9 Once Great Metal Bands That Should Just Retire Now

Metal bands, for the most part, have withstood the test of time. This is a genre that excels when it comes to an artist’s longevity. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t a lot of groups that should know when to call it quits. In that regard, this piece is going to highlight a series of bands that should just retire at this point. This is not meant to be a personal attack. It is a mere personal perception.

1. Motley Crue

There is no denying that Motley Crue has gone through a lot. Feuds, controversies, losing popularity, line-up changes, vices… they are every cliche you can expect from the genre. Among metal bands, very few can claim to have lived as much as they have. However, that also means that it is time to call it quits.

The band hasn’t been productive for a long time.  Their last truly strong album came out in 1994, the self-titled one with singer John Corabi. But the band has been going from weakness to weakness ever since. Their live performances have gotten weaker, singer Vince Neil can’t do it like before, and losing guitarist Mick Mars, which involved a lawsuit, was another major factor.

Motley Crue is one of the most iconic 80s metal bands. But it is time to ride into the sunset. False attempts at retirement are not fun.

2. Scorpions

Among German metal bands, the Scorpions are certainly the biggest. Moreover, they were the first to put Germany’s flag on the genre’s map and cemented themselves as one of the greatest musical acts of their generation. The fact that the group has been kicking since the late 60s is insane when considering their dedication and output.

That is admirable… and that is why they should retire. The Scorpions played with the idea of retirement in the 2010s, but they continued to perform ever since. They haven’t stopped, but they should. There is a point where a group should retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor, which is the case with this band.

3. Judas Priest

This might be among the most controversial. Judas Priest is one of the oldest metal bands that are still kicking and certainly one of the greatest. Their history, accolades, achievements, and impact within the metal genre cannot be disputed. And much like the Scorpions, they should retire for their own sake.

When considering all the different health problems that have affected the band, such as the ones that afflicted Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, and Glenn Tipton, it is time to call it quits. Judas Priest have done it all, seen it all, and deserves a lot of recognition. However, it is obvious they should stop now.

Faulkner claimed in March, 2026, that they are working on a new record. That’s well and good, but the grueling touring schedule is no longer suiting them. It is also honorable to know when to retire.

4. Saxon

This one is a tough pill to swallow. Among metal bands, very few have been as consistent as Saxon. These NWOBHM legends have been performing and recording since the 70s. They have never stopped and have shown time and time again that they can deliver quality material. Therefore, all of that makes the idea of retirement a lot more painful.

The band is not only getting older, but singer Biff Byford has been dealing with health problems in recent years. While everyone hopes that he can recover fully, and we certainly agree with that, it is a sign of the times. It would be fitting for Saxon and Mr. Byford to retire while they can still make that decision. If not, it would be another case of a band stretching itself too thin during their latter years.

No one wants to see Saxon retire. They are one of the most underrated metal bands in the genre. However, even the best must know when to retire. And Byford‘s health problems are an example of that.

5. Deep Purple

Now, some people might claim that Deep Purple shouldn’t be among metal bands, but their influence cannot be understated. They are a significant part of the genre as a whole.

Be that as it may, there is no denying that Deep Purple have had an interesting last couple of decades. After the definitive exit of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in the early 90s, the band has managed to create a very consistent output of albums. Some of the albums during this era are among the finest and most underrated in their catalog.

However, time has also caught up to them, which is understandable. These gentlemen have been performing since the 60s and it is only natural that time took a toll on them. Even singer Ian Gillan has been struggling with his eyesight in recent years. Therefore, it would be best for the band to stop now since they have given it their all and deserve to rest after such a monumental career.

6. Slipknot

This might be among the most controversial metal bands on this list. That is because, when compared to other groups here, they are significantly younger. However, that doesn’t keep them from having their fair share of problems.

Slipknot has been dealing with internal strife since the very beginning of the group. This is something that has been stated by band members time and time again throughout the years. But beyond the personal issues, health problems have also taken a toll on them. Vocalist Corey Taylor has even mentioned how much pain he goes through to perform live with the band.

There is also the fact that the band no longer has much to say from a musical perspective. This may be harsh, but it is not meant to attack the group in any meaningful way. However, there is no denying that the quality of their output has decreased significantly over the last twenty years or so. Therefore, it might be time for the Slikpnot guys to go their separate ways and focus on other projects.

7. King Diamond/Mercyful Fate

King Diamond has been one of metal’s greatest singers. Ever since he started in the early 80s with his band Mercyful Fate in Denmark, he has been a man on a mission. Whether it’s touring or performing, this singer has given it his all for decades.

However, much like other examples on this list, aging and health problems have affected him in recent years. King Diamond has had to go through surgeries, special treatments, and more, which have resulted in fewer albums being released and fewer shows taking place.

Therefore, while it would be tragic for one of the most influential metal bands of the 80s to retire without a memorable fanfare, it would also be the best decision. Health comes first and King Diamond has already proven his mettle as a musician.

8. Metallica

This is one that a lot of people could see coming. Metallica is one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Some might even call it the greatest. They have managed to break barriers and become icons of music as a whole. Wherever you go to, people know this band. But there is also no denying that it is time for them to call it quits.

One of the biggest reasons is that the group has not been able to say anything musically for quite some time now. Every album the band has made since 2008’s “Death Magnetic“, and even several prior to that, has been met with divisive opinions. Since 1991’s self-titled record, no Metallica album has been received extremely well. And as the years went by, the band has slowly lost what made them tick from a musical perspective.

Moreover, there is also the factor of time. The band is getting older and recent live shows have proven that. Therefore, it is only logical for them to stop at some point. Even better, they should do it now since they have the capacity to do so. Metallica has conquered the world of music. As a metal band, that is a massive achievement, and they deserve to retire on their own terms.

9. Yngwie Malmsteen

Saving the best for last. While it would be unfair to add Mr. Malmsteen among metal bands since he is a solo artist, the gist of the idea still remains. He is one of those artists who should retire, and should have retired a long time ago.

It has been almost two decades since Yngwie has released a high-quality album, and has been getting worse ever since. Furthermore, his inability to maintain a stable lineup has taken a toll on his projects several times now. This has also been a problem when it comes to live performances, leading to issues with people here and there.

It is very obvious that Yngwie is one of the greatest metal guitarists to ever live. But between bad decisions and not knowing how to carry himself, he has made his bed.