Plot Synopsis

BREAKING THE BAND is a one-hour documentary series that reveals the battling egos, power struggles and inter-band rivalries that split up The Beatles, The Supremes, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, N.W.A, Van Halen, and Sonny & Cher. From crippling drug addictions to scandalous affairs this series uncovers the incredible true stories by re-creating the key moments the cameras missed in addition to using rare band interviews and off-stage footage to piece together each dramatic tale. Sell-out tours, chart-topping hits and runaway world domination can all mean nothing when a band is on the brink of collapse, with tempers flaring, arguments erupting and the sweet sound of musical success coming to an abrupt end. The series opener charts the rise and fall of The Beatles, as seen through the prism of the turbulent relationship between its two key members: John Lennon and Paul McCartney. From meeting as teenagers in the UK city of Liverpool, the episode reveals how the early trauma of losing their mothers brought them together but how their different personalities and musical aspirations would ultimately tear them apart. Using first hand testimony from colleagues and close friends, the program examines the key factors that led to the breakup. From the introduction of Yoko Ono to the death of their beloved manager, Brian Epstein, this show reveals the psychological factors that ended the most successful song writing partnership in history.
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Season 2 of BREAKING THE BAND premiered on Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 9-11pm ET/6-8pm PT, with back-to-back new episodes on ReelzChannel:

"Motley Crue" (9pm ET/6pm PT): Motley Crue has sold more than 100 million records making them one of the most successful rock bands in the world. The rise of the Sunset Strip bad boys was an '80s journey of debauchery and excess until their hair metal hedonism ended in tragedy and addiction. Behind the fame, fortune and larger than life lifestyles was recrimination, rehab and bitter resentment.

"Guns n' Roses" (10pm ET/7pm PT): Formed in 1985 Guns N' Roses is regarded as one of the best rock bands of all time and their album "Appetite for Destruction" is the best-selling debut in U.S. history. The band's potent mix of hard rock and beautiful melodies coupled with insightful and emotional lyrics helped them cross over into the mainstream resulting in more than 100 million record sales. But behind the immense fame and success lay chaos as front man Axl Rose's antics led to a spate of late on-stage appearances, cancelled concerts and a series of riots earning Guns N' Roses the moniker of "the most dangerous band in the world." Throughout the turmoil the band members battled drug addiction and the volatile mix of strong personalities ignited tension and conflict eventually ripping the band apart. In August 1997 the last original band member quit leaving Rose to front Guns N' Roses with a whole new team of musicians.

Other episodes this season feature Smashing Pumpkins, the Spice Girls and New Kids on the Block, and more.