Good article, timely in that today, 12/12/14 marks the 40th anniversary of Mick leaving the Stones. When Joe Perry left Aerosmith, they were already on their downward slide. I remember an article in the early 80's when Perry said he didn't even realize that Aerosmith had released a greatest hits album until he saw it in a store! I would also add to the list Ritchie Blackmore, who left Purple in 74 to form Rainbow. I believe Purple only released one album with replacement Tommy Bolin, Come Taste The Band, before they broke up.