Rock on

Rolling Stones. Guitarist/founder Brian Jones drowned in 1969, but the Stones rolled on with Mick Taylor and later Ron Wood to become rock's biggest band.

Allman Brothers. Guitarist Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971, and the Allmans made the praiseworthy "Eat a Peach" in 1972 as a tribute to him. Later that year, bassist Berry Oakley also died in a cycle accident. Gregg Allman still anchors his namesake band.

Grateful Dead. Founding keyboardist Ron (Pigpen) McKernan succumbed to intestinal problems in 1973. The Dead are still alive, minus Pigpen and the late guru Jerry Garcia.

Chicago. In 1978, co-founding guitarist/singerTerry Kath died of what has been described as an accidental self-inflicted gunshot. Bill Champlin signed on and last year, the unstoppable horn band released "Chicago XXXII."

The Who. Madcap drummer Keith Moon overdosed on a prescribed sedative for his alcoholism in 1978. The Who has continued to fiddle about with drummers Kenney Jones and, most recently, Zak Starkey. Bassist John Entwistle's death on the eve of a 2002 tour didn't derail the Who.

AC/DC. Lead singer Bon Scott drank himself to death in 1980. Brian Johnson signed on, and that year AC/DC electrified with "Back in Black." The change of singers has not diminished the Aussies' success.

The Pretenders. Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon died of drug overdoses in 1982 and '83, respectively, but Chrissie Hynde regrouped with "Back on the Chain Gang" and has had a revolving door of guitarists to help deliver more hits.

The B-52's. The colorful Georgia band never really replaced Ricky Wilson after he died of AIDS-related causes in 1985, because drummer Keith Strickland switched to guitar. And the band romped with more hits -- "Love Shack" and "Roam."

Metallica. Bassist Cliff Burton died when the band's bus slid off the road in Sweden in 1986. Two bassists later, Metallica remains America's metal king.

Isley Brothers. After singer Kelly Isley died of a heart attack in 1986, the Isleys continued with Ron as the featured singer. With 2001's "Contagious," they became the only act to have a single reach the charts in five consecutive decades.

Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 1988, guitarist Hillel Slovak overdosed on heroin. The guitar slot has since been occupied by John Frusciante and Dave Navarro, among others, as the Peppers have scaled to new heights.

Gov't Mule. After co-founding bassist Allen Woody died in 2000, this group used a series of guest bassists before returning to the stage as a power trio in 2008 with Andy Hess ( since replaced by Jorgen Carlsson).

Soul Asylum. Bassist Karl Mueller succumbed to cancer in 2005, and Tommy Stinson and George Scott McKelvey have switched off as his replacement for these Minnesota favorites.

JON BREAM