinson gave rock fans blues-drenched swagger and a front-row seat to their sibling rivalry. The Crowes fought, flew, broke up, made up — and made killer music in between.
The Breeders
Kim and Kelley Deal brought grunge a dose of off-kilter beauty and distortion-rich anthems. When Kim wasn’t busy with Pixies, she and Kelley turned “Cannonball” into an alt-rock war cry.
The Carpenters
Richard and Karen Carpenter brought tenderness and harmony to pop with songs that wrapped around your heart like a warm blanket. Karen’s voice was one in a million — and Richard was the orchestral engine behind it all.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
John and Tom Fogerty led one of the most iconic American rock bands of the late ’60s, delivering swampy hits like “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son.” While their creative chemistry was undeniable, their personal tensions eventually boiled over—proving once again that rock and roll and family can be a volatile mix.
The Cribs
The Jarman brothers — Gary, Ryan, and Ross — gave indie rock a shot of raw energy straight from Wakefield, UK. Their DIY ethos and wild stage presence made them underground darlings.
HAIM
Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim took Fleetwood Mac vibes and made them modern. Their bond as sisters is half the magic — the other half is undeniable groove, charm, and bass face.
Heart
Ann and Nancy Wilson brought thunder and tenderness to rock, becoming one of the most powerful sister duos in music history. From “Barracuda” to “Alone,” they didn’t just break the mold — they melted it with soaring vocals and face-melting guitar solos.
INXS
While Michael Hutchence was the charismatic frontman, it was brothers Tim, Andrew, and Jon Farriss who formed the band’s backbone. Their Aussie rock swagger ruled MTV and arenas alike.
The Kinks
Ray and Dave Davies took British rock to sneering, snarling new heights. Between hits like “You Really Got Me” and legendary onstage fights, they set the gold standard for brotherly love… and guitar riffs that could split a pub in two.
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Scottish brothers Jim and William Reid made feedback an art form. Their fuzz-drenched sound and moody cool helped define shoegaze before shoegaze had a name — and yes, they’ve broken up and reunited more times than you can count.
Kings of Leon
Three Followill brothers (Caleb, Nathan, and Jared) plus cousin Matthew turned Southern garage rock into global anthems. Who knew a family jam in Nashville would lead to “Sex on Fire”?
Oasis
Liam and Noel Gallagher may have made beautiful music, but their backstage brawls were just as legendary. “Wonderwall”? Timeless. Their family dinners? Probably best avoided.
Paramore
While not always front-and-center, brothers Josh and Zac Farro were key to Paramore’s early rise. Zac’s return to the band brought rhythm, fire, and a little extra sibling spark to the mix.
Radiohead
Colin and Jonny Greenwood are more than just brothers — they’re half of one of the most important bands of the last 30 years. Jonny makes guitars weep and synths tremble, while Colin lays down the foundation.
The Staves
Jessica, Camilla, and Emily Staveley-Taylor are the British sisters who make harmonies so heavenly, they sound like a single voice echoing through a forest. Their folk-pop is both intimate and epic.
Tegan and Sara
Canada’s indie-pop queens, identical twins Tegan and Sara Quin, turn life’s awkward, emotional roller coasters into anthems. Whether acoustic or electro-pop, their connection is unmistakable.
Turns out sibling rivalry makes for great songwriting — and even better stories.