Siblings who rock: bands with brothers and sisters

11 March 2025, 14:00

Musical happy families, or sibling rivalry? From Oasis to The Kinks to Haim, here are the most famous groups featuring brothers and sisters.

By Radio X

@RadioX

1. The Kinks: Ray and Dave Davies

   Ray was the songwriter, but Dave was the guitarist who effectively invented heavy metal with his raw, fuzzy sound. The girls liked Dave, too. The pair fought bitterly throughout their time with The Kinks, but despite Dave recently describing his relationship with Ray as "toxic”, Ray claims that the band have got back together for a new album. Who’d have thunk it?

   READ MORE: The most influential albums of all time

   

2. The Cribs - Ryan, Gary and Ross Jarman

   The Wakefield band comprises twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman, plus younger brother Ross. Apart from when they have Johnny Marr as a member. Johnny Marr is NOT their brother.

   READ MORE: How Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl saved The Cribs from splitting

   

3. Biffy Clyro: Ben and James Johnston

   Twin brothers James (bass) and Ben (drums) were both born on 25 April 1980. Together with their mate Simon Neil, they make up Scotland's greatest rock trio.

   QUIZ: Can you remember all these Biffy Clyro lyrics?

   

4. Haim: Este, Danielle and Alana Haim

   The three sisters from San Fernando, Los Angeles, made waves in 2013 with their debut album Days Are Gone.

   READ MORE: Haim recall the "nuts" time Este collapsed at Glastonbury Festival

   

5. Doves: Jez and Andy Williams

   The twin Williams brothers performed guitar and drums duties for the Manchester band and set up their own project (minus bassist and singer Jimi Goodwin) as Black Rivers.

   READ MORE: 25 classic albums from Manchester

   

6. Oasis: Noel and Liam Gallagher

   It was Liam's band. But Liam asked Noel to join. Noel said he'd join if the rest of them did what he told them to do. Superstardom beckoned. Paul Gallagher is their older brother. Paul was not in Oasis.

   READ MORE: Why did Oasis split? The full story of Liam and Noel Gallagher's feud...

   

7. Kings Of Leon - Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill

   Three brothers in one band, plus cousin Matthew. They all seem to get along, too. Which is nice.

   READ MORE: The story behind Kings of Leon's name

   

8. Radiohead - Colin and Jonny Greenwood

   Older brother Colin plays bass, while younger brother Jonny takes on guitar and keyboard duties.

   READ MORE: What's that on the cover of The Bends by Radiohead?

   

9. The Breeders - Kim and Kelley Deal

   Kim Deal's twin sister Kelley was originally in the frame to join the Pixies, but it wasn't until the second Breeders album, Last Splash, that the pair finally recorded together. Kelley is older by 11 minutes.

   

10. First Aid Kit - Johanna and Klara Söderberg

    The Swedish sisters are currently one of our favourite bands, thanks to their gentle brand of folk.

    

11. AC/DC - Malcolm and Angus Young

    Malcolm Young and younger brother Angus formed the Aussie powerhouse in 1973. Native Glaswegians, both Malcolm and Angus played guitar, but Angus is always the one dressed as a schoolboy. Malcolm sadly died in November 2017, aged 64.

    READ MORE: AC/DC's Brian Johnson tells Kelly Jones how Hells Bells was inspired by real storm

    

12. Orbital - Phil and Paul Hartnoll

    Originally recording under the name DS Building Contractors, the Kent duo took their name from the M25 motorway and became one of UK dance music's biggest acts.

    READ MORE: The longest songs ever recorded

    

13. Sparks - Russell and Ron Mael

    Russell is the hyperactive singer, at the front while Ron writes the songs, plays keyboards and just stares... in a really menacing way. Actually, they're both charming people and have been releasing witty and intelligent pop songs for the past 50 years. Some of their most notable albums are 1974's Kimono My House and their 1979 collaboration with producer Giorgio Moroder, No 1 In Heaven.

    

14. The Stooges - Ron and Scott Asheton

    The band that propelled Iggy Pop to fame was the brainchild of the Asheton brothers - Ron on guitar and Scott "Rock Action" Asheton on drums. Both are sadly now no longer with us: Ron died in 2009 and Scott in March 2014.

    QUIZ: Can you perfectly recall the lyrics to Iggy Pop's Lust For Life?

    

15. Jet - Nic and Chris Cester

    Frontman Nic is the frontman and songwriter, while younger brother Chris is on drums.

    READ MORE: 10 classic hits that were actually cover versions

    

Read more:

• Noel Gallagher: "There won't be any fighting" on Oasis reunion dates
• Doves discuss touring without Jimi Goodwin, mental health and support from fans