How the Everly Brothers Repaired Their Broken Relationship After Breaking up During A. ..

23 August 2021, 14:37

The Everly Brothers produced some of the world's best-loved music in the 1960s and 1970s.

They were incredibly influential on many artists that came after them, including The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.

Following Don Everly's passing in 2021, tributes have come far and wide now that both brothers are sadly no longer with us.

While the brothers were best known for their stunning harmonies and timeless tracks, they were also known for their very public break-up as a band, and their on-and-off feud that rumbled on until Phil's death in 2014.

But what happened between the pair and did they ever reconcile?

Struggling by the mid-1960s

By the early 1960s, The Everly Brothers had cemented themselves as one of the most popular recording artists in the world.

Their brand of rock and roll and country-pop chimed perfectly with the record-buying public, but various elements had meant that their popularity had waned by the middle of the decade.

Both brothers were enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1961, taking them out of the spotlight.

While they still sold well in the UK, they stopped having hits in the US after 1963. By 1964, both of the Everlys were addicted to amphetamines.

Don's addiction led him to having a nervous breakdown, causing him to end their British tour. He was replaced by bass playeer Joey Page for a short period.

The British Invasion and the counterculture movement of the 1960s saw their music take a backseat in the States.

A very public split

In 1970, Don released an unsuccessful debut solo album. The brothers began performing again in 1971, releasing two more albums by 1973.

However, the Everlys announced their final performance would take place on July 14, 1973, at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Sadly, tensions kept rising between the pair, and Don told a reporter he was tired of being an Everly Brother.

During the show itself, Phil ended up smashing his guitar and walked off stage, leaving Don to finish the show without him, ending their collaboration like that.

The two would not reunite for music for over 10 years.