What happens when musicians fall in love? A Valentine's Day themed blog

Josh Farro, the guitarist of Paramore recently got engaged. According to the band’s website, he will be taking some time off Paramore’s tour to plan a wedding and spend time with his fiancé. But, where does this leave the fans? Farro’s brother, Justin, will reportedly replace Josh for the tour performances that he will be missing.

Musicians, just like us mortals, fall in love. And us mortals fall in love with musicians. So, I want to take a look at some of history’s most notable modern “musicians who fell in love.” What effect did their romance take on their band and their own careers?

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

While the age-old story is that Yoko “broke up the Beatles,” The Beatles may have actually been falling apart despite the relationship between John and Yoko. John and Yoko were inseparable, even during recording session. To longtime fans, Yoko seemed to be getting between John and Paul, not allowing them the room they needed to work together creatively. John and Yoko used their relationship for philanthropic causes, holding a “bed-in” for world peace. John even wrote “The Ballad of John and Yoko” outlining the milestones of their relationship. They would remain deeply in love until John’s untimely death.

Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love

They seemed to be grunge-punk rock royalty, Courtney first saw Kurt perform at a show in 1989 and developed a crush on him. They were later formally introduced and Courtney pursued Kurt. In an interview Kurt even said; "I can't believe how much happier I am. At times I even forget that I'm in a band, I'm so blinded by love. I know that sounds embarrassing, but it's true. I could give up the band right now. It doesn't matter, but I'm under contract." While their relationship was dramatic and largely based on illegal drug use, they remained together. Nirvana continued to produce material, such as modern radio classics such as “Heart Shaped Box.” However, Kurt overdosed several times foreshadowing the tragic turn that would include the demise of Nirvana and the death of Kurt.

Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd

Eric tried for several years to win over Pattie’s heart, but Pattie was torn between repairing her marriage to George and giving in to her passion to be with Eric. Eric was so brokenhearted about not being with Pattie that he fell into severe alcoholism and a dependency on heroin. Eric basically wooed Pattie from her troubled marriage to George Harrison. Their relationship was both passionate and tumultuous, creating fuel for a musical fire. Boyd felt an intense connection to Eric, especially because George was becoming more deeply devoted to meditation and not her. Pattie inspired the song “Wonderful Tonight,” which Eric penned one evening while waiting for Pattie to get ready to go to a party. What could be more romantic and musically inspiring than that?

Although Pattie inspired Eric to write what some consider his best work, their love did not last. They later divorced, but remain close friends.

Love is a powerful creative force and it remains the most popular subject matter of song writing. Love is the human element, love makes us feel connected to music and it is what makes a song timeless.